Input sought on legislative redistricting…
It happens once every ten years… a change in political boundaries… and it has an impact on every Oregonian. The first of a dozen public hearings across the state on legislative redistricting is set for Saturday in Coos Bay. District 5 Senator Joanne Verger, a Coos Bay Democrat, says they’re definitely looking for public participation. Verger anticipates changes to boundary lines will be considerable this time around. Redistricting Committee Co-Chair Shawn Lindsay agrees. The Hillsboro Republican says Oregon’s population distribution has changed in the past decade. Thousands of people have left Portland’s core area… and thousands more have moved from sparsely populated rural areas. Two Oregon counties have seen explosive growth since 2000… Lindsay’s Washington County and Deschutes County in Central Oregon. Oregon law requires districts be linked by community and transportation; be contiguous; and of equal population. Those definitions were stretched somewhat last time around when the legislature couldn’t agree, so then Secretary of State Bill Bradbury came up with a plan. Verger’s district, for instance, crosses six counties extending from southern Coos County to Yamhill County and extending inland as far as Willamina and Elmira. Saturday’s hearing is set for Eden Hall on the campus of Southwestern Oregon Community College from 9 AM to Noon.
Emergency officials have been asking the question for several years… “are you ready?” Indeed, they’ve not only been asking the question but also are offering to help answer it. The Western Lane Emergency Operations Group, a consortium of local public agencies will present another of their monthly “Are You Ready” workshops a week from Saturday. The April Ninth session will focus on building your own 72-hour ‘grab-and-go’ kit containing the essentials that you may need to get through the first three days following a large earthquake, tsunami or storm. Group spokesperson Frank Nulty says the session will also focus on developing a family preparedness plan and identifying hazards in your neighborhood. The emergency workshops are free… but pre-registration is requested by calling Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.
Siuslaw Outreach Services will be hosting their first “No Fooling Soup’s On” fund raiser tomorrow evening. For ten dollars you can get a dinner of soup and dessert. SOS director Bettie Egerton (EDJ-er-ton) says there will also be several other activities including a kitchen gadget sale, an apron fashion show, and a gourmet soup contest. Ten celebrity entrants will be submitting their favorite soups for judging as well as for sale to go. It’s tomorrow night from four to seven pm at the Florence Church of the Nazarene on 12th Street.
The 2nd Annual Florence Green Fair is set for this Saturday, ten to five, at the Florence Events Center. In addition to the dozens of booths and displays there will also be a series of demonstrations and seminars covering everything from Tai Chi to sustainable landscaping to green power. Admission is $2 per person.
Input sought on legislative redistricting…
It happens once every ten years… a change in political boundaries… and it has an impact on every Oregonian. The first of a dozen public hearings across the state on legislative redistricting is set for Saturday in Coos Bay. District 5 Senator Joanne Verger, a Coos Bay Democrat, says they’re definitely looking for public participation. Verger anticipates changes to boundary lines will be considerable this time around. Redistricting Committee Co-Chair Shawn Lindsay agrees. The Hillsboro Republican says Oregon’s population distribution has changed in the past decade. Thousands of people have left Portland’s core area… and thousands more have moved from sparsely populated rural areas. Two Oregon counties have seen explosive growth since 2000… Lindsay’s Washington County and Deschutes County in Central Oregon. Oregon law requires districts be linked by community and transportation; be contiguous; and of equal population. Those definitions were stretched somewhat last time around when the legislature couldn’t agree, so then Secretary of State Bill Bradbury came up with a plan. Verger’s district, for instance, crosses six counties extending from southern Coos County to Yamhill County and extending inland as far as Willamina and Elmira. Saturday’s hearing is set for Eden Hall on the campus of Southwestern Oregon Community College from 9 AM to Noon.
Emergency officials have been asking the question for several years… “are you ready?” Indeed, they’ve not only been asking the question but also are offering to help answer it. The Western Lane Emergency Operations Group, a consortium of local public agencies will present another of their monthly “Are You Ready” workshops a week from Saturday. The April Ninth session will focus on building your own 72-hour ‘grab-and-go’ kit containing the essentials that you may need to get through the first three days following a large earthquake, tsunami or storm. Group spokesperson Frank Nulty says the session will also focus on developing a family preparedness plan and identifying hazards in your neighborhood. The emergency workshops are free… but pre-registration is requested by calling Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.
Siuslaw Outreach Services will be hosting their first “No Fooling Soup’s On” fund raiser tomorrow evening. For ten dollars you can get a dinner of soup and dessert. SOS director Bettie Egerton (EDJ-er-ton) says there will also be several other activities including a kitchen gadget sale, an apron fashion show, and a gourmet soup contest. Ten celebrity entrants will be submitting their favorite soups for judging as well as for sale to go. It’s tomorrow night from four to seven pm at the Florence Church of the Nazarene on 12th Street.
The 2nd Annual Florence Green Fair is set for this Saturday, ten to five, at the Florence Events Center. In addition to the dozens of booths and displays there will also be a series of demonstrations and seminars covering everything from Tai Chi to sustainable landscaping to green power. Admission is $2 per person.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon couple who practice faith
healing and were sentenced to 16 months in prison after their
teenage son died of a treatable condition have been released about
three months early. Jeffrey and Marci Beagley were released
Wednesday from separate prisons. The Oregonian says their sentences
were reduced by 98 days for good behavior. They were convicted last
year of criminally negligent homicide in the death of their
16-year-old son Neil, who died in 2008.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon appeals court says a man accused
of speeding at 121 mph across a bridge from Oregon to Washington
can be tried in Oregon for reckless driving even though he was
arrested in Washington. Yesterday's ruling reverses the ruling of a
Clatsop County, Ore., Circuit Court judge in the case of Patrick W.
Weller, who was pulled over in August 2007 in Washington state.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A University of Oregon proposal for more
independence has been tabled, at least for now. Gov. John
Kitzhaber's (KITS'-hah-ber's) office and university president
Richard Lariviere say they've agreed the proposal should be put on
hold until next year. Lariviere had asked lawmakers to make UO an
independent state agency with its own board of directors and
funding from a voter-approved endowment.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Since mid-February it has snowed nearly
every day in the Cascades. The result today is a snowpack in Oregon
that's 127 percent of average. State officials say the snowpack
indicates a favorable water supply this year for fish, farming,
recreating and generating hydroelectric power.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Housing and Community Services
agency has opened its search process for a new director. The agency
provides programs and financial assistance for low- and
moderate-income state residents' housing. The job pays between
$92,000 and $136,000 annually. The search closes in late April.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon environmental authorities say the
cleanup of contaminated dredge spoils on Ross Island in Portland
has been finished, but they will keep an eye on it to make sure.
The DEQ is asking for public comment on its proposal to approve the
cleanup at Ross Island Sand & Gravel.
FOREST GROVE, Ore. (AP) - Firefighters in Forest Grove say a
space heater is to blame for a blaze that killed a 76-year-old
woman and badly burned her teenage grandson. Firefighters tell The
Oregonian that Velvalee and Hyrum Long used a portable electric
space heater to warm the room where they slept. Firefighters say
the one smoke detector in the house wasn't working.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Three Ducks scored in double figures and Oregon’s offense exploded last night for a 71-58 win over Creighton to even the College Basketball Invitational championship at one game apiece. A 27-7 run carried over from the end of the first half put the Ducks up 44-23 early in the second period. They led by 21 two more times in the second half. Joevan Catron scored 18 points, Malcolm Armstead added 14; E.J. Singler had ten. Oregon had a decided edge in turnovers… giving up a dozen but forcing 20… and outscored Creighton 35-9 off miscues. The Ducks will host the Bluejays Friday night at Matthew Knight Arena in the final and deciding game of the series.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Oregon budget hailed and assailed - Borstelmann pleads guilty - Angus bull shot and killed - Gas $3.52 a gallon on average
Oregon’s budget proposal hailed and assailed…
The co-chairs of Oregon's budget-writing committee are recommending deep cuts to schools, long-term care programs for seniors and just about every other program state government provides. The proposed education cuts are less severe than Governor John Kitzhaber proposed two months ago, but they would still leave schools with $1 billion less than what they say they need to continue current services. Lawmakers say the cuts aren't easy but are necessary because the struggling economy has severely cut back on state tax collections. Joint Ways and Means Co-Chair Dennis Richardson, a Republican from Central Point, had praise for the plan, saying it reflects his party’s efforts to bring state spending under control and protect against another economic downturn. The budget proposal sets aside $460-million in reserves, plus another $310-million in a “supplemental ending balance” that would be utilized only if state revenue is stable by February 2012. Heather Conroy, the Executive Director of one of the state’s largest employee unions, the SEIU Local 503, criticized the budget saying it would be inappropriate “for the Legislature to hold such a high amount in reserves” when services are being reduced and public employees are being asked to share in the sacrifice. She predicted that Oregonians would “not stand for drastic reductions in services” while there is money to pay for them. The Legislature is grappling with a $3.5 billion gap between revenue and the projected cost of continuing current services.
A California man pleaded guilty this week in Eugene to mail fraud and money laundering in a swindle that cost investors more than $18-million. Federal prosecutors say many of Louis J. Borstelmann’s victims are residents of Florence. Borstelmann admitted in federal court to soliciting about 100 people to invest in real estate through his company, Sunburst Associates. He falsely promised high rates of return and a security interest in property. Borstelmann admitted the alleged investments never existed and it was all a Ponzi scheme. He’s free until his sentencing, scheduled for June 14th. The 68-year old could get up to 30-years.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for a livestock shooting in rural Douglas County. A black angus bull, valued at approximately $2,000 was found dead March 7th on a ranch in the South Smith River Road area near Reedsport. It appeared to have been dead for several days. Douglas County sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police Game Troopers are investigating, they believe the bull had been shot with a firearm. It’s the third such case in recent months. Two other head of livestock were reported shot and killed in September.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Florence increased by 8-cents this week, it’s now at $3.62 a gallon… a nickel above the national average price, but still 13 cents less than the statewide average as measured by Triple-A. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says uncertainty about the Middle East, Northern Africa and Japan will continue to drive the markets in the coming weeks. Oregon’s average price, at $3.75, is ninth highest of all 50-states. Hawaii and Alaska are one and two, California is third at $4.03 a gallon on average. Washington is fourth with an average of $3.78 a gallon.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The U.S. attorney's office says a
48-year-old Eugene man has pleaded guilty to three counts of mail
fraud and one count of tax fraud in an investment fraud scheme that
brought him more than $850,000. According to court papers, Hussein
Ali Mehdi admitted yesterday to submitting fraudulent claims for
class action settlements associated with various securities
litigation.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - A judge will decide the aggravated murder
trial of a central Oregon man accused of killing his wife and
burying her body in a barrel. Darrell Middlekauff of La Pine chose
a trial by judge without a jury to avoid a possible death penalty
if convicted in the 2002 death of Brenda Middlekauff. A decision by
Deschutes County Circuit Judge Stephen Tiktin is expected next
week.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon House panel holds a hearing today
on bills offered by the Oregon Cattlemen's Association. The
legislation seeks permission for ranchers to shoot wolves that
threaten livestock, dogs and people, and payment from the state for
livestock killed by wolves. Authorities say about 40 livestock have
been killed by wolves in Oregon since 2009.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - About 20 wild horses from southeastern
Oregon will be put up for adoption in Grants Pass on April 16 at
the Josephine County Fairgrounds. The mustangs were rounded up to
control the size of herds on federal lands.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A United Airlines flight from Washington,
D.C., that was diverted to Chicago for security concerns landed
early this morning at its destination in Portland. United tells
KGW-TV that two or three passengers on Flight 251 who had not been
following crew instructions were not on board the plane when it
continued to Portland. Whether they were detained was not
immediately known.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate has voted to allow some
illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Oregon public
universities. Immigrants who have completed at least three years of
high school education in Oregon would be eligible under the measure
passed yesterday and sent to the House.
CLACKAMAS, Ore. (AP) - Thanks to an alert witness, a Clackamas
County sheriff's spokesman says officers were able to make a bank
robbery arrest in less than five minutes yesterday. Detectives say
the holdup man left the U.S. Bank branch with an undisclosed amount
of cash and jumped in a nearby car. But within minutes officers had
30-year-old Cameron Carr under arrest.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
The team that was recruited by Dana Altman will be in Eugene this evening to take on the team he currently coaches, when the Creighton Bluejays meet the Oregon Ducks in game two of the College Basketball Invitational final series. Altman spent 16 years as the head coach at Creighton, taking his teams to 7 NCAA tournament appearances. The Oregon men are on the ropes and must win tonight to force a third and final game in the series… the Jays took game one Monday night in Omaha 84-78. Tonight’s game at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene tips off at seven. The pregame show on KCST begins at 6:30.
The co-chairs of Oregon's budget-writing committee are recommending deep cuts to schools, long-term care programs for seniors and just about every other program state government provides. The proposed education cuts are less severe than Governor John Kitzhaber proposed two months ago, but they would still leave schools with $1 billion less than what they say they need to continue current services. Lawmakers say the cuts aren't easy but are necessary because the struggling economy has severely cut back on state tax collections. Joint Ways and Means Co-Chair Dennis Richardson, a Republican from Central Point, had praise for the plan, saying it reflects his party’s efforts to bring state spending under control and protect against another economic downturn. The budget proposal sets aside $460-million in reserves, plus another $310-million in a “supplemental ending balance” that would be utilized only if state revenue is stable by February 2012. Heather Conroy, the Executive Director of one of the state’s largest employee unions, the SEIU Local 503, criticized the budget saying it would be inappropriate “for the Legislature to hold such a high amount in reserves” when services are being reduced and public employees are being asked to share in the sacrifice. She predicted that Oregonians would “not stand for drastic reductions in services” while there is money to pay for them. The Legislature is grappling with a $3.5 billion gap between revenue and the projected cost of continuing current services.
A California man pleaded guilty this week in Eugene to mail fraud and money laundering in a swindle that cost investors more than $18-million. Federal prosecutors say many of Louis J. Borstelmann’s victims are residents of Florence. Borstelmann admitted in federal court to soliciting about 100 people to invest in real estate through his company, Sunburst Associates. He falsely promised high rates of return and a security interest in property. Borstelmann admitted the alleged investments never existed and it was all a Ponzi scheme. He’s free until his sentencing, scheduled for June 14th. The 68-year old could get up to 30-years.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for a livestock shooting in rural Douglas County. A black angus bull, valued at approximately $2,000 was found dead March 7th on a ranch in the South Smith River Road area near Reedsport. It appeared to have been dead for several days. Douglas County sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police Game Troopers are investigating, they believe the bull had been shot with a firearm. It’s the third such case in recent months. Two other head of livestock were reported shot and killed in September.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Florence increased by 8-cents this week, it’s now at $3.62 a gallon… a nickel above the national average price, but still 13 cents less than the statewide average as measured by Triple-A. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says uncertainty about the Middle East, Northern Africa and Japan will continue to drive the markets in the coming weeks. Oregon’s average price, at $3.75, is ninth highest of all 50-states. Hawaii and Alaska are one and two, California is third at $4.03 a gallon on average. Washington is fourth with an average of $3.78 a gallon.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The U.S. attorney's office says a
48-year-old Eugene man has pleaded guilty to three counts of mail
fraud and one count of tax fraud in an investment fraud scheme that
brought him more than $850,000. According to court papers, Hussein
Ali Mehdi admitted yesterday to submitting fraudulent claims for
class action settlements associated with various securities
litigation.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - A judge will decide the aggravated murder
trial of a central Oregon man accused of killing his wife and
burying her body in a barrel. Darrell Middlekauff of La Pine chose
a trial by judge without a jury to avoid a possible death penalty
if convicted in the 2002 death of Brenda Middlekauff. A decision by
Deschutes County Circuit Judge Stephen Tiktin is expected next
week.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon House panel holds a hearing today
on bills offered by the Oregon Cattlemen's Association. The
legislation seeks permission for ranchers to shoot wolves that
threaten livestock, dogs and people, and payment from the state for
livestock killed by wolves. Authorities say about 40 livestock have
been killed by wolves in Oregon since 2009.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - About 20 wild horses from southeastern
Oregon will be put up for adoption in Grants Pass on April 16 at
the Josephine County Fairgrounds. The mustangs were rounded up to
control the size of herds on federal lands.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A United Airlines flight from Washington,
D.C., that was diverted to Chicago for security concerns landed
early this morning at its destination in Portland. United tells
KGW-TV that two or three passengers on Flight 251 who had not been
following crew instructions were not on board the plane when it
continued to Portland. Whether they were detained was not
immediately known.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate has voted to allow some
illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Oregon public
universities. Immigrants who have completed at least three years of
high school education in Oregon would be eligible under the measure
passed yesterday and sent to the House.
CLACKAMAS, Ore. (AP) - Thanks to an alert witness, a Clackamas
County sheriff's spokesman says officers were able to make a bank
robbery arrest in less than five minutes yesterday. Detectives say
the holdup man left the U.S. Bank branch with an undisclosed amount
of cash and jumped in a nearby car. But within minutes officers had
30-year-old Cameron Carr under arrest.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
The team that was recruited by Dana Altman will be in Eugene this evening to take on the team he currently coaches, when the Creighton Bluejays meet the Oregon Ducks in game two of the College Basketball Invitational final series. Altman spent 16 years as the head coach at Creighton, taking his teams to 7 NCAA tournament appearances. The Oregon men are on the ropes and must win tonight to force a third and final game in the series… the Jays took game one Monday night in Omaha 84-78. Tonight’s game at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene tips off at seven. The pregame show on KCST begins at 6:30.
Old Town Parking - Japanese Debris - Stolen Radios - Studded Tires
Old Town Parking recommendations on tap…
A group of business owners, property owners and residents in the Old Town Area met at City Hall last fall to air their thoughts about parking restrictions and how they are enforced. Executive Assistant Shawn Penrod says the conversations between all the participants sparked a good exchange.
215 – “And it was really a chance to get the public opinions and concerns out there, and so that they could also listen to each other.”
Since then, staffers at City Hall have been working on some recommendations they’re going to make to the city council on possible changes. But, before they do that, they want to get input from those who will me most directly affected. Penrod says a public meeting tomorrow evening at City Hall hopes to draw some of the same participants that met in November.
217 – “There’s going to be some discussion about RV parking and some possible changes to the seasonal parking restrictions that start in May.”
He declined to discuss specifics of the proposals ahead of the meeting… it gets underway tomorrow at five pm at city hall.
Two of the 12 radios stolen from a fire station north of Florence last week have been returned and authorities believe the other ten are still nearby. Police believe the radios, valued at more than $40-thousand, were stolen in an effort to get quick cash for drug buys, but didn’t give any details. One report said two – quote – “perpetrators” have been caught, but police did not report any arrests in the case. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue is offering a $100 per radio bounty… no questions asked… for the return of the remaining units.
As Japan struggles to recover from the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, there are new concerns along the western U.S. coast about the massive amount of pollution, debris and trash floating in the North Pacific. Portland State University oceanographer and geology professor Curt Peterson says some of the lighter materials such as plastic or Styrofoam could begin showing up in about nine months. Heavier items, like timbers and debris from construction could take a year and longer. Peterson said he expects that much of the heavier debris will actually sink.
The deadline for removing studded tires from your car or truck has been extended through the weekend. State law requires they be removed by March 15th unless weather conditions warrant their continued use. Oregon Department of Transportation officials extended the removal date again yesterday saying difficult driving conditions are expected through mountain zones through the upcoming weekend. Motorists who fail to have the studs removed by April Fifth could be facing a $190 fine. O-DOT says studded tires cause at least $40-million damage each year to city streets, county roads and state highways.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Viking Softball trailed by three runs in the top of the seventh and came from behind for a 6-5 win over the Falcons on the road in Elmira yesterday. Sadie Wells hit an RBI single to score April Ruf for the winning run. Brianna Knapp then shut down the top of the order in the bottom of the seventh for three straight outs. The Lady Vikings are now 6-and-one in preseason play.
Siuslaw softball standout Sadie Wells is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The sophomore shortstop continues to be an effective force at the plate for the Lady Vikings, producing key hits in scoring situations. Honorable Mention is given to pitcher Liz Jones who claimed two wins on the mound last week, and threw a combined ten strikeouts in a double-header against Coquille.
The Creighton Bluejays greeted their former coach warmly, then handed Dana Altman and his Oregon Ducks an 84-78 loss to open the College Basketball Invitational last night in Omaha. Five Ducks were in double digits… Joevan Catron had 15 points and nine rebounds for Oregon. Game two of the best-of-three series will be tomorrow night in Eugene.
A group of business owners, property owners and residents in the Old Town Area met at City Hall last fall to air their thoughts about parking restrictions and how they are enforced. Executive Assistant Shawn Penrod says the conversations between all the participants sparked a good exchange.
215 – “And it was really a chance to get the public opinions and concerns out there, and so that they could also listen to each other.”
Since then, staffers at City Hall have been working on some recommendations they’re going to make to the city council on possible changes. But, before they do that, they want to get input from those who will me most directly affected. Penrod says a public meeting tomorrow evening at City Hall hopes to draw some of the same participants that met in November.
217 – “There’s going to be some discussion about RV parking and some possible changes to the seasonal parking restrictions that start in May.”
He declined to discuss specifics of the proposals ahead of the meeting… it gets underway tomorrow at five pm at city hall.
Two of the 12 radios stolen from a fire station north of Florence last week have been returned and authorities believe the other ten are still nearby. Police believe the radios, valued at more than $40-thousand, were stolen in an effort to get quick cash for drug buys, but didn’t give any details. One report said two – quote – “perpetrators” have been caught, but police did not report any arrests in the case. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue is offering a $100 per radio bounty… no questions asked… for the return of the remaining units.
As Japan struggles to recover from the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, there are new concerns along the western U.S. coast about the massive amount of pollution, debris and trash floating in the North Pacific. Portland State University oceanographer and geology professor Curt Peterson says some of the lighter materials such as plastic or Styrofoam could begin showing up in about nine months. Heavier items, like timbers and debris from construction could take a year and longer. Peterson said he expects that much of the heavier debris will actually sink.
The deadline for removing studded tires from your car or truck has been extended through the weekend. State law requires they be removed by March 15th unless weather conditions warrant their continued use. Oregon Department of Transportation officials extended the removal date again yesterday saying difficult driving conditions are expected through mountain zones through the upcoming weekend. Motorists who fail to have the studs removed by April Fifth could be facing a $190 fine. O-DOT says studded tires cause at least $40-million damage each year to city streets, county roads and state highways.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Viking Softball trailed by three runs in the top of the seventh and came from behind for a 6-5 win over the Falcons on the road in Elmira yesterday. Sadie Wells hit an RBI single to score April Ruf for the winning run. Brianna Knapp then shut down the top of the order in the bottom of the seventh for three straight outs. The Lady Vikings are now 6-and-one in preseason play.
Siuslaw softball standout Sadie Wells is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The sophomore shortstop continues to be an effective force at the plate for the Lady Vikings, producing key hits in scoring situations. Honorable Mention is given to pitcher Liz Jones who claimed two wins on the mound last week, and threw a combined ten strikeouts in a double-header against Coquille.
The Creighton Bluejays greeted their former coach warmly, then handed Dana Altman and his Oregon Ducks an 84-78 loss to open the College Basketball Invitational last night in Omaha. Five Ducks were in double digits… Joevan Catron had 15 points and nine rebounds for Oregon. Game two of the best-of-three series will be tomorrow night in Eugene.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Beach Cleanup tomorrow - Green Fair next week - Noted author next month - Traffic Monday - Heck! Ducks play Creighton
Spring Beach Cleanup set for tomorrow…
It all started about 25 years ago when an Oregon State Parks employee organized a spring beach cleanup to clear accumulated debris that had washed onshore in the winter storms. Since then, thousands of Oregonians have flocked to the shore twice a year to pick up garbage… tomorrow marks the spring edition and State Parks Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore says rain or shine, they’ll be out picking up trash.
206 – “It starts at ten AM and actually all of the registration is on line, so they can go to SOLV, S-O-L-V.org. Or, we have six volunteer check-in stations in Florence.”
Wymore says if they’re not sure where they can go, volunteers can check in at Siuslaw Bank in Florence or the Oregon Dunes NRA office in Reedsport. Every year tons of trash gets picked up; some of it large; some of it small. This year’s focus, says Wymore, is on the small stuff.
207 – “I’m waging war on the nerdle this year; it’s kind of like turtle but with an ‘n’. It’s little pieces of plastic and they end up in the ocean and right now there’s tons of little balls on the coast right now and the birds will eat those and they can’t digest them.”
Once that happens, the birds usually die. Tomorrow’s cleanup, again, from ten until one.
Traffic around Siuslaw Schools on Oak Street will be congested come Monday… not just because classes will resume following Spring Break… but also because work on a waste water line has now moved into the area. Excavators are expected to begin work at the 22nd and Oak intersection beginning Monday… a key entry to Siuslaw Elementary. A second crew will continue work on paving streets that have already been torn up by the work. Traffic on Kingwood between 9th and 10th, as well as on 10th street will continue to be disrupted. A spokesman for Laskey-Clifton Corporation, the contractor working on the job, says the bike path that borders Miller Park between Airport Road and 20th Street will also continue to be blocked for at least the next 30 days.
Florence will be going green again for the second year in a row next
Saturday at the Florence Events Center. Show organizer John Bartlett says about 50 different organizations will assemble at the center one week from tomorrow with information and displays on how to leave a smaller mark on the environment. One highlight of the show will be a demonstration by local builders Marv and Darlene Beckman highlighting their ‘off-the-grid’ home and showing how ‘thinking outside the box’ can lead to a greener lifestyle.
Noted Oregon writer Jane Kirkpatrick will speak at a special women’s retreat next month in Reedsport. The event, April 30th, will be at the Reedsport Community Building and is hosted by the Reedsport Church of God and Reedsport Christian Church. Organizers say it’s a non-denominational event open to all women. Kirkpatrick is internationally known for her lively presentations and well-researched-stories that encourage and inspire says Karin Waggoner. Tickets for the day-long event are $25. In addition to being available at the two churches in Reedsport, they can also be purchased in Florence at the Church of the Nazarene on Nopal Street.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber (KITS'-hah-ber) has
signed two bills extending unemployment benefits for thousands of
people looking for jobs. Kitzhaber signed the bills yesterday, a
day after they were approved in the state House. One allows
unemployed workers to continue drawing on federally funded extended
benefits. They last up to 20 weeks. The other provides an
additional six weeks of state-funded unemployment for people who
have exhausted all 99 weeks of federal benefits.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Springfield police say they caught a
break when a hospital notified them that it was treating a man with
a gunshot wound to the leg. Jacob Allen Greenlee was arraigned
Wednesday in Lane County Circuit Court on robbery and related
charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm. The
27-year-old is accused of using a gun to rob a cab driver last
weekend. The Register-Guard reports that police say Greenlee
accidentally shot himself with the gun hours later.
LA PINE, Ore. (AP) - Search teams have found the body of a
missing 58-year-old La Pine man in the Deschutes (duh-SHOOTS')
River, about 1,000 yards downstream from where his pickup truck was
found parked in La Pine State Park several hours earlier. Deschutes
County sheriff's Capt. Marc Mills says Dean Marsh's body was found
yesterday afternoon. An autopsy is scheduled for sometime today.
STAYTON, Ore. (AP) - The Marion County sheriff's office says
deputies have seized 14 starving llamas and three malnourished
horses from a farm outside Stayton. It's the fourth seizure this
year of neglected horses and farm animals in the county. Senior
Deputy Brenda Lumley seized a malnourished colt from the same farm
in January and offered the owners resources to avoid further
seizures. But Lumley says the conditions of the remaining animals
worsened. A judge authorized this week's seizure.
TOLEDO, Ore. (AP) - A Lincoln County sheriff's officer says a
Toledo mother and daughter face five counts of animal neglect after
one mud-mired horse drowned in a partially flooded pasture and four
others appeared to be in poor condition. A deputy who responded
last weekend to a report of a horse stuck in mud found the animal
submerged in water. The horse died. The sheriff's office says the
women have turned over ownership of all their horses to another
person in the area.
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - Proponents of a proposed meat processing
plant in Coquille say a plant would save growers money, improve the
local food system and open a supply avenue to local retailers. The
Coos Bay World reports a Kansas livestock planning firm has been
hired to research the possibility of building a butchering
facility. Oregon has nine meat processors approved by the USDA. The
closest to Coos Bay are in Roseburg and Eugene.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - U.S. Forest Service officials will be
in Portland today to host a public hearing on proposed new planning
rules that will govern logging and protection of fish and wildlife
and clean water on 193 million acres of public lands. Public forums
are at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Airport Hotel.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - California condors at the Oregon Zoo have
laid 10 eggs, with one more possibly on the way. The Oregonian
reports that's the most eggs since the Portland zoo joined the
effort to save the critically endangered species in 2003 with a
captive breeding program. The zoo has 11 breeding pairs and 38
condors total.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
On the diamond this weekend the Viking Softball team is set for two at home tomorrow against the Philomath Warriors… game one of the double header is at noon. Viking Baseball is also set for a home double header… against Taft, also at noon.
Duck Basketball Coach Dana Altman says it may not be where he and his team wanted to be in March, but they’re still playing basketball. The Oregon Men are traveling to Omaha, Nebraska this weekend where they’re set to face the Creighton Bluejays in game one of the best-of-three championship series of the College Basketball Invitational. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Altman. He left the college last spring after spending 16 years as head basketball coach for the Jays. He says there’s no special significance to the game just because of his previous relationship…
219 – “Our guys don’t care, it’s just another game. You know and heck. It doesn’t mean much to them. You know, it’s a ballgame. You know, they don’t care about me, heck, they care about them. And I don’t blame them. Heck. It’s their team, it’s their guys.”
Monday’s game tips off at five.
(Thanks to Steve Kay for audio and story assistance)
It all started about 25 years ago when an Oregon State Parks employee organized a spring beach cleanup to clear accumulated debris that had washed onshore in the winter storms. Since then, thousands of Oregonians have flocked to the shore twice a year to pick up garbage… tomorrow marks the spring edition and State Parks Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore says rain or shine, they’ll be out picking up trash.
206 – “It starts at ten AM and actually all of the registration is on line, so they can go to SOLV, S-O-L-V.org. Or, we have six volunteer check-in stations in Florence.”
Wymore says if they’re not sure where they can go, volunteers can check in at Siuslaw Bank in Florence or the Oregon Dunes NRA office in Reedsport. Every year tons of trash gets picked up; some of it large; some of it small. This year’s focus, says Wymore, is on the small stuff.
207 – “I’m waging war on the nerdle this year; it’s kind of like turtle but with an ‘n’. It’s little pieces of plastic and they end up in the ocean and right now there’s tons of little balls on the coast right now and the birds will eat those and they can’t digest them.”
Once that happens, the birds usually die. Tomorrow’s cleanup, again, from ten until one.
Traffic around Siuslaw Schools on Oak Street will be congested come Monday… not just because classes will resume following Spring Break… but also because work on a waste water line has now moved into the area. Excavators are expected to begin work at the 22nd and Oak intersection beginning Monday… a key entry to Siuslaw Elementary. A second crew will continue work on paving streets that have already been torn up by the work. Traffic on Kingwood between 9th and 10th, as well as on 10th street will continue to be disrupted. A spokesman for Laskey-Clifton Corporation, the contractor working on the job, says the bike path that borders Miller Park between Airport Road and 20th Street will also continue to be blocked for at least the next 30 days.
Florence will be going green again for the second year in a row next
Saturday at the Florence Events Center. Show organizer John Bartlett says about 50 different organizations will assemble at the center one week from tomorrow with information and displays on how to leave a smaller mark on the environment. One highlight of the show will be a demonstration by local builders Marv and Darlene Beckman highlighting their ‘off-the-grid’ home and showing how ‘thinking outside the box’ can lead to a greener lifestyle.
Noted Oregon writer Jane Kirkpatrick will speak at a special women’s retreat next month in Reedsport. The event, April 30th, will be at the Reedsport Community Building and is hosted by the Reedsport Church of God and Reedsport Christian Church. Organizers say it’s a non-denominational event open to all women. Kirkpatrick is internationally known for her lively presentations and well-researched-stories that encourage and inspire says Karin Waggoner. Tickets for the day-long event are $25. In addition to being available at the two churches in Reedsport, they can also be purchased in Florence at the Church of the Nazarene on Nopal Street.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber (KITS'-hah-ber) has
signed two bills extending unemployment benefits for thousands of
people looking for jobs. Kitzhaber signed the bills yesterday, a
day after they were approved in the state House. One allows
unemployed workers to continue drawing on federally funded extended
benefits. They last up to 20 weeks. The other provides an
additional six weeks of state-funded unemployment for people who
have exhausted all 99 weeks of federal benefits.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Springfield police say they caught a
break when a hospital notified them that it was treating a man with
a gunshot wound to the leg. Jacob Allen Greenlee was arraigned
Wednesday in Lane County Circuit Court on robbery and related
charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm. The
27-year-old is accused of using a gun to rob a cab driver last
weekend. The Register-Guard reports that police say Greenlee
accidentally shot himself with the gun hours later.
LA PINE, Ore. (AP) - Search teams have found the body of a
missing 58-year-old La Pine man in the Deschutes (duh-SHOOTS')
River, about 1,000 yards downstream from where his pickup truck was
found parked in La Pine State Park several hours earlier. Deschutes
County sheriff's Capt. Marc Mills says Dean Marsh's body was found
yesterday afternoon. An autopsy is scheduled for sometime today.
STAYTON, Ore. (AP) - The Marion County sheriff's office says
deputies have seized 14 starving llamas and three malnourished
horses from a farm outside Stayton. It's the fourth seizure this
year of neglected horses and farm animals in the county. Senior
Deputy Brenda Lumley seized a malnourished colt from the same farm
in January and offered the owners resources to avoid further
seizures. But Lumley says the conditions of the remaining animals
worsened. A judge authorized this week's seizure.
TOLEDO, Ore. (AP) - A Lincoln County sheriff's officer says a
Toledo mother and daughter face five counts of animal neglect after
one mud-mired horse drowned in a partially flooded pasture and four
others appeared to be in poor condition. A deputy who responded
last weekend to a report of a horse stuck in mud found the animal
submerged in water. The horse died. The sheriff's office says the
women have turned over ownership of all their horses to another
person in the area.
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - Proponents of a proposed meat processing
plant in Coquille say a plant would save growers money, improve the
local food system and open a supply avenue to local retailers. The
Coos Bay World reports a Kansas livestock planning firm has been
hired to research the possibility of building a butchering
facility. Oregon has nine meat processors approved by the USDA. The
closest to Coos Bay are in Roseburg and Eugene.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - U.S. Forest Service officials will be
in Portland today to host a public hearing on proposed new planning
rules that will govern logging and protection of fish and wildlife
and clean water on 193 million acres of public lands. Public forums
are at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Airport Hotel.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - California condors at the Oregon Zoo have
laid 10 eggs, with one more possibly on the way. The Oregonian
reports that's the most eggs since the Portland zoo joined the
effort to save the critically endangered species in 2003 with a
captive breeding program. The zoo has 11 breeding pairs and 38
condors total.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
On the diamond this weekend the Viking Softball team is set for two at home tomorrow against the Philomath Warriors… game one of the double header is at noon. Viking Baseball is also set for a home double header… against Taft, also at noon.
Duck Basketball Coach Dana Altman says it may not be where he and his team wanted to be in March, but they’re still playing basketball. The Oregon Men are traveling to Omaha, Nebraska this weekend where they’re set to face the Creighton Bluejays in game one of the best-of-three championship series of the College Basketball Invitational. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Altman. He left the college last spring after spending 16 years as head basketball coach for the Jays. He says there’s no special significance to the game just because of his previous relationship…
219 – “Our guys don’t care, it’s just another game. You know and heck. It doesn’t mean much to them. You know, it’s a ballgame. You know, they don’t care about me, heck, they care about them. And I don’t blame them. Heck. It’s their team, it’s their guys.”
Monday’s game tips off at five.
(Thanks to Steve Kay for audio and story assistance)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Legislative Session keeping apace - Inundation Zone help - Food Share increasing produce
Cooperation still crossing party lines in Salem.
The Oregon Legislature is just short of the midway point on this year’s session and, according to the leadership in the House of Representatives, lawmakers are making headway.
200 – “I think we’re meeting the deadlines we’ve set for ourselves to this point. We are still in that process of making things work. Our co-co-chairs and co-speaker thing seems to be going forward in a positive way.”
Coos Bay Democrat and House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan says the top issue on everyone’s mind continues to be balancing the state budget for the coming two-year period.
202 – “The tough issues with respect to how do you cut three billion dollars or over from the budget is still out there looming and how that looks and what it means to individual groups and communities is still a little ways away. But, hopefully we’ll get a co-chairs budget out here in the near future.”
He said cooperation between he and his Republican counterpart, Bruce Hanna of Roseburg has been high.
201 – “I continue to see that happening. My co-speaker and I have done a number of town halls, we’re going to do another one, couple of them. One in Cottage Grove and then another one in Reedsport here coming up within the month.”
Both of those town hall meetings will be Saturday, April Ninth.
A website, maintained by a partnership of fishing industry, government agencies and educational institutions has a very easy method of helping northwest residents determine if their home is in a tsunami inundation zone or not. It’s called the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems. NANOOS maintains an interactive map on their website… residents need only type in their address and it will bring up a map of their immediate area… showing two inundation zones… one for a distant quake, such as the March 11th Honshu quake that triggered a surge on the Oregon Coast… the other zone shows the possible inundation area if there’s a large offshore quake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. That website…www.nanoos.org.
Two years ago Florence Food Share increased the amount of fresh produce they were offering to low income residents. Food Share Director Karen Lyn noticed that prices had gone up and people, in an effort to make their food-dollar stretch as far as they could take it were opting for lower-price and less healthy alternatives. Her answer, increase the amount of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables that they could put on their shelves for the estimated 600 households that visit the emergency food pantry each month. With the help of local volunteers and an enlarged community garden, last year they distributed 1800 pounds of fresh food from local gardens. She says that may not sound like much, but most of that was leafy greens… that don’t weigh very much. Lyn says this year they’ve already begun planting the gardens and she hopes to increase this year’s crop to more than 25-hundred pounds.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Central Oregon health officials are
investigating the possibility of a connection among three
meningococcal infections in two weeks, the latest of which led to
an infant's death. The Bend Bulletin reports that if they're from
the same strain of bacteria, Central Oregon could be experiencing a
small outbreak of meningococcal disease. Meantime, a 24-year-old
man diagnosed with meningococcal disease is in critical condition
at a Bend hospital, while a 16-year-old boy is recovering.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A crash involving three teens on a firewood
run for a spring break camping trip has killed one young man and
injured another. A Jackson County sheriff's spokeswoman says a
pickup driven by 19-year-old Brandon Hollingsworth of Central Point
went off Carberry Creek Road and rolled yesterday.
Eighteen-year-old Andrew C. Roberts of Eagle Point was killed in
the crash.
TOLLGATE, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a 52-year-old man
was critically wounded when a Umatilla County sheriff's deputy and
a state trooper say he aimed a rifle at them and they fired when he
refused to drop it. Lt. Gregg Hastings says the uninjured deputy
and trooper have been put on paid leave while the Tuesday night
shooting is investigated. The names of those involved weren't
released.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Developers of a natural gas pipeline to
bring new supplies to the Portland metro area have pulled their
application from federal regulators, citing the bankruptcy of an
LNG terminal on the Columbia River, low demand for the gas, and
development of a new route through the Mount Hood National Forest
and across the Cascade Range. Palomar Gas Transmissions, LLC, has
notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission it's withdrawing
the Palomar Pipeline project.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Tossing a cigarette butt to the ground could
bring a smoker a $90 fine for littering under a law before Oregon
lawmakers. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday on a
3-2 vote. The Register Guard reports it would create a subset of
the current littering law specifically for tobacco products.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers will hear public testimony
on three bills that would increase cigarette taxes. One bill would
nearly double the tax on smokes, raising them from 65 percent to
just over 120 percent. Stores selling cigarettes would also have to
pay taxes on cigarettes in their inventory.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Lawmakers will consider a proposal to force
Oregon commercial salmon fishermen off the main stem of the
Columbia River and into side bays and estuaries. Today a Senate
committee hears from the public about the idea, which is supported
by the sport fishing industry. But the gillnet fleet says the plan
has no real conservation benefit, and would ultimately spell the
end of one of the last commercial freshwater fisheries in the
country.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - The city of Sisters is on the verge of cutting
off email communication with two persistent activists irate over a
proposed water rate increase. The Bend Bulletin reports City
Manager Eileen Stein says the two men are "serial requesters" of
data and take up too much of the city staff's time. The men, Ed
Protas and Mike Morgan, say the city is wrong.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Some Oregon lawmakers want to require
teens to take a driver's education course before they can get a
provisional license. The bill that passed the House Transportation
Committee yesterday would start the requirement for teens in the
Portland area - Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Police say a wrong-way driver is dead
after a head-on crash last night with a semi-truck on I-405 in
Portland. Police say a 52-year-old woman drove her SUV south in the
northbound lanes of the Highway 30 exit from the interstate and
collided with the semi, which was pulling two trailers.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
It’s off to Omaha for Oregon… the Ducks downed Boise State last night 79-71, turning back a late game surge by the Broncos to hold on. Joevan Catron (jo-vonn KAY-tronn) had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the CBI Men’s Basketball Semi-Final win. The victory puts the Ducks into the best-of-three championship series against Creighton, the school that first-year Oregon coach Dana Altman left last spring after 16 seasons. The opening game will be Monday night, five o’clock in Omaha.
Siuslaw Viking Baseball came away from Elmira yesterday with a split of a non-league double-header. The Vikings ran away with game one, winning 13-1. Alex Snow was four-for-five at the plate with four RBI and a triple. The Falcons came away with the nightcap, winning 9-6. Riley Rankin was two-for-three batting in game two.
The Oregon Legislature is just short of the midway point on this year’s session and, according to the leadership in the House of Representatives, lawmakers are making headway.
200 – “I think we’re meeting the deadlines we’ve set for ourselves to this point. We are still in that process of making things work. Our co-co-chairs and co-speaker thing seems to be going forward in a positive way.”
Coos Bay Democrat and House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan says the top issue on everyone’s mind continues to be balancing the state budget for the coming two-year period.
202 – “The tough issues with respect to how do you cut three billion dollars or over from the budget is still out there looming and how that looks and what it means to individual groups and communities is still a little ways away. But, hopefully we’ll get a co-chairs budget out here in the near future.”
He said cooperation between he and his Republican counterpart, Bruce Hanna of Roseburg has been high.
201 – “I continue to see that happening. My co-speaker and I have done a number of town halls, we’re going to do another one, couple of them. One in Cottage Grove and then another one in Reedsport here coming up within the month.”
Both of those town hall meetings will be Saturday, April Ninth.
A website, maintained by a partnership of fishing industry, government agencies and educational institutions has a very easy method of helping northwest residents determine if their home is in a tsunami inundation zone or not. It’s called the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems. NANOOS maintains an interactive map on their website… residents need only type in their address and it will bring up a map of their immediate area… showing two inundation zones… one for a distant quake, such as the March 11th Honshu quake that triggered a surge on the Oregon Coast… the other zone shows the possible inundation area if there’s a large offshore quake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. That website…www.nanoos.org.
Two years ago Florence Food Share increased the amount of fresh produce they were offering to low income residents. Food Share Director Karen Lyn noticed that prices had gone up and people, in an effort to make their food-dollar stretch as far as they could take it were opting for lower-price and less healthy alternatives. Her answer, increase the amount of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables that they could put on their shelves for the estimated 600 households that visit the emergency food pantry each month. With the help of local volunteers and an enlarged community garden, last year they distributed 1800 pounds of fresh food from local gardens. She says that may not sound like much, but most of that was leafy greens… that don’t weigh very much. Lyn says this year they’ve already begun planting the gardens and she hopes to increase this year’s crop to more than 25-hundred pounds.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Central Oregon health officials are
investigating the possibility of a connection among three
meningococcal infections in two weeks, the latest of which led to
an infant's death. The Bend Bulletin reports that if they're from
the same strain of bacteria, Central Oregon could be experiencing a
small outbreak of meningococcal disease. Meantime, a 24-year-old
man diagnosed with meningococcal disease is in critical condition
at a Bend hospital, while a 16-year-old boy is recovering.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A crash involving three teens on a firewood
run for a spring break camping trip has killed one young man and
injured another. A Jackson County sheriff's spokeswoman says a
pickup driven by 19-year-old Brandon Hollingsworth of Central Point
went off Carberry Creek Road and rolled yesterday.
Eighteen-year-old Andrew C. Roberts of Eagle Point was killed in
the crash.
TOLLGATE, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a 52-year-old man
was critically wounded when a Umatilla County sheriff's deputy and
a state trooper say he aimed a rifle at them and they fired when he
refused to drop it. Lt. Gregg Hastings says the uninjured deputy
and trooper have been put on paid leave while the Tuesday night
shooting is investigated. The names of those involved weren't
released.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Developers of a natural gas pipeline to
bring new supplies to the Portland metro area have pulled their
application from federal regulators, citing the bankruptcy of an
LNG terminal on the Columbia River, low demand for the gas, and
development of a new route through the Mount Hood National Forest
and across the Cascade Range. Palomar Gas Transmissions, LLC, has
notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission it's withdrawing
the Palomar Pipeline project.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Tossing a cigarette butt to the ground could
bring a smoker a $90 fine for littering under a law before Oregon
lawmakers. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday on a
3-2 vote. The Register Guard reports it would create a subset of
the current littering law specifically for tobacco products.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers will hear public testimony
on three bills that would increase cigarette taxes. One bill would
nearly double the tax on smokes, raising them from 65 percent to
just over 120 percent. Stores selling cigarettes would also have to
pay taxes on cigarettes in their inventory.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Lawmakers will consider a proposal to force
Oregon commercial salmon fishermen off the main stem of the
Columbia River and into side bays and estuaries. Today a Senate
committee hears from the public about the idea, which is supported
by the sport fishing industry. But the gillnet fleet says the plan
has no real conservation benefit, and would ultimately spell the
end of one of the last commercial freshwater fisheries in the
country.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - The city of Sisters is on the verge of cutting
off email communication with two persistent activists irate over a
proposed water rate increase. The Bend Bulletin reports City
Manager Eileen Stein says the two men are "serial requesters" of
data and take up too much of the city staff's time. The men, Ed
Protas and Mike Morgan, say the city is wrong.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Some Oregon lawmakers want to require
teens to take a driver's education course before they can get a
provisional license. The bill that passed the House Transportation
Committee yesterday would start the requirement for teens in the
Portland area - Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Police say a wrong-way driver is dead
after a head-on crash last night with a semi-truck on I-405 in
Portland. Police say a 52-year-old woman drove her SUV south in the
northbound lanes of the Highway 30 exit from the interstate and
collided with the semi, which was pulling two trailers.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
It’s off to Omaha for Oregon… the Ducks downed Boise State last night 79-71, turning back a late game surge by the Broncos to hold on. Joevan Catron (jo-vonn KAY-tronn) had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the CBI Men’s Basketball Semi-Final win. The victory puts the Ducks into the best-of-three championship series against Creighton, the school that first-year Oregon coach Dana Altman left last spring after 16 seasons. The opening game will be Monday night, five o’clock in Omaha.
Siuslaw Viking Baseball came away from Elmira yesterday with a split of a non-league double-header. The Vikings ran away with game one, winning 13-1. Alex Snow was four-for-five at the plate with four RBI and a triple. The Falcons came away with the nightcap, winning 9-6. Riley Rankin was two-for-three batting in game two.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Stolen radios imperil firefighters and mission - State tracking radiation levels - Old Town parking
Radio theft imperils firefighters and their mission…
He wouldn’t call it a break-in because there was no sign of forced entry. But, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief John Buchanan wonders how a thief… or thieves… got into the Sutton Lake fire station this week and stole $40-thousand worth of portable radios.
211 – “Those radios are multi-frequency which includes ambulance and law enforcement. It creates, really, an issue.”
In all, a dozen portable radios, along with their battery chargers, are missing.
210 – “It does two things. It severely damages our ability to perform, not having those radios, and it also creates a safety issue for the fire fighters until we get those radios. Because we need them to be able to keep in contact all the time.”
Buchanan says they’ve notified communications companies around the state and they’ve posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to their return. Even though they’re valued at 40-grand, he says they have relatively little value.
212 – “I don’t know what they’re going to do with them. They can’t change frequencies because anybody that’s going to change frequencies is going to recognize those numbers. We have put those serial numbers out to all the Motorola people around Oregon. I just don’t know what they’re going to do with them.”
The loss is insured, he says, but it will take at least two weeks to get replacements.
Possible changes to parking regulations in Old Town Florence will be introduced next week. The adjustments have been in the works since November when city staff met with business owners and residents in the area. Executive Assistant Shawn Penrod says there’ll be some discussion about RV parking and possible changes to seasonal parking restrictions that typically start in May.
216 – “City staff has come up with a couple of recommendations for the parking in that area. Wednesday’s meeting is to discuss those tentative solutions with the public and interested parties first… and then kind of get their feel before implementing or recommending implementing them to the City Council.”
That meeting at City Hall is set for next Wednesday evening.
The state of Oregon is posting daily readings of radiation levels online to assure the public that emissions from damaged nuclear power plants in Japan are not causing a health risk. Office of Environmental Public Health Administrator Gail Shibley said Tuesday the agency does not expect readings to go above normal, but this will be a way for the public to check them day to day. Nuclear power plants damaged by the tsunami in Japan have been releasing radiation, but authorities in Japan have evacuated people
only within 12 miles of the plants. The radiation levels are posted on the Oregon Health Authority website.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas fell a penny this week to $3.55, but, according to Triple-A of Oregon the statewide average price increased by three cents and stand this week at $3.68. The average price at the pump in Florence also increased this week… by four cents… it’s at $3.53.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
MOLALLA, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police are looking for a
driver and vehicle involved in a hit and run crash west of Molalla
that left a 67-year-old bicyclist seriously hurt. Lt. Gregg
Hastings says Thomas Mossman of Molalla was riding yesterday
afternoon on Highway 211 when he was hit, possibly by an SUV, which
continued westbound without stopping. Mossman was last reported in
a hospital ICU.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) - A Washington County sheriff's officer now
says his agency thinks a 62-year-old man left his home in the small
town of Timber by choice. Sgt. Vance Stimler says deputies began
investigating the whereabouts of Theador "Willy" Redman on Monday
after a report was filed when he didn't show up for work. Stimler
tells The Oregonian the man is no longer considered missing.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate is nearing a vote on a bill
that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at
Oregon universities. A vote could come as soon as next week.
Supporters of the bill say many high school students brought to the
U.S. illegally by their parents had no say in the decision to
emigrate, so they deserve an opportunity to receive an affordable
education.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate committee is scheduled to
hear from the public today about reducing capital gains taxes.
Lawmakers from both parties have said they're interested in
lowering Oregon's capital gains taxes, which are among the highest
in the country. Business groups have argued that the state's tax
climate makes Oregon unappealing to businesses that might create
jobs.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - A Clackamas County Circuit Court judge
says an Oregon woman is guilty of stealing more than $80,000 from
an 83-year-old acquaintance. In a nonjury trial, the judge found
45-year-old Kimberly Wright guilty yesterday of several counts of
theft. The Oregonian says the victim is a retired Milwaukie
businessman and longtime friend of Wright's family.
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) - Some Girl Scouts in Gresham are dipping
into their allowances to replace stolen cookies for soldiers in
Afghanistan. KPTV reports the girls from Troop 40853 had collected
five cases during their annual cookie sale. They were ready to go
and sitting in troop mom Lisa Sablan's car last Friday when the car
was stolen. When police found the car two days later, its stereo
was gone - and so were the cookies.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) - A Washington County sheriff's officer now
says his agency thinks a 62-year-old man left his home in the small
town of Timber by choice. Sgt. Vance Stimler says deputies began
looking for Theador Redman on Monday after a report was filed when
he didn't show up for work. But yesterday Stimler told The
Oregonian that Redman is no longer believed to be missing.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Two Eugene teens got a surprise lift from a
helicopter rescue crew at the end of their four-day hike along the
Rogue River National Recreation Trail. The Oregonian reports that
two 16-year-olds were picked up by the chopper after the father of
one of them who planned to meet them yesterday at Tucker Flat
couldn't get through snow and fallen trees. He called the BLM,
which helped arrange for a helicopter.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's largest public employee union says
state officials should reduce layers of management and insource
certain contracted programs. The Service Employees International
Union said yesterday the recommendations would use savings and new
revenue to shave about $1 billion off a projected $3.5 billion gap
between state revenue and the cost of continuing current services.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate is nearing a vote on a bill
that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at
Oregon universities. Supporters say many high school students
brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents had no say in the
decision to emigrate, so they deserve an opportunity to get an
affordable education. Opponents say illegal immigrants shouldn't
get a benefit that isn't available to American citizens who live in
other states.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
A three-run rally in the seventh inning tied it in game one, then the Siuslaw Vikings broke that tie in the ninth to take the opening half of a non-league softball double header at home yesterday 4-3 over the Coquille Red Devils. Kasey Strenke was three-for-five at the plate, Sadie Wells two-for-five with two doubles, two RBI and one stolen base.
In the nightcap the Vikings held the lead by the sixth and came away with a 3-1 win.
Viking Baseball is expected to be on the diamond today for a non-league double-header in Elmira at noon. Game one will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 11:45.
The Oregon men tip off at seven tonight against the Boise State Broncos in one semi-final of the College Basketball Invitational at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene. Airtime on Coast Radio Sports is at 6:30. The winner of tonight’s game will face either Creighton or Central Florida in a best of three championship series beginning Monday.
He wouldn’t call it a break-in because there was no sign of forced entry. But, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief John Buchanan wonders how a thief… or thieves… got into the Sutton Lake fire station this week and stole $40-thousand worth of portable radios.
211 – “Those radios are multi-frequency which includes ambulance and law enforcement. It creates, really, an issue.”
In all, a dozen portable radios, along with their battery chargers, are missing.
210 – “It does two things. It severely damages our ability to perform, not having those radios, and it also creates a safety issue for the fire fighters until we get those radios. Because we need them to be able to keep in contact all the time.”
Buchanan says they’ve notified communications companies around the state and they’ve posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to their return. Even though they’re valued at 40-grand, he says they have relatively little value.
212 – “I don’t know what they’re going to do with them. They can’t change frequencies because anybody that’s going to change frequencies is going to recognize those numbers. We have put those serial numbers out to all the Motorola people around Oregon. I just don’t know what they’re going to do with them.”
The loss is insured, he says, but it will take at least two weeks to get replacements.
Possible changes to parking regulations in Old Town Florence will be introduced next week. The adjustments have been in the works since November when city staff met with business owners and residents in the area. Executive Assistant Shawn Penrod says there’ll be some discussion about RV parking and possible changes to seasonal parking restrictions that typically start in May.
216 – “City staff has come up with a couple of recommendations for the parking in that area. Wednesday’s meeting is to discuss those tentative solutions with the public and interested parties first… and then kind of get their feel before implementing or recommending implementing them to the City Council.”
That meeting at City Hall is set for next Wednesday evening.
The state of Oregon is posting daily readings of radiation levels online to assure the public that emissions from damaged nuclear power plants in Japan are not causing a health risk. Office of Environmental Public Health Administrator Gail Shibley said Tuesday the agency does not expect readings to go above normal, but this will be a way for the public to check them day to day. Nuclear power plants damaged by the tsunami in Japan have been releasing radiation, but authorities in Japan have evacuated people
only within 12 miles of the plants. The radiation levels are posted on the Oregon Health Authority website.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas fell a penny this week to $3.55, but, according to Triple-A of Oregon the statewide average price increased by three cents and stand this week at $3.68. The average price at the pump in Florence also increased this week… by four cents… it’s at $3.53.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
MOLALLA, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police are looking for a
driver and vehicle involved in a hit and run crash west of Molalla
that left a 67-year-old bicyclist seriously hurt. Lt. Gregg
Hastings says Thomas Mossman of Molalla was riding yesterday
afternoon on Highway 211 when he was hit, possibly by an SUV, which
continued westbound without stopping. Mossman was last reported in
a hospital ICU.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) - A Washington County sheriff's officer now
says his agency thinks a 62-year-old man left his home in the small
town of Timber by choice. Sgt. Vance Stimler says deputies began
investigating the whereabouts of Theador "Willy" Redman on Monday
after a report was filed when he didn't show up for work. Stimler
tells The Oregonian the man is no longer considered missing.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate is nearing a vote on a bill
that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at
Oregon universities. A vote could come as soon as next week.
Supporters of the bill say many high school students brought to the
U.S. illegally by their parents had no say in the decision to
emigrate, so they deserve an opportunity to receive an affordable
education.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate committee is scheduled to
hear from the public today about reducing capital gains taxes.
Lawmakers from both parties have said they're interested in
lowering Oregon's capital gains taxes, which are among the highest
in the country. Business groups have argued that the state's tax
climate makes Oregon unappealing to businesses that might create
jobs.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - A Clackamas County Circuit Court judge
says an Oregon woman is guilty of stealing more than $80,000 from
an 83-year-old acquaintance. In a nonjury trial, the judge found
45-year-old Kimberly Wright guilty yesterday of several counts of
theft. The Oregonian says the victim is a retired Milwaukie
businessman and longtime friend of Wright's family.
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) - Some Girl Scouts in Gresham are dipping
into their allowances to replace stolen cookies for soldiers in
Afghanistan. KPTV reports the girls from Troop 40853 had collected
five cases during their annual cookie sale. They were ready to go
and sitting in troop mom Lisa Sablan's car last Friday when the car
was stolen. When police found the car two days later, its stereo
was gone - and so were the cookies.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) - A Washington County sheriff's officer now
says his agency thinks a 62-year-old man left his home in the small
town of Timber by choice. Sgt. Vance Stimler says deputies began
looking for Theador Redman on Monday after a report was filed when
he didn't show up for work. But yesterday Stimler told The
Oregonian that Redman is no longer believed to be missing.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Two Eugene teens got a surprise lift from a
helicopter rescue crew at the end of their four-day hike along the
Rogue River National Recreation Trail. The Oregonian reports that
two 16-year-olds were picked up by the chopper after the father of
one of them who planned to meet them yesterday at Tucker Flat
couldn't get through snow and fallen trees. He called the BLM,
which helped arrange for a helicopter.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's largest public employee union says
state officials should reduce layers of management and insource
certain contracted programs. The Service Employees International
Union said yesterday the recommendations would use savings and new
revenue to shave about $1 billion off a projected $3.5 billion gap
between state revenue and the cost of continuing current services.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate is nearing a vote on a bill
that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at
Oregon universities. Supporters say many high school students
brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents had no say in the
decision to emigrate, so they deserve an opportunity to get an
affordable education. Opponents say illegal immigrants shouldn't
get a benefit that isn't available to American citizens who live in
other states.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
A three-run rally in the seventh inning tied it in game one, then the Siuslaw Vikings broke that tie in the ninth to take the opening half of a non-league softball double header at home yesterday 4-3 over the Coquille Red Devils. Kasey Strenke was three-for-five at the plate, Sadie Wells two-for-five with two doubles, two RBI and one stolen base.
In the nightcap the Vikings held the lead by the sixth and came away with a 3-1 win.
Viking Baseball is expected to be on the diamond today for a non-league double-header in Elmira at noon. Game one will air on Coast Radio Sports beginning at 11:45.
The Oregon men tip off at seven tonight against the Boise State Broncos in one semi-final of the College Basketball Invitational at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene. Airtime on Coast Radio Sports is at 6:30. The winner of tonight’s game will face either Creighton or Central Florida in a best of three championship series beginning Monday.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tsunami response smooth but not perfect - State to look at EQ prep - More nesting space needed for plover
Council hears recap of Tsunami Response
They had the plan in place, emergency managers had rehearsed it. When it came time to blow the tsunami warning sirens nearly everything went smoothly.
200 – “We experienced probably several hundreds of phone calls during the event where people asked, ‘do I live in the inundation zone?’.”
Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders told the Florence City Council last night this month’s tsunami warning highlighted that the work is not done.
201 – “The overriding theme of the lessons learned in this is people have to know if they live in an inundation zone, and we, in the emergency management field, have to do our job to get that information out to them and repeat it over and over again.”
It turns education is not a ‘one-time’ thing, it needs to be ongoing and thorough. But still, he adds, implementation of the emergency plan was deemed a success.
202 – “It was an unfortunate experience to have to go through but it showed that we do have emergency operation plans ready. And, we can implement them and implement them with expected success.”
Sanders said efforts to get residents the information they need to be able to respond quickly when they hear sirens will be stepped up.
The March 11th quake in Japan was very similar to what could happen off the Oregon Coast. Oregon House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan said it should serve as a reminder to residents that if the Cascadia Subduction Zone breaks loose, damage won’t be limited just to the coast.
205 – “You saw what happened in that earthquake in Japan, hundreds of miles away in Tokyo, with the big buildings swaying. Our people need to understand that the tsunami will be the coast, but the earthquake of this magnitude will effect all of the Willamette Valley I would expect and up and down Washington.”
Roblan said the Coastal Caucus, a group of lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers, will hold a hearing in Salem to talk about disaster preparedness.
206 – “I think there’s a lot to learn. There’s a lot of things that we can do and we hope that by having this little meeting we’ll; here in the capitol; will highlight those things again.”
Roblan says they’ll meet sometime next week.
The amount of dry sand areas set aside for the nesting of endangered Snowy Plovers could double under a proposal announced this week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife managers say the increase is due to anticipated rising sea levels because of global warming. Critical habitat designations for the shorebird would cover more than 28-thousand acres along the coastlines of California, Oregon and Washington. Biologists estimate that there are no more than 23-hundred individual plovers in the “western population” along the Pacific Coast. Several areas along the Oregon Dunes and on the Central Coast have been identified as breeding areas and are set aside each year during the nesting season.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's governor has asked President Barack
Obama to issue a disaster declaration for a coastal county ravaged
by a tsunami this month. Gov. John Kitzhaber made the request
yesterday for Curry County on Oregon's southern coast. A
presidential disaster declaration would open the door for federal
assistance to help recover from an estimated $6.7 million in
damage.
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say a Warm Springs tribal
policeman is on administrative leave after a 22-year-old Madras man
was fatally shot during a traffic stop on the reservation. The FBI
and state police are investigating the Sunday shooting at the
tribe's wood products mill. The FBI identified the man shot as
Vernon Middleton Jr. The tribal officer's name wasn't released.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Lane County jury has acquitted a man who'd
been accused of being an accomplice in the fatal robbery of a
Eugene coffee stand. Jurors acquitted 28-year-old Brandon Lee Plunk
yesterday of attempted aggravated murder, first-degree robbery,
first-degree burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm,
all stemming from a Nov. 24 incident at a Dutch Bros. coffee stand.
HILLSORO, Ore. (AP) - Washington County sheriff's officers are
looking for a missing 62-year-old resident of the small community
of Timber. Sgt. Vance Stimler says Theodor "Willy" Redman didn't
show up for work yesterday in Forest Grove and his employer became
concerned. Deputies have learned that Redman's home burned in a
fire early Saturday. He was last seen at work on Friday night.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Current and former Oregon foster children
could go to college for free under a bill getting a public hearing
in the Legislature today. The measure would waive tuition and fees
for students who have been in the foster care system. It would
apply to people under 25 years old attending universities,
community colleges and Oregon Health and Science University.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Veterans Administration says 50 to 75
identification cards used for check-in at VA facilities are
missing, raising the potential for identity theft. The Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in Portland says the cards were mailed out
in January, and some were returned because of inaccurate mailing
addresses. Now the cards can't be found.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County authorities say one of
three men accused of plotting to kidnap Columbia Sportswear
Chairwoman Gert Boyle has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify
against the other two. The Oregonian says Jose Luis Arevalo pleaded
guilty to kidnapping, robbery and other charges. Two other men face
similar charges.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a Medford-area
traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to the arrest of a Seattle man
after 17 pounds of methamphetamine was found in the car he was
driving. Sgt. Jim Johnson says the meth found after Sunday's stop
is worth more than $350,000. Francisco Hernandez-Figueroa was
booked into the Jackson County Jail on drug charges and was placed
on an immigration hold.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - State officials says a recent data breach
means the health histories of about 120,000 Oregon residents have
been missing for more than a month. The Oregonian reports Health
Net, one of Oregon's largest health insurers, disclosed March 14
that data servers containing personal financial information for
nearly 2 million people has been missing from its California office
for about a month.
ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) - Ashland firefighters and paramedics are now
equipped and trained to give first aid to pets. The Daily Tidings
reports that Ashland firefighters were trained last week to do CPR
on dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils and even reptiles who have inhaled
smoke. All five department engines now carry oxygen masks for pets.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Baseball standout Jacob Thompson is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The sophomore utility player accounted for six of the Vikings’ eight runs in an extra inning 8-6 win over Newport, hitting two home runs, then driving in the winning margin with a two RBI single in the final inning….Honorable Mention to Siuslaw softball standout Kasey Strenke, who was three-for-four at the plate with two RBI and 3 stolen bases in the Lady Vikings’ win over Tillamook.
It was a game of streaks last night as Duquesne opened up with a 13-6 lead, followed by Oregon’s 30-11 run over the next ten minutes… then the lead changed a couple more times before the Ducks held off the Dukes 77-75 last night to advance to the semi-final of the CBI. Garret Sim led all scoring with a season high 20 points. Three other Oregon players had double-digit scoring. Oregon will host Boise State at Matthew Knight Arena Wednesday night at seven pm. Central Florida and Creighton, Oregon coach Dana Altman’s former team, will play in the other semi.
On the schedule today the Siuslaw Vikings are set to host Coquille in non-league softball for a pair of games beginning at noon.
They had the plan in place, emergency managers had rehearsed it. When it came time to blow the tsunami warning sirens nearly everything went smoothly.
200 – “We experienced probably several hundreds of phone calls during the event where people asked, ‘do I live in the inundation zone?’.”
Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders told the Florence City Council last night this month’s tsunami warning highlighted that the work is not done.
201 – “The overriding theme of the lessons learned in this is people have to know if they live in an inundation zone, and we, in the emergency management field, have to do our job to get that information out to them and repeat it over and over again.”
It turns education is not a ‘one-time’ thing, it needs to be ongoing and thorough. But still, he adds, implementation of the emergency plan was deemed a success.
202 – “It was an unfortunate experience to have to go through but it showed that we do have emergency operation plans ready. And, we can implement them and implement them with expected success.”
Sanders said efforts to get residents the information they need to be able to respond quickly when they hear sirens will be stepped up.
The March 11th quake in Japan was very similar to what could happen off the Oregon Coast. Oregon House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan said it should serve as a reminder to residents that if the Cascadia Subduction Zone breaks loose, damage won’t be limited just to the coast.
205 – “You saw what happened in that earthquake in Japan, hundreds of miles away in Tokyo, with the big buildings swaying. Our people need to understand that the tsunami will be the coast, but the earthquake of this magnitude will effect all of the Willamette Valley I would expect and up and down Washington.”
Roblan said the Coastal Caucus, a group of lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers, will hold a hearing in Salem to talk about disaster preparedness.
206 – “I think there’s a lot to learn. There’s a lot of things that we can do and we hope that by having this little meeting we’ll; here in the capitol; will highlight those things again.”
Roblan says they’ll meet sometime next week.
The amount of dry sand areas set aside for the nesting of endangered Snowy Plovers could double under a proposal announced this week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife managers say the increase is due to anticipated rising sea levels because of global warming. Critical habitat designations for the shorebird would cover more than 28-thousand acres along the coastlines of California, Oregon and Washington. Biologists estimate that there are no more than 23-hundred individual plovers in the “western population” along the Pacific Coast. Several areas along the Oregon Dunes and on the Central Coast have been identified as breeding areas and are set aside each year during the nesting season.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's governor has asked President Barack
Obama to issue a disaster declaration for a coastal county ravaged
by a tsunami this month. Gov. John Kitzhaber made the request
yesterday for Curry County on Oregon's southern coast. A
presidential disaster declaration would open the door for federal
assistance to help recover from an estimated $6.7 million in
damage.
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say a Warm Springs tribal
policeman is on administrative leave after a 22-year-old Madras man
was fatally shot during a traffic stop on the reservation. The FBI
and state police are investigating the Sunday shooting at the
tribe's wood products mill. The FBI identified the man shot as
Vernon Middleton Jr. The tribal officer's name wasn't released.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Lane County jury has acquitted a man who'd
been accused of being an accomplice in the fatal robbery of a
Eugene coffee stand. Jurors acquitted 28-year-old Brandon Lee Plunk
yesterday of attempted aggravated murder, first-degree robbery,
first-degree burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm,
all stemming from a Nov. 24 incident at a Dutch Bros. coffee stand.
HILLSORO, Ore. (AP) - Washington County sheriff's officers are
looking for a missing 62-year-old resident of the small community
of Timber. Sgt. Vance Stimler says Theodor "Willy" Redman didn't
show up for work yesterday in Forest Grove and his employer became
concerned. Deputies have learned that Redman's home burned in a
fire early Saturday. He was last seen at work on Friday night.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Current and former Oregon foster children
could go to college for free under a bill getting a public hearing
in the Legislature today. The measure would waive tuition and fees
for students who have been in the foster care system. It would
apply to people under 25 years old attending universities,
community colleges and Oregon Health and Science University.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Veterans Administration says 50 to 75
identification cards used for check-in at VA facilities are
missing, raising the potential for identity theft. The Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in Portland says the cards were mailed out
in January, and some were returned because of inaccurate mailing
addresses. Now the cards can't be found.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County authorities say one of
three men accused of plotting to kidnap Columbia Sportswear
Chairwoman Gert Boyle has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify
against the other two. The Oregonian says Jose Luis Arevalo pleaded
guilty to kidnapping, robbery and other charges. Two other men face
similar charges.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a Medford-area
traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to the arrest of a Seattle man
after 17 pounds of methamphetamine was found in the car he was
driving. Sgt. Jim Johnson says the meth found after Sunday's stop
is worth more than $350,000. Francisco Hernandez-Figueroa was
booked into the Jackson County Jail on drug charges and was placed
on an immigration hold.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - State officials says a recent data breach
means the health histories of about 120,000 Oregon residents have
been missing for more than a month. The Oregonian reports Health
Net, one of Oregon's largest health insurers, disclosed March 14
that data servers containing personal financial information for
nearly 2 million people has been missing from its California office
for about a month.
ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) - Ashland firefighters and paramedics are now
equipped and trained to give first aid to pets. The Daily Tidings
reports that Ashland firefighters were trained last week to do CPR
on dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils and even reptiles who have inhaled
smoke. All five department engines now carry oxygen masks for pets.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Baseball standout Jacob Thompson is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The sophomore utility player accounted for six of the Vikings’ eight runs in an extra inning 8-6 win over Newport, hitting two home runs, then driving in the winning margin with a two RBI single in the final inning….Honorable Mention to Siuslaw softball standout Kasey Strenke, who was three-for-four at the plate with two RBI and 3 stolen bases in the Lady Vikings’ win over Tillamook.
It was a game of streaks last night as Duquesne opened up with a 13-6 lead, followed by Oregon’s 30-11 run over the next ten minutes… then the lead changed a couple more times before the Ducks held off the Dukes 77-75 last night to advance to the semi-final of the CBI. Garret Sim led all scoring with a season high 20 points. Three other Oregon players had double-digit scoring. Oregon will host Boise State at Matthew Knight Arena Wednesday night at seven pm. Central Florida and Creighton, Oregon coach Dana Altman’s former team, will play in the other semi.
On the schedule today the Siuslaw Vikings are set to host Coquille in non-league softball for a pair of games beginning at noon.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Japanese debris unlikely for weekend cleanup - Search continues for Waldport Woman - Marine Reserve process continues
Japanese debris unlikely for cleanup
Experts say it’s still too early for much of the debris from last week’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan to make it to the west coast of the United States so volunteers at this weekend’s Spring Beach Cleanup won’t likely see much extra this coming Saturday.
217 – “Our safety coordinator for State Parks actually has been doing some research and talking with some scientists and they believe at this time that we won’t really see a big increase in debris.”
Oregon Parks Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore says those scientists predict it will likely take at least several months, if not years, for debris to make it’s way to the Pacific Northwest.
218 – “We don’t have a lot of experience with it, because this is a pretty unique event, but from their educated perspective they don’t think we’re going to see a big increase in that.”
The annual Spring Cleanup is set for this coming Saturday from ten AM to one PM.
A 52-year old Waldport woman, missing since February 18th continues to be the subject of a search near Cape Perpetua. Lane County Search and Rescue coordinator John Miller says Margaret M. Kohler left her home more than four weeks ago to go hiking or truffle hunting. Two days later neighbors reported her missing. Searchers concentrated on the Cummins Ridge trail network just south of Cape Perpetua two weeks ago when her car was discovered at a parking area. Her dog was located alive in that area several days into the search but to date there has been no sign of her. Miller says there is no sign of foul play.
The Oregon Coastal Caucus, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill in the Oregon House last week to begin the process of implementing recommendations of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council for a limited system of marine reserves off the Oregon Coast. House Bill 2009 would put in place no more than six reserves or protected areas. The bill itself would place a two-year ‘baseline evaluation’ for up to six of the sites and would include enforcement mechanisms over a ten to 15-year period. The reserves would prohibit commercial and sport fishing within their boundaries… some sports fishing would be allowed in the protected areas.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Domestic violence experts and Oregon State
Attorney General John Kroger want to make strangulation a felony
act in Oregon. The Mail Tribune newspaper reports that
strangulations are currently misdemeanor crimes. He says state law
should recognize strangulation as a serious crime. Kroger is now
asking the public to help support House Bill 2940, which he helped
write.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - The Bureau of Land Management's renewable
energy project list includes two wind projects proposed for
Oregon's High Desert. The Bulletin newspaper in Bend says the West
Butte Wind project in Crook County and the Echanis Wind project
near Steens Mountain in Harney County would be on private land, but
would need BLM approval to string transmission lines across public
land.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate committee today hears from
the public about amending the state constitution to allow cities to
regulate strip clubs. Supporters say residents should have some
control over whether a strip club can open in their neighborhood.
But opponents say government shouldn't be able to regulate free
expression like nudity.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Woodburn middle school teacher has been
accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old
high school student. KATU-TV reports that 30-year-old Luis Guevara
was arrested last week for misconduct. He teaches at French Prairie
Middle School and coaches girls' basketball at Woodburn High
School.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Albany police have arrested three people
following a domestic dispute at a daycare facility in Albany. The
Democrat-Herald reports that Strawberry Knights Daycare owner
Delores Goodenough faces two felony and one misdemeanor charge.
Police say she was involved in an altercation with her daughter and
son-in-law, Christina and Christopher Cavazos. While responding,
officers found a methamphetamine pipe as well as paraphernalia in
the facility.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Jake Thompson was three-for-four with a pair of home runs Saturday afternoon as the Siuslaw Vikings downed the Newport Cubs in eight innings. Thompson also punched a two-run single to the outfield for the winning margin in the top of the eighth inning after the Cubs tied it in the seventh to force extra innings.
On the Softball diamond, the Siuslaw Vikings came away with a split in Newport Saturday afternoon. The Lady Viks put up13 hits to come away with a 13-7 win over Tillamook in one game. Siuslaw struggled with only one hit against the Cubs, falling 7-2 to Newport. Ashlee Cole was 4-for-7 on the day.
The Oregon Men take on Duquesne in the quarter final action of the sixteen team CBI Tournament. Airtime this evening on KCST is set for 6:30, tip off at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene is set for 7 o’clock, the winner will advance to the semifinal round Wednesday.
Experts say it’s still too early for much of the debris from last week’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan to make it to the west coast of the United States so volunteers at this weekend’s Spring Beach Cleanup won’t likely see much extra this coming Saturday.
217 – “Our safety coordinator for State Parks actually has been doing some research and talking with some scientists and they believe at this time that we won’t really see a big increase in debris.”
Oregon Parks Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore says those scientists predict it will likely take at least several months, if not years, for debris to make it’s way to the Pacific Northwest.
218 – “We don’t have a lot of experience with it, because this is a pretty unique event, but from their educated perspective they don’t think we’re going to see a big increase in that.”
The annual Spring Cleanup is set for this coming Saturday from ten AM to one PM.
A 52-year old Waldport woman, missing since February 18th continues to be the subject of a search near Cape Perpetua. Lane County Search and Rescue coordinator John Miller says Margaret M. Kohler left her home more than four weeks ago to go hiking or truffle hunting. Two days later neighbors reported her missing. Searchers concentrated on the Cummins Ridge trail network just south of Cape Perpetua two weeks ago when her car was discovered at a parking area. Her dog was located alive in that area several days into the search but to date there has been no sign of her. Miller says there is no sign of foul play.
The Oregon Coastal Caucus, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill in the Oregon House last week to begin the process of implementing recommendations of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council for a limited system of marine reserves off the Oregon Coast. House Bill 2009 would put in place no more than six reserves or protected areas. The bill itself would place a two-year ‘baseline evaluation’ for up to six of the sites and would include enforcement mechanisms over a ten to 15-year period. The reserves would prohibit commercial and sport fishing within their boundaries… some sports fishing would be allowed in the protected areas.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - Domestic violence experts and Oregon State
Attorney General John Kroger want to make strangulation a felony
act in Oregon. The Mail Tribune newspaper reports that
strangulations are currently misdemeanor crimes. He says state law
should recognize strangulation as a serious crime. Kroger is now
asking the public to help support House Bill 2940, which he helped
write.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - The Bureau of Land Management's renewable
energy project list includes two wind projects proposed for
Oregon's High Desert. The Bulletin newspaper in Bend says the West
Butte Wind project in Crook County and the Echanis Wind project
near Steens Mountain in Harney County would be on private land, but
would need BLM approval to string transmission lines across public
land.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate committee today hears from
the public about amending the state constitution to allow cities to
regulate strip clubs. Supporters say residents should have some
control over whether a strip club can open in their neighborhood.
But opponents say government shouldn't be able to regulate free
expression like nudity.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Woodburn middle school teacher has been
accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old
high school student. KATU-TV reports that 30-year-old Luis Guevara
was arrested last week for misconduct. He teaches at French Prairie
Middle School and coaches girls' basketball at Woodburn High
School.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Albany police have arrested three people
following a domestic dispute at a daycare facility in Albany. The
Democrat-Herald reports that Strawberry Knights Daycare owner
Delores Goodenough faces two felony and one misdemeanor charge.
Police say she was involved in an altercation with her daughter and
son-in-law, Christina and Christopher Cavazos. While responding,
officers found a methamphetamine pipe as well as paraphernalia in
the facility.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Jake Thompson was three-for-four with a pair of home runs Saturday afternoon as the Siuslaw Vikings downed the Newport Cubs in eight innings. Thompson also punched a two-run single to the outfield for the winning margin in the top of the eighth inning after the Cubs tied it in the seventh to force extra innings.
On the Softball diamond, the Siuslaw Vikings came away with a split in Newport Saturday afternoon. The Lady Viks put up13 hits to come away with a 13-7 win over Tillamook in one game. Siuslaw struggled with only one hit against the Cubs, falling 7-2 to Newport. Ashlee Cole was 4-for-7 on the day.
The Oregon Men take on Duquesne in the quarter final action of the sixteen team CBI Tournament. Airtime this evening on KCST is set for 6:30, tip off at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene is set for 7 o’clock, the winner will advance to the semifinal round Wednesday.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring elections draws contested races - some radiation detected - Song of Survival - Whale Watching
Spring election draws some contested races…
Elections officials are still processing last minute paperwork, but the filing deadline for local board and commission positions on the May 17th ballot came and went yesterday afternoon. It looks like at least three races will be contested locally. Local publisher Rob Spooner is challenging current board Chair Tami Butler for her seat on the Siuslaw School Board. Cindy Spinner is vying to be the first Florence resident on the Siuslaw Valley Fire Board since annexation of the city. She’ll be running against long-time incumbent Bill Mead. In the Heceta Water District Chuck Gesik is challenging Jerry Nordin. There are three positions up for election on the Port of Siuslaw board but only two people have filed… Sally Owens and Joshua Greene have filed for re-election but Bud Saulsgiver did not. The deadline for filing was yesterday at five pm. Ballots for the May 17th election will be mailed out around the first of May.
The first radioactive fallout from Japan’s crippled nuclear plant reached California early this morning, but readings indicated levels far below those that could endanger people. U.S. Government experts insist there is no threat to public health from the plume. An ambassador who has access to the United Nations radiation information says California based equipment near Sacramento shows very low levels have been recorded.
Every ten years when the census is completed governments that divide their jurisdictions based on population counts must reassess the dividing lines between districts to ensure an even balance. The Lane County Board of Commissioners is forming a Redistricting Task Force and is seeking seven residents to serve on that panel. It will be made up of one person from each of the five commissioner districts, plus two ‘at-large’ appointments.
A Song of Survival, the play based on how 700 women interned in a Japanese prison camp in World War II Indonesia were able to cope with the conditions opened up on stage at the Florence Events Center yesterday. Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers used their musical background and experiences to form a vocal orchestra group at Palembang Prison. The play is based on the memory and perspective of one of the women, Helen Colijn (KUH-lang). A 2:00 matinee is set for today, there are additional performances at the Florence Events Center tomorrow and Sunday.
Spring Break begins when school lets out today for thousands of Oregon Students and that means dozens of volunteers will be stationed along the Oregon Coast through next Saturday to help spot the migrating gray whale. “Whale Watching Spoken Here” signs will mark their locations and they’ll be available from ten AM to one PM beginning tomorrow to talk about the whales and help spot them as they make their way north for summer feeding.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Marine whose girlfriend is accused of
e-mailing him videos of her sexually abusing a year-old child has
pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges. Authorities say
31-year-old Corey McAdoo of Vancouver, Wash., was stationed in
Afghanistan when he is accused of receiving the videos last fall.
His trial on three counts of receiving child porn is set for May 3
in Portland.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Fifteen people have been indicted in
Oregon on federal charges that allege a multistate conspiracy to
sell massive quantities of oxycodone pain pills and launder more
than $1.7 million in drug money. Federal authorities in Portland
say the participants used bank accounts in Florida, Nevada, Oregon
and New York and bought expensive cars, including Bentleys and
Mercedes.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man has been charged with manslaughter
after a van struck and killed a 47-year-old woman in Portland.
Police say 36-year-old Aaron Arrell was arrested at a motel shortly
after the victim was hit while she was trying to cross a main
street at about 10 p.m. Wednesday. The victim was identified as
Lori Noelle Kerr of Portland. No other details were immediately
available.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The city of Portland is refusing to
release police reports and information about a confidential
informant in connection with a fatal police shooting. The Oregonian
reports that the family of Aaron Campbell is seeking the
information as they prepare to file a wrongful death suit in his
January 2010 shooting. The city says the information isn't
relevant.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A Salem food packer says it will lay off
about 100 employees by the end of April. The Statesman Journal
reports Truitt Bros. co-owner David Truitt says the company will
split the layoffs evenly between full-time and part-time employees.
The company cans food and also packages them in flexible pouches.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Air National Guard wraps up a
week of training for F-15 jet fighter pilots today. The 142nd
Fighter Wing in Portland has been conducting nighttime flights to
train crew members in the use of night vision goggles and other
maneuvers.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - If you have business with Oregon state
government, it might have to wait until Monday. Dozens of state
agencies will be closed today as thousands of state workers take an
unpaid day off. Friday is the ninth of 10 state-worker furlough
days created to help balance the current two-year budget.
ST. HELENS, Ore. (AP) - Authorities are awaiting the results of
a mental competency exam of a man accused of fatally shooting
Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter. Colombia County Sheriff Jeff
Dickerson says a doctor evaluated 21-year-old Daniel Butts of
Kalama, Wash., twice earlier this month. The Daily News of
Longview, Wash., says the sheriff did not say when the doctor's
report is expected.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Eugene lawyer under investigation for
complaints about his debt collection tactics has closed his office
and surrendered his license. The Register Guard reports the actions
are part of a settlement Derrick McGavic negotiated with the Oregon
attorney general's office. He'll also pay $70,000 to cover the
state's costs.
BURNS, Ore. (AP) - A Harney County, Ore., official says a former
wrangler at the federal Bureau of Land Management's wild horse
corrals near Burns is accused of failing to properly care for more
than 20 Kiger mustangs he owned. One horse died. Deputy District
Attorney Stephen Ellis tells The Oregonian that Tim Westfall was
charged with 22 counts of second-degree animal neglect and a single
count of first-degree animal neglect.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Things got underway yesterday on the track and field for the Siuslaw Vikings as a half dozen teams gathered at Hans Peterson Field for the Siuslaw Ice-Breaker Meet. Leigh Aurich led the way for the Lady Vikings, winning the 300 meter hurdles and the triple jump. Marisha Reavis won the Discus and finished second in the shot put for the girls. On the boys’ side of things, Matthew Campbell won the 800 meters, Mack Marbas the 1500, and the relay team of Campbell, Marbas, David Cano (KONN-oh) and Wyatt Alletson won the four-by-400.
Coming up on the schedule… the Viking Baseball team is set for a double-header tomorrow in Newport at noon…. Viking Softball will be on the road for two games in Newport… against the Cubs and Tillamook.
Game time has been set for seven o’clock Monday night as the Oregon Men’s basketball team will host Duquesne in the quarterfinal round of the CBI… airtime on Coast Radio Sports will be at 6:30.
Elections officials are still processing last minute paperwork, but the filing deadline for local board and commission positions on the May 17th ballot came and went yesterday afternoon. It looks like at least three races will be contested locally. Local publisher Rob Spooner is challenging current board Chair Tami Butler for her seat on the Siuslaw School Board. Cindy Spinner is vying to be the first Florence resident on the Siuslaw Valley Fire Board since annexation of the city. She’ll be running against long-time incumbent Bill Mead. In the Heceta Water District Chuck Gesik is challenging Jerry Nordin. There are three positions up for election on the Port of Siuslaw board but only two people have filed… Sally Owens and Joshua Greene have filed for re-election but Bud Saulsgiver did not. The deadline for filing was yesterday at five pm. Ballots for the May 17th election will be mailed out around the first of May.
The first radioactive fallout from Japan’s crippled nuclear plant reached California early this morning, but readings indicated levels far below those that could endanger people. U.S. Government experts insist there is no threat to public health from the plume. An ambassador who has access to the United Nations radiation information says California based equipment near Sacramento shows very low levels have been recorded.
Every ten years when the census is completed governments that divide their jurisdictions based on population counts must reassess the dividing lines between districts to ensure an even balance. The Lane County Board of Commissioners is forming a Redistricting Task Force and is seeking seven residents to serve on that panel. It will be made up of one person from each of the five commissioner districts, plus two ‘at-large’ appointments.
A Song of Survival, the play based on how 700 women interned in a Japanese prison camp in World War II Indonesia were able to cope with the conditions opened up on stage at the Florence Events Center yesterday. Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers used their musical background and experiences to form a vocal orchestra group at Palembang Prison. The play is based on the memory and perspective of one of the women, Helen Colijn (KUH-lang). A 2:00 matinee is set for today, there are additional performances at the Florence Events Center tomorrow and Sunday.
Spring Break begins when school lets out today for thousands of Oregon Students and that means dozens of volunteers will be stationed along the Oregon Coast through next Saturday to help spot the migrating gray whale. “Whale Watching Spoken Here” signs will mark their locations and they’ll be available from ten AM to one PM beginning tomorrow to talk about the whales and help spot them as they make their way north for summer feeding.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Marine whose girlfriend is accused of
e-mailing him videos of her sexually abusing a year-old child has
pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges. Authorities say
31-year-old Corey McAdoo of Vancouver, Wash., was stationed in
Afghanistan when he is accused of receiving the videos last fall.
His trial on three counts of receiving child porn is set for May 3
in Portland.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Fifteen people have been indicted in
Oregon on federal charges that allege a multistate conspiracy to
sell massive quantities of oxycodone pain pills and launder more
than $1.7 million in drug money. Federal authorities in Portland
say the participants used bank accounts in Florida, Nevada, Oregon
and New York and bought expensive cars, including Bentleys and
Mercedes.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man has been charged with manslaughter
after a van struck and killed a 47-year-old woman in Portland.
Police say 36-year-old Aaron Arrell was arrested at a motel shortly
after the victim was hit while she was trying to cross a main
street at about 10 p.m. Wednesday. The victim was identified as
Lori Noelle Kerr of Portland. No other details were immediately
available.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The city of Portland is refusing to
release police reports and information about a confidential
informant in connection with a fatal police shooting. The Oregonian
reports that the family of Aaron Campbell is seeking the
information as they prepare to file a wrongful death suit in his
January 2010 shooting. The city says the information isn't
relevant.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A Salem food packer says it will lay off
about 100 employees by the end of April. The Statesman Journal
reports Truitt Bros. co-owner David Truitt says the company will
split the layoffs evenly between full-time and part-time employees.
The company cans food and also packages them in flexible pouches.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Air National Guard wraps up a
week of training for F-15 jet fighter pilots today. The 142nd
Fighter Wing in Portland has been conducting nighttime flights to
train crew members in the use of night vision goggles and other
maneuvers.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - If you have business with Oregon state
government, it might have to wait until Monday. Dozens of state
agencies will be closed today as thousands of state workers take an
unpaid day off. Friday is the ninth of 10 state-worker furlough
days created to help balance the current two-year budget.
ST. HELENS, Ore. (AP) - Authorities are awaiting the results of
a mental competency exam of a man accused of fatally shooting
Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter. Colombia County Sheriff Jeff
Dickerson says a doctor evaluated 21-year-old Daniel Butts of
Kalama, Wash., twice earlier this month. The Daily News of
Longview, Wash., says the sheriff did not say when the doctor's
report is expected.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Eugene lawyer under investigation for
complaints about his debt collection tactics has closed his office
and surrendered his license. The Register Guard reports the actions
are part of a settlement Derrick McGavic negotiated with the Oregon
attorney general's office. He'll also pay $70,000 to cover the
state's costs.
BURNS, Ore. (AP) - A Harney County, Ore., official says a former
wrangler at the federal Bureau of Land Management's wild horse
corrals near Burns is accused of failing to properly care for more
than 20 Kiger mustangs he owned. One horse died. Deputy District
Attorney Stephen Ellis tells The Oregonian that Tim Westfall was
charged with 22 counts of second-degree animal neglect and a single
count of first-degree animal neglect.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Things got underway yesterday on the track and field for the Siuslaw Vikings as a half dozen teams gathered at Hans Peterson Field for the Siuslaw Ice-Breaker Meet. Leigh Aurich led the way for the Lady Vikings, winning the 300 meter hurdles and the triple jump. Marisha Reavis won the Discus and finished second in the shot put for the girls. On the boys’ side of things, Matthew Campbell won the 800 meters, Mack Marbas the 1500, and the relay team of Campbell, Marbas, David Cano (KONN-oh) and Wyatt Alletson won the four-by-400.
Coming up on the schedule… the Viking Baseball team is set for a double-header tomorrow in Newport at noon…. Viking Softball will be on the road for two games in Newport… against the Cubs and Tillamook.
Game time has been set for seven o’clock Monday night as the Oregon Men’s basketball team will host Duquesne in the quarterfinal round of the CBI… airtime on Coast Radio Sports will be at 6:30.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Radiation levels monitored - Beach Cleanup coming - Florence man walks away from jail... again.
RBS
Authorities continue to minimize radiation hazards…
Oregon officials say there is no health risk to the state from radiation released by a damaged nuclear plant in Japan. At the same time, federal environmental regulators say they are adding more radiation monitors as concerns rise. The Environmental Protection Agency already monitors radiation throughout the area as part of its “RadNet” system which measures levels in the air, drinking water, milk and rain. Officials with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission say they do not expect harmful radiation levels to reach the U.S. Oregon Public Health officials agree. They held a press conference yesterday to reassure residents that they were closely monitoring developments as crews continue trying to cool overheated reactors at the Daiichi Nuclear facility. They say they’re closely monitoring those federal radiation detectors.
Florence police are looking for a 22-year old prisoner who failed to return from a dentist appointment. This would be the second time that Keith Brown walked away from the Florence Jail. Authorities say Brown is 6’2”, 215 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He still had 70 days remaining on a 102 day sentence stemming from several probation violations, resisting arrest and a DUII. Brown was supposed to return to the jail yesterday after the dentist’s visit. It is the second time he’s walked away from the Florence lockup… in 2009 he was serving another sentence, was released to see a doctor and took off. He was later located and earned another 30-days in jail. Police say not to approach the man if you see him, rather call 911 and give dispatchers as much information as you can about his location and what he’s wearing.
Spring break is set to begin this weekend and for most of the past 25 years that’s meant the annual Spring Beach Cleanup sponsored by SOLV and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Parks beach ranger Trisha Wymore says the cleanup will take place a week later than normal this year.
215 – “That’s because we have a high tide coming on the day that it’s typically on. During the time when volunteers would be on the beach.”
Wymore says beach safety is of utmost importance, but a low tide also leaves more space for volunteers to maneuver. There will be a half dozen locations in Western Lane County for volunteers to work, as well as two in Douglas County. Wymore says information is available online.
216 – “We have preregistration online now so we can save paper and save time for people showing up. And that’s at www.solv.org.”
Volunteers will also be on hand at Siuslaw Bank in Florence and the Oregon Dunes headquarters in Reedsport to help direct workers. That beach cleanup is set for March 26th.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Police in Corvallis now say that while
gunshots were heard near a rooming house early yesterday, no
bullets actually hit the house. Investigators initially said they
found exterior wall damage consistent with gunshots, but Sgt. Jef
Van Arsdall says those holes had actually been drilled as part of a
construction project. One bullet was recovered. No injuries have
been reported.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Bend police say the 71-year-old husband of a
woman missing for nearly a week has been found dead in his home
with a gunshot wound. Capt. Jim Porter says officers responding to
a report of a dead man at the home of John and Sandra Meyer found
John Meyer dead yesterday morning. KTVZ says police are not
releasing details about the nature of the gunshot wound.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Police have arrested an 18-year-old man
accused of breaking in to the Oregon state Capitol. Oregon State
Police troopers say Ellis C. Dishion of Salem was arrested for
investigation of criminal mischief and criminal trespass. He was
taken into custody about 7 last night after officers responded to a
report of a break-in at the Capitol's employee entrance on the west
side.
LAKEVIEW, Ore. (AP) - A teenager who broke into southern Oregon
homes and stole young women's underwear has been sentenced to 4 1/2
years in prison after a judge revoked his probation. Lake County
District Attorney David Schutt says Rodger Clint Lee Vanwormer Jr.
burglarized homes in Lakeview in 2009, taking only female
underwear, which was found in labeled plastic bags in his room.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Congressman David Wu crashed his vehicle
into a parked car in Portland last year, but the incident never
showed up in a police report. The Oregonian reports no one was
injured in the February 2010 accident and Wu passed a field
sobriety test. His spokesman, Erik Dorey, says Wu fell asleep while
driving.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate Committee is set to consider
legislation to prohibit government agencies from disclosing the
names of people with permits to carry concealed weapons. The bill
sponsored by Republican Sen. Doug Whitsett of Klamath Falls stems
from a dispute between the Medford Mail Tribune and the Jackson
County Sheriff over releasing the county's concealed weapons permit
list.
LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) - Wildlife officials have not been able to
determine the cause of death for a wolf that had recently been
captured and fitted with a radio tracking collar. Blood was found
in the wolf's chest, but investigators couldn't find the cause.
Wolves are an endangered species in Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Gresham man is pleading guilty in the
torture death of his 5-year-old daughter. The Oregonian reports
24-year-old Christopher Andrew Rosillo faces a 25-year prison term
when he is sentenced next month. The girl, Oleander Labier, had
multiple broken bones and internal injuries and weighed only 28
pounds because of malnutrition when she died last April.
TOPPENISH, Wash. (AP) - The Yakama Nation plans to release the
details of a major casino expansion and hotel development today.
Across the Columbia River, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Reservation are working on a $67 million project of their
own to add more casino space, a Cineplex and high-rise hotel.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A judge has sentenced a 64-year-old
Portland man to three years' probation for installing a hidden
camera in his bathroom. The Oregonian reports Ronald Kent Schaffner
was accused of recording women, including his sister and
daughter-in-law, in the shower. The Multnomah County Circuit judge
also ordered the former lawyer to undergo counseling.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is
scheduled to meet by teleconference today after its meeting in
Florence last Friday was canceled as coastal residents braced for
waves from the tsunami caused by the earthquake in Japan. The Mail
Tribune reports the commission is scheduled to review management
plans for big-game animals.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Oregon’s Joevan (jo-VONN) Catron (KAY-tronn) had 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Ducks held off Weber State to win 68-59 last night in an opening round game of the College Basketball Invitational at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene. E.J. Singler had 16 points for the Ducks who are now at 17-17 on the year and won their first post season game since 2007. They’ll host Duquesne in the CBI quarterfinals Monday evening.
On the track this afternoon the Siuslaw Ice Breaker gets underway at Hans Peterson Field. The Siuslaw Vikings will open up the season with a limited squad at four P.M.
Authorities continue to minimize radiation hazards…
Oregon officials say there is no health risk to the state from radiation released by a damaged nuclear plant in Japan. At the same time, federal environmental regulators say they are adding more radiation monitors as concerns rise. The Environmental Protection Agency already monitors radiation throughout the area as part of its “RadNet” system which measures levels in the air, drinking water, milk and rain. Officials with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission say they do not expect harmful radiation levels to reach the U.S. Oregon Public Health officials agree. They held a press conference yesterday to reassure residents that they were closely monitoring developments as crews continue trying to cool overheated reactors at the Daiichi Nuclear facility. They say they’re closely monitoring those federal radiation detectors.
Florence police are looking for a 22-year old prisoner who failed to return from a dentist appointment. This would be the second time that Keith Brown walked away from the Florence Jail. Authorities say Brown is 6’2”, 215 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He still had 70 days remaining on a 102 day sentence stemming from several probation violations, resisting arrest and a DUII. Brown was supposed to return to the jail yesterday after the dentist’s visit. It is the second time he’s walked away from the Florence lockup… in 2009 he was serving another sentence, was released to see a doctor and took off. He was later located and earned another 30-days in jail. Police say not to approach the man if you see him, rather call 911 and give dispatchers as much information as you can about his location and what he’s wearing.
Spring break is set to begin this weekend and for most of the past 25 years that’s meant the annual Spring Beach Cleanup sponsored by SOLV and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Parks beach ranger Trisha Wymore says the cleanup will take place a week later than normal this year.
215 – “That’s because we have a high tide coming on the day that it’s typically on. During the time when volunteers would be on the beach.”
Wymore says beach safety is of utmost importance, but a low tide also leaves more space for volunteers to maneuver. There will be a half dozen locations in Western Lane County for volunteers to work, as well as two in Douglas County. Wymore says information is available online.
216 – “We have preregistration online now so we can save paper and save time for people showing up. And that’s at www.solv.org.”
Volunteers will also be on hand at Siuslaw Bank in Florence and the Oregon Dunes headquarters in Reedsport to help direct workers. That beach cleanup is set for March 26th.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Police in Corvallis now say that while
gunshots were heard near a rooming house early yesterday, no
bullets actually hit the house. Investigators initially said they
found exterior wall damage consistent with gunshots, but Sgt. Jef
Van Arsdall says those holes had actually been drilled as part of a
construction project. One bullet was recovered. No injuries have
been reported.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Bend police say the 71-year-old husband of a
woman missing for nearly a week has been found dead in his home
with a gunshot wound. Capt. Jim Porter says officers responding to
a report of a dead man at the home of John and Sandra Meyer found
John Meyer dead yesterday morning. KTVZ says police are not
releasing details about the nature of the gunshot wound.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Police have arrested an 18-year-old man
accused of breaking in to the Oregon state Capitol. Oregon State
Police troopers say Ellis C. Dishion of Salem was arrested for
investigation of criminal mischief and criminal trespass. He was
taken into custody about 7 last night after officers responded to a
report of a break-in at the Capitol's employee entrance on the west
side.
LAKEVIEW, Ore. (AP) - A teenager who broke into southern Oregon
homes and stole young women's underwear has been sentenced to 4 1/2
years in prison after a judge revoked his probation. Lake County
District Attorney David Schutt says Rodger Clint Lee Vanwormer Jr.
burglarized homes in Lakeview in 2009, taking only female
underwear, which was found in labeled plastic bags in his room.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Congressman David Wu crashed his vehicle
into a parked car in Portland last year, but the incident never
showed up in a police report. The Oregonian reports no one was
injured in the February 2010 accident and Wu passed a field
sobriety test. His spokesman, Erik Dorey, says Wu fell asleep while
driving.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate Committee is set to consider
legislation to prohibit government agencies from disclosing the
names of people with permits to carry concealed weapons. The bill
sponsored by Republican Sen. Doug Whitsett of Klamath Falls stems
from a dispute between the Medford Mail Tribune and the Jackson
County Sheriff over releasing the county's concealed weapons permit
list.
LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) - Wildlife officials have not been able to
determine the cause of death for a wolf that had recently been
captured and fitted with a radio tracking collar. Blood was found
in the wolf's chest, but investigators couldn't find the cause.
Wolves are an endangered species in Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Gresham man is pleading guilty in the
torture death of his 5-year-old daughter. The Oregonian reports
24-year-old Christopher Andrew Rosillo faces a 25-year prison term
when he is sentenced next month. The girl, Oleander Labier, had
multiple broken bones and internal injuries and weighed only 28
pounds because of malnutrition when she died last April.
TOPPENISH, Wash. (AP) - The Yakama Nation plans to release the
details of a major casino expansion and hotel development today.
Across the Columbia River, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Reservation are working on a $67 million project of their
own to add more casino space, a Cineplex and high-rise hotel.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A judge has sentenced a 64-year-old
Portland man to three years' probation for installing a hidden
camera in his bathroom. The Oregonian reports Ronald Kent Schaffner
was accused of recording women, including his sister and
daughter-in-law, in the shower. The Multnomah County Circuit judge
also ordered the former lawyer to undergo counseling.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is
scheduled to meet by teleconference today after its meeting in
Florence last Friday was canceled as coastal residents braced for
waves from the tsunami caused by the earthquake in Japan. The Mail
Tribune reports the commission is scheduled to review management
plans for big-game animals.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Oregon’s Joevan (jo-VONN) Catron (KAY-tronn) had 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Ducks held off Weber State to win 68-59 last night in an opening round game of the College Basketball Invitational at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene. E.J. Singler had 16 points for the Ducks who are now at 17-17 on the year and won their first post season game since 2007. They’ll host Duquesne in the CBI quarterfinals Monday evening.
On the track this afternoon the Siuslaw Ice Breaker gets underway at Hans Peterson Field. The Siuslaw Vikings will open up the season with a limited squad at four P.M.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wild Coho fishery? - Gas increases slow - Charity scams - Furlough Day
Wild Coho to be subject of public forum
It won’t be corned beef and cabbage, but Wild Coho Salmon that will dominate the discussion at tomorrow’s monthly noon forum of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. Florence STEP group representatives Mike Frankhouser and Ron Caputo will talk about a proposal to allow a Wild Coho fishery on the Siuslaw River, similar to ones on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes. Currently, keeping the endangered coho is illegal, but STEP members say recovery efforts on the Siuslaw Basin have increased numbers of the fish enough to allow some sports anglers the chance to keep a limited number. Frankhouser and Caputo had been slated to make a presentation to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission last Friday, but the tsunami warning pre-empted that body’s meeting at Driftwood Shores. The commission will instead hold a telephone conference call Thursday morning. Caputo says he and Frankhouser have already submitted their information and won’t be participating in the call… opting instead to stay in Florence and talk about what they see as a possible economic stimulus. Caputo says the attraction of catching and legally keeping an endangered Wild Coho would draw anglers from outside the area. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce noon forum is set for tomorrow at Driftwood Shores… it’s open to the public.
Retail gas prices continue to climb, but not as quickly as in previous weeks. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says the wholesale price for crude oil slipped below $100 a barrel, down six dollars from a week ago as investors watch events unfold in Japan. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is at $3.56 this week… up a nickel. Oregon’s statewide average is at $3.65… also up a nickel, while the average price in Florence only increase a penny this week… it’s at $3.49 a gallon. The average price in the Eugene Springfield area topped $3.70 a gallon this week. California sports the highest average in the contiguous U.S., it’s at $3.96 a gallon on average.
Charities assisting with relief efforts in Japan have recorded an increase in donations to help with their work. But, unfortunately attention on those efforts has also brought out the scam artists. Oregon Attorney General John Kroger says thieves are sending out e-mails, making phone calls, and posting fake video footage on social media sites in efforts to steal money and personal information. Kroger issued a few tips: Check his department’s online database to make sure organizations are on the up-and-up; give to established charities; don’t respond to direct emails from supposed disaster victims; don’t give out personal information via phone, text or email; and beware of calls, emails or texts requesting “fast” money.
Nearly 27-thousand Oregon state employees will have an unpaid day off Friday. It’s the ninth of ten closure dates ordered by former Governor Kulongoski last year to help balance the state’s budget. Officials estimate that each closure day saves $2-million in personnel costs. The closure means non-essential state services such as DMV won’t be available over the counter. Many agencies do have online processes that allow business to continue. The mandated closure does not effect public safety.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber has declared a state of
emergency in a coastal county ravaged by last week's tsunami. His
office announced the emergency declaration for Curry County
yesterday. A tsunami that rolled in after an earthquake in Japan
severely damaged the commercial side of a harbor in Brookings.
Sport fishing facilities and recreational boats were damaged to a
lesser extent.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A 24-year-old Gresham woman has been
sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the death of her
boyfriend's 5-year-old daughter. Guadalupe Quintero pleaded guilty
in Multnomah County Circuit Court to manslaughter and criminal
mistreatment in the child abuse death last April. The girl had
broken bones from head to toe and had been starved to 28 pounds.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Eugene man accused of filing at least 30
fraudulent car damage claims that cost insurance companies nearly
$200,000 has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity
theft. U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton says 45-year-old Timothy Devon
Huntley Jr. pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court. Prosecutors
say at least 11 insurance companies were hit. Sentencing is set for
May.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The trial is under way in Eugene for a man
accused of taking part in an attempted robbery in which one robber
was killed in a shootout with an employee.
Brandon Lee Plunk is charged with attempted murder, robbery and
burglary in the violence last November at a Dutch Bros. stand where
Plunk's friend, Sirus Combs, was killed. The employee testified
Plunk also shot at him.
In opening statements Tuesday the defense lawyer denied Plunk
had a role in the robbery.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers have unanimously passed a
bill that would require computer technicians to report images of
child pornography. The bill updates a 1987 law that required film
processors to report suspected child pornography. Democratic state
Rep. Sara Gelser of Corvallis says the bill will shield computer
technicians from potential liability from reporting suspicious
images.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon attorney general's office and
the state's veterans affairs agency say Fred Meyer Stores has
agreed to change some of its employment practices following
complaints from some veterans in Oregon. The agencies investigated
after some veterans said they had not received step pay increase
and pension benefit adjustments during their deployment.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Two fishermen from Brookings are leading a
class-action lawsuit in federal court to break up a giant seafood
company. The Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene reports they seek
up to $520 million in damages and a slew of injunctions against
Pacific Seafood Group. A Pacific Seafood attorney calls the suit
"completely without merit."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Oregon Men have one more game on the court… at least. The Ducks will open up the 16-team CBI… College Basketball Invitational… tonight at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene against Weber State (wee-burr). The Tournament consists of 16 teams playing at various sites around the country. Teams actually pay to host games… The winner of tonight’s contest will face either Duquesne or Montana Saturday evening. Tonight’s game will air on Coast Radio Sports at 6:30 with the tipoff set for seven.
It won’t be corned beef and cabbage, but Wild Coho Salmon that will dominate the discussion at tomorrow’s monthly noon forum of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. Florence STEP group representatives Mike Frankhouser and Ron Caputo will talk about a proposal to allow a Wild Coho fishery on the Siuslaw River, similar to ones on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes. Currently, keeping the endangered coho is illegal, but STEP members say recovery efforts on the Siuslaw Basin have increased numbers of the fish enough to allow some sports anglers the chance to keep a limited number. Frankhouser and Caputo had been slated to make a presentation to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission last Friday, but the tsunami warning pre-empted that body’s meeting at Driftwood Shores. The commission will instead hold a telephone conference call Thursday morning. Caputo says he and Frankhouser have already submitted their information and won’t be participating in the call… opting instead to stay in Florence and talk about what they see as a possible economic stimulus. Caputo says the attraction of catching and legally keeping an endangered Wild Coho would draw anglers from outside the area. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce noon forum is set for tomorrow at Driftwood Shores… it’s open to the public.
Retail gas prices continue to climb, but not as quickly as in previous weeks. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says the wholesale price for crude oil slipped below $100 a barrel, down six dollars from a week ago as investors watch events unfold in Japan. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is at $3.56 this week… up a nickel. Oregon’s statewide average is at $3.65… also up a nickel, while the average price in Florence only increase a penny this week… it’s at $3.49 a gallon. The average price in the Eugene Springfield area topped $3.70 a gallon this week. California sports the highest average in the contiguous U.S., it’s at $3.96 a gallon on average.
Charities assisting with relief efforts in Japan have recorded an increase in donations to help with their work. But, unfortunately attention on those efforts has also brought out the scam artists. Oregon Attorney General John Kroger says thieves are sending out e-mails, making phone calls, and posting fake video footage on social media sites in efforts to steal money and personal information. Kroger issued a few tips: Check his department’s online database to make sure organizations are on the up-and-up; give to established charities; don’t respond to direct emails from supposed disaster victims; don’t give out personal information via phone, text or email; and beware of calls, emails or texts requesting “fast” money.
Nearly 27-thousand Oregon state employees will have an unpaid day off Friday. It’s the ninth of ten closure dates ordered by former Governor Kulongoski last year to help balance the state’s budget. Officials estimate that each closure day saves $2-million in personnel costs. The closure means non-essential state services such as DMV won’t be available over the counter. Many agencies do have online processes that allow business to continue. The mandated closure does not effect public safety.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber has declared a state of
emergency in a coastal county ravaged by last week's tsunami. His
office announced the emergency declaration for Curry County
yesterday. A tsunami that rolled in after an earthquake in Japan
severely damaged the commercial side of a harbor in Brookings.
Sport fishing facilities and recreational boats were damaged to a
lesser extent.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A 24-year-old Gresham woman has been
sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the death of her
boyfriend's 5-year-old daughter. Guadalupe Quintero pleaded guilty
in Multnomah County Circuit Court to manslaughter and criminal
mistreatment in the child abuse death last April. The girl had
broken bones from head to toe and had been starved to 28 pounds.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Eugene man accused of filing at least 30
fraudulent car damage claims that cost insurance companies nearly
$200,000 has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity
theft. U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton says 45-year-old Timothy Devon
Huntley Jr. pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court. Prosecutors
say at least 11 insurance companies were hit. Sentencing is set for
May.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The trial is under way in Eugene for a man
accused of taking part in an attempted robbery in which one robber
was killed in a shootout with an employee.
Brandon Lee Plunk is charged with attempted murder, robbery and
burglary in the violence last November at a Dutch Bros. stand where
Plunk's friend, Sirus Combs, was killed. The employee testified
Plunk also shot at him.
In opening statements Tuesday the defense lawyer denied Plunk
had a role in the robbery.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers have unanimously passed a
bill that would require computer technicians to report images of
child pornography. The bill updates a 1987 law that required film
processors to report suspected child pornography. Democratic state
Rep. Sara Gelser of Corvallis says the bill will shield computer
technicians from potential liability from reporting suspicious
images.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon attorney general's office and
the state's veterans affairs agency say Fred Meyer Stores has
agreed to change some of its employment practices following
complaints from some veterans in Oregon. The agencies investigated
after some veterans said they had not received step pay increase
and pension benefit adjustments during their deployment.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Two fishermen from Brookings are leading a
class-action lawsuit in federal court to break up a giant seafood
company. The Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene reports they seek
up to $520 million in damages and a slew of injunctions against
Pacific Seafood Group. A Pacific Seafood attorney calls the suit
"completely without merit."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Oregon Men have one more game on the court… at least. The Ducks will open up the 16-team CBI… College Basketball Invitational… tonight at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene against Weber State (wee-burr). The Tournament consists of 16 teams playing at various sites around the country. Teams actually pay to host games… The winner of tonight’s contest will face either Duquesne or Montana Saturday evening. Tonight’s game will air on Coast Radio Sports at 6:30 with the tipoff set for seven.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Evacuations validate tsunami plan - radiation poses little risk to west coast
Evacuation order was a good one say emergency managers…
This was one of the events they’ve been planning for.
210 – “We’re really fortunate in this community that a number of organizations got together and formed the Western Lane Emergency Operations Group to plan for events like this.”
That’s Florence City Manager Bob Willoughby who spent much of Thursday night and Friday morning working as part of the team that was monitoring the tsunami warning and ordered the evacuation of low-lying areas around Florence.
211 – “I think everything went very smoothly. We learned some things from this, we’ll do some things better next time. We may make some changes. In fact we had a tsunami drill planned for October that may not be necessary now. We can learn from a real event like this one.”
Willoughby said the planning paid off, things went smoothly, but he did come away with some concerns.
212 – “I would say my one disappointment is that, even during the event, we had some criticism about overreacting, or crying wolf, or this was really a false alarm and we shouldn’t have disrupted people. I have to say as strongly as I can that if we had the same information in the future that we had last Thursday night and Friday morning… we’d make the same decision.”
Emergency managers say they want to have a public debrief and talk about how they arrived at the decision to evacuate and what the dangers were.
Nuclear energy experts say the events in Japan around those reactors that continue to release radioactive materials are indeed scary, but they’ll remain in Japan and won’t impact the west coast of the United States. Kathryn Higley, professor and director of the OSU Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics says no radioactive contaminants from the incident have been detected and none are expected. Higley says the contaminants that may wind up airborne will end up raining out of the atmosphere into the Pacific Ocean where they will be diluted and absorbed. She says the incident may ultimately be similar to that of Three Mile Island in the U.S. in 1979.
Florence’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the second annual ‘Greener Florence Awards”. Area businesses or services that have made significant efforts towards a more environmentally friendly Florence in one or more areas of reduce, reuse, recycle or compost will be considered. Nomination forms and guidelines are available on the city’s website or in the Community Development Department… they’re due back by April 15th.
Populations of the Sacramento River Chinook Salmon off the Oregon Coast are expected to be at or near “average abundance” this year. That means sports anglers will have plenty of opportunity beginning today as the 2011 spring ocean salmon season gets underway. West Coast fishery managers are still working on other decisions about salmon seasons off the Oregon Coast.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A grand jury in Portland has returned a
23-count indictment against a 61-year-old man accused of seriously
wounding a city police officer on March 6. The Oregonian said
yesterday that Ralph Clyde Turner is charged with 12 counts of
attempted aggravated murder, 10 counts of unlawful use of a firearm
and one count of assault. Officer Parik Singh remains hospitalized.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's Attorney General is making his case
for changing the state's public records law. Democrat John Kroger
told a state Senate committee yesterday that the open records law
is a convoluted legal mess that should be cleaned up to help both
the public and government agencies. He's proposed a bill that would
slash the number of government records that can't be publicly
released.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's February unemployment figures are
due out this morning. In January, the state's jobless rate was 10.4
percent, continuing a slow downward trend since the depths of the
Great Recession in mid-2009. Economists say the month-to-month
changes aren't statistically significant, showing just how weak the
recovery has been.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers will hold a hearing today on
a ban on plastic baby bottles containing the chemical bisphenol-A.
The measure would ban the chemical which is commonly used to harden
plastic and make it shatterproof. Proponents of a ban argue that
the chemical disrupts hormones in young children.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian
Lanker has died at his home in Eugene, Ore. The 63-year-old Lanker
won the 1973 Pulitzer for feature photography while working for The
Topeka Capital-Journal. He was director of graphics for The
Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene from 1974 to 1982.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon House has voted down a bill aimed
at making it easier to open a charter school. The bill would have
allowed charter seekers to get around opposition from local school
boards. Supporters say it was designed to stop school boards from
throwing road blocks at proposed charters. But opponents say it
would have removed local control from the process.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon environmental regulators have
proposed nearly $35,000 in fines against the company incinerating
chemical weapons at the Umatilla Chemical Depot in Eastern Oregon.
The Department of Environmental Quality said the hazardous waste
and air quality violations include storing 30 drums of waste
contaminated by mustard agent in a concrete igloo that wasn't
properly vented.
ENTERPRISE, Ore. (AP) - Wallowa County commissioners have
approved a compensation fund for Oregon ranchers who lose livestock
to wolves. The East Oregonian newspaper in Pendleton reports that
supporters hope the fund will become a model for the rest of the
state, which lacks a compensation plan.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Siuslaw Vikings started the 2011 prep baseball season with a big stick, scoring 13 runs on 12 hits and downing the Cottage Grove Lions 13-3 yesterday in Cottage Grove. Ryan Smith was three-for-four with a homerun and two doubles, driving in three runs. Hagen Holmes also had a homerun in the win. Jake Thompson threw two innings, allowing only one hit and Smith closed out the game on the mound.
This was one of the events they’ve been planning for.
210 – “We’re really fortunate in this community that a number of organizations got together and formed the Western Lane Emergency Operations Group to plan for events like this.”
That’s Florence City Manager Bob Willoughby who spent much of Thursday night and Friday morning working as part of the team that was monitoring the tsunami warning and ordered the evacuation of low-lying areas around Florence.
211 – “I think everything went very smoothly. We learned some things from this, we’ll do some things better next time. We may make some changes. In fact we had a tsunami drill planned for October that may not be necessary now. We can learn from a real event like this one.”
Willoughby said the planning paid off, things went smoothly, but he did come away with some concerns.
212 – “I would say my one disappointment is that, even during the event, we had some criticism about overreacting, or crying wolf, or this was really a false alarm and we shouldn’t have disrupted people. I have to say as strongly as I can that if we had the same information in the future that we had last Thursday night and Friday morning… we’d make the same decision.”
Emergency managers say they want to have a public debrief and talk about how they arrived at the decision to evacuate and what the dangers were.
Nuclear energy experts say the events in Japan around those reactors that continue to release radioactive materials are indeed scary, but they’ll remain in Japan and won’t impact the west coast of the United States. Kathryn Higley, professor and director of the OSU Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics says no radioactive contaminants from the incident have been detected and none are expected. Higley says the contaminants that may wind up airborne will end up raining out of the atmosphere into the Pacific Ocean where they will be diluted and absorbed. She says the incident may ultimately be similar to that of Three Mile Island in the U.S. in 1979.
Florence’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the second annual ‘Greener Florence Awards”. Area businesses or services that have made significant efforts towards a more environmentally friendly Florence in one or more areas of reduce, reuse, recycle or compost will be considered. Nomination forms and guidelines are available on the city’s website or in the Community Development Department… they’re due back by April 15th.
Populations of the Sacramento River Chinook Salmon off the Oregon Coast are expected to be at or near “average abundance” this year. That means sports anglers will have plenty of opportunity beginning today as the 2011 spring ocean salmon season gets underway. West Coast fishery managers are still working on other decisions about salmon seasons off the Oregon Coast.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A grand jury in Portland has returned a
23-count indictment against a 61-year-old man accused of seriously
wounding a city police officer on March 6. The Oregonian said
yesterday that Ralph Clyde Turner is charged with 12 counts of
attempted aggravated murder, 10 counts of unlawful use of a firearm
and one count of assault. Officer Parik Singh remains hospitalized.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's Attorney General is making his case
for changing the state's public records law. Democrat John Kroger
told a state Senate committee yesterday that the open records law
is a convoluted legal mess that should be cleaned up to help both
the public and government agencies. He's proposed a bill that would
slash the number of government records that can't be publicly
released.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's February unemployment figures are
due out this morning. In January, the state's jobless rate was 10.4
percent, continuing a slow downward trend since the depths of the
Great Recession in mid-2009. Economists say the month-to-month
changes aren't statistically significant, showing just how weak the
recovery has been.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers will hold a hearing today on
a ban on plastic baby bottles containing the chemical bisphenol-A.
The measure would ban the chemical which is commonly used to harden
plastic and make it shatterproof. Proponents of a ban argue that
the chemical disrupts hormones in young children.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian
Lanker has died at his home in Eugene, Ore. The 63-year-old Lanker
won the 1973 Pulitzer for feature photography while working for The
Topeka Capital-Journal. He was director of graphics for The
Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene from 1974 to 1982.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon House has voted down a bill aimed
at making it easier to open a charter school. The bill would have
allowed charter seekers to get around opposition from local school
boards. Supporters say it was designed to stop school boards from
throwing road blocks at proposed charters. But opponents say it
would have removed local control from the process.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon environmental regulators have
proposed nearly $35,000 in fines against the company incinerating
chemical weapons at the Umatilla Chemical Depot in Eastern Oregon.
The Department of Environmental Quality said the hazardous waste
and air quality violations include storing 30 drums of waste
contaminated by mustard agent in a concrete igloo that wasn't
properly vented.
ENTERPRISE, Ore. (AP) - Wallowa County commissioners have
approved a compensation fund for Oregon ranchers who lose livestock
to wolves. The East Oregonian newspaper in Pendleton reports that
supporters hope the fund will become a model for the rest of the
state, which lacks a compensation plan.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Siuslaw Vikings started the 2011 prep baseball season with a big stick, scoring 13 runs on 12 hits and downing the Cottage Grove Lions 13-3 yesterday in Cottage Grove. Ryan Smith was three-for-four with a homerun and two doubles, driving in three runs. Hagen Holmes also had a homerun in the win. Jake Thompson threw two innings, allowing only one hit and Smith closed out the game on the mound.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Japan's Quake, Marina Damage, Storm, and Pet Licenses
Japan Quake brings a strong message…
Friday's devastating earthquake in Japan had a lot of similarities with one that occurred off the Oregon Coast 310 years ago.
Harbors and marinas in California and Oregon bore the brunt of the damage Friday from the series of tsunami surges triggered by the Japanese earthquake. Boats crashed into each other, some vessels were pulled to sea and docks were ripped out when the waves finally washed ashore. Authorities in Brookings and Crescent City estimate the damages to be in the millions of dollars, but admit it isn’t anything like the damage in Japan where the death toll could exceed ten-thousand.
Forceful winds and heavy rains caused power outages and downed trees across a wide swath of Oregon yesterday afternoon. Trees fell across Highway 126 at midday in several locations yesterday temporarily blocking traffic. Power lines came down as well, triggering scattered power outages in Western Lane County as well as across much of the State.
Licensing fees for dogs in Lane County is a major source of revenue for the Lane County Animal Shelter. That's one reason why Lane County has now hired a License Compliance Officer who will be traveling door-to-door in unincorporated Areas of the county as well as in the City of Eugene checking for unlicensed dogs. Animal Services Manager Rick Hammel says the officer, working from a list of current and previous licensees, will provide pet owners with information about licensing and will be capable of issuing them on the spot. If unlicensed dogs are present and the license is not purchased on the spot, a ten-day grace period will be provided before a citation is issued. The cost of a one-year license is $15 for a spayed or neutered animal; $35 for an unaltered dog. That's far less, says Hammel, than the $287 fine that would accompany the citation.
Associated Press Regional News
CURRY COUNTY, Oregon (AP) - Curry County commissioners voted at special meeting Sunday to declare an emergency at the county's three ports - Port Orford, Gold Beach and Brookings - because of damage when Friday's tsunami hit the Oregon coast.
There's no estimate of the damage to docks and infrastructure. But Port of Brookings Harbor Executive Director Ted Fitzgerald guessed $10 million to $13 million. Brookings says it's the busiest recreational port on the Oregon coast. It also harbors commercial fishing boats.
KLAMATH, Calif. (AP) - A former Oregon man is believed to be the first person killed by a tsunami on the West Coast since 1964. Twenty-five-year-old Dustin Weber is thought to have been swept out to sea at the mouth of the Klamath River in Klamath, Calif., in a tsunami generated by last week's earthquake in Japan. Authorities
say he is presumed dead, though his body hasn't been found.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Power company crews were working overnight to restore electricity following a powerful wind and rain storm. Pacific Gas and Electric spokesman Patrick Stupek said about 12,000 customers remained without power early Monday, with most of the outages in Clackamas County. There were also scattered reports of downed trees blocking roadways.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers are nearing a vote on a bill designed to make it easier to open a charter school. The proposal by Republican Rep. Matt Wingard of Wilsonville is scheduled to go up for a vote today in the state House. The measure would allow proponents of a new charter school to appeal to the state Board of
Education if they feel a local school board isn't negotiating in good faith.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says harmful levels of radioactivity are not expected in the United States due to damaged nuclear reactors in Japan. Given the thousands of miles separating Japan and the U.S., including Hawaii, Alaska, U.S. territories and the U.S. West Coast, officials say no harmful
levels of radioactivity are likely after the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Fresh off winning the Pac-10 Conference tournament, Washington has received a No. 7 seed for the NCAA tournament and will play Georgia in Charlotte, N.C., in Round 2
Friday. Last year, the Huskies were seeded 11th and played in San Jose, Calif. Now, they must cross the country and face a possible second-round matchup with No. 2 seed North Carolina in the Tar Heels' backyard.
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) - Washington State has received a No. 2 seed for the NIT and will host Long Beach State in a first-round game. The Cougars will host the 49ers on Wednesday. The winner will face the Oklahoma State-Harvard winner in the second round. Washington State's hope for an NCAA tournament bid ended when the Cougars were
ousted by Washington in the Pac-10 tournament.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Jason Vargas pitched four innings of three-hit ball, extending his spring scoreless string to seven innings, and the Seattle Mariners beat a Los Angeles Angels split-squad 2-0 yesterday. Vargas struck out three. He mixed in a
few curveballs against the Angels, then went to the bullpen to finish his day. The Angels' Ervin Santana allowed five hits and two walks in four innings.
Taking A Look Into Coast Radio Sports
College Men’s Basketball:
Oregon ended their Pac Ten appearance Saturday evening with a Semi Final game loss to Washington’s Huskies 69 – 51. Joevan Catron led the Ducks with 18 points, the Huskies went on to win the Pac Ten Title Saturday with a 77 – 75 victory over Arizaon…Oregon, Boise State, Davidson and Central Florida are among the teams that will host first-round games in the 16-team College Basketball Invitational. The Ducks will play Web-ber State on Wednesday at their new $227 million, on-campus basketball arena. Oregon, from the Pac-10, is the only school from one of the traditional power conferences in the CBI.
On the Schedule:
Will mother nature win out over the start of the prep baseball season? The Siuslaw Vikings open the 2011 prep baseball season this afternoon at home against Cottage Grove. This afternoon’s game airs at 3:15 on KCST, first pitch between the Viks and Lions is set for 3:30… The Lady Viks are on the road to face the Lions in non-league softball in Cottage Grove at 5 o’clock…both games are weather and field conditions permitting.
Friday's devastating earthquake in Japan had a lot of similarities with one that occurred off the Oregon Coast 310 years ago.
202 -- "and this event is what we call a mega-thrust or subduction zone earthquake. Similar to, but probably smaller than the one that occurred off our coast on January 26th, 1700. And so I think it gives us a good cautionary tale of what could happen off of our coast."Dr. Ray Weldon is the head of the University of Oregon Geological Sciences Department. He says the geology is very similar, and the results, should there be a massive quake along the Cascadia Fault line off the Oregon Coast, would be similarly devastating.
201 -- "Believe or not, it's actually a subduction zone interface just as we have offshore here in Oregon."In fact, he says, things here could have been much worse this past Friday if the tides hadn't been so low when the tsunami surges began arriving.
203 -- "so these swings, these eight foot swings such as you see at crescent city, or four or five foot swings that you see at Port Orford, if that had happened six hours earlier at high tide there would have been substantially more damage. So we sort of dodged a bullet in a sense that we were at such a low tide."Both situations point out the need, say emergency officials, to maintain earthquake and tsunami preparedness programs along the Oregon Coast.
Harbors and marinas in California and Oregon bore the brunt of the damage Friday from the series of tsunami surges triggered by the Japanese earthquake. Boats crashed into each other, some vessels were pulled to sea and docks were ripped out when the waves finally washed ashore. Authorities in Brookings and Crescent City estimate the damages to be in the millions of dollars, but admit it isn’t anything like the damage in Japan where the death toll could exceed ten-thousand.
Forceful winds and heavy rains caused power outages and downed trees across a wide swath of Oregon yesterday afternoon. Trees fell across Highway 126 at midday in several locations yesterday temporarily blocking traffic. Power lines came down as well, triggering scattered power outages in Western Lane County as well as across much of the State.
Licensing fees for dogs in Lane County is a major source of revenue for the Lane County Animal Shelter. That's one reason why Lane County has now hired a License Compliance Officer who will be traveling door-to-door in unincorporated Areas of the county as well as in the City of Eugene checking for unlicensed dogs. Animal Services Manager Rick Hammel says the officer, working from a list of current and previous licensees, will provide pet owners with information about licensing and will be capable of issuing them on the spot. If unlicensed dogs are present and the license is not purchased on the spot, a ten-day grace period will be provided before a citation is issued. The cost of a one-year license is $15 for a spayed or neutered animal; $35 for an unaltered dog. That's far less, says Hammel, than the $287 fine that would accompany the citation.
Associated Press Regional News
CURRY COUNTY, Oregon (AP) - Curry County commissioners voted at special meeting Sunday to declare an emergency at the county's three ports - Port Orford, Gold Beach and Brookings - because of damage when Friday's tsunami hit the Oregon coast.
There's no estimate of the damage to docks and infrastructure. But Port of Brookings Harbor Executive Director Ted Fitzgerald guessed $10 million to $13 million. Brookings says it's the busiest recreational port on the Oregon coast. It also harbors commercial fishing boats.
KLAMATH, Calif. (AP) - A former Oregon man is believed to be the first person killed by a tsunami on the West Coast since 1964. Twenty-five-year-old Dustin Weber is thought to have been swept out to sea at the mouth of the Klamath River in Klamath, Calif., in a tsunami generated by last week's earthquake in Japan. Authorities
say he is presumed dead, though his body hasn't been found.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Power company crews were working overnight to restore electricity following a powerful wind and rain storm. Pacific Gas and Electric spokesman Patrick Stupek said about 12,000 customers remained without power early Monday, with most of the outages in Clackamas County. There were also scattered reports of downed trees blocking roadways.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers are nearing a vote on a bill designed to make it easier to open a charter school. The proposal by Republican Rep. Matt Wingard of Wilsonville is scheduled to go up for a vote today in the state House. The measure would allow proponents of a new charter school to appeal to the state Board of
Education if they feel a local school board isn't negotiating in good faith.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says harmful levels of radioactivity are not expected in the United States due to damaged nuclear reactors in Japan. Given the thousands of miles separating Japan and the U.S., including Hawaii, Alaska, U.S. territories and the U.S. West Coast, officials say no harmful
levels of radioactivity are likely after the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Fresh off winning the Pac-10 Conference tournament, Washington has received a No. 7 seed for the NCAA tournament and will play Georgia in Charlotte, N.C., in Round 2
Friday. Last year, the Huskies were seeded 11th and played in San Jose, Calif. Now, they must cross the country and face a possible second-round matchup with No. 2 seed North Carolina in the Tar Heels' backyard.
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) - Washington State has received a No. 2 seed for the NIT and will host Long Beach State in a first-round game. The Cougars will host the 49ers on Wednesday. The winner will face the Oklahoma State-Harvard winner in the second round. Washington State's hope for an NCAA tournament bid ended when the Cougars were
ousted by Washington in the Pac-10 tournament.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Jason Vargas pitched four innings of three-hit ball, extending his spring scoreless string to seven innings, and the Seattle Mariners beat a Los Angeles Angels split-squad 2-0 yesterday. Vargas struck out three. He mixed in a
few curveballs against the Angels, then went to the bullpen to finish his day. The Angels' Ervin Santana allowed five hits and two walks in four innings.
Taking A Look Into Coast Radio Sports
College Men’s Basketball:
Oregon ended their Pac Ten appearance Saturday evening with a Semi Final game loss to Washington’s Huskies 69 – 51. Joevan Catron led the Ducks with 18 points, the Huskies went on to win the Pac Ten Title Saturday with a 77 – 75 victory over Arizaon…Oregon, Boise State, Davidson and Central Florida are among the teams that will host first-round games in the 16-team College Basketball Invitational. The Ducks will play Web-ber State on Wednesday at their new $227 million, on-campus basketball arena. Oregon, from the Pac-10, is the only school from one of the traditional power conferences in the CBI.
On the Schedule:
Will mother nature win out over the start of the prep baseball season? The Siuslaw Vikings open the 2011 prep baseball season this afternoon at home against Cottage Grove. This afternoon’s game airs at 3:15 on KCST, first pitch between the Viks and Lions is set for 3:30… The Lady Viks are on the road to face the Lions in non-league softball in Cottage Grove at 5 o’clock…both games are weather and field conditions permitting.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tsunami warning triggers evacuations...
Japan Earthquake triggers west coast tsunami warning
Local emergency officials say this morning’s tsunami warning went relatively smooth in the Florence area. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief John Buchanan says it’s because they’ve been working on developing a tsunami response plan for the past five years.
200 – “I think it’s paid off, our EOC opened up smoothly. Police and Fire worked in concert out on the roadways, again, keeping our public safe. At this point we’re very satisfied with the way our EOC operated and where we operated.”
The Emergency Operations Center opened just after midnight. Despite estimates that the first tsunami surge wasn’t expected until after seven AM on the West Coast, the decision was made to begin evacuations just before three when the first evacuation siren was sounded. At the same time, the “Community Emergency Notification System” or “Senz” (CENS) was activated, prompting computerized calls to landline phones that have already been identified as being in the tsunami inundation zone. At least two more siren activations were made over the course of the next several hours, and police and firefighters went through impacted areas notifying residents that they needed to get out. Emergency shelters at Three Rivers Casino and the Florence Events Center were opened and evacuees rode out the warning until they were allowed back to their homes about 10:45.
Emergency officials say this morning’s tsunami warning went smoothly from their standpoint, but Fire Chief John Buchanan says, as in life, nothing ever goes perfectly.
201 – “Oh we’ve learned things… oh absolutely… “
But, he says, for the most part, things went according to plan. One shortcoming that he noticed is the public education aspect of tsunami planning. When the sirens went off, he says many people didn’t know if their home was in an inundation zone or whether they should evacuate.
202– “If there’s one big problem out there, is, you probably reached 10% of the people knowing that they were in inundation zones. The other 90% were calling in asking… is my house in an inundation zone?”
April is earthquake and tsunami awareness month. Buchanan says they’ll be putting together more outreach and education opportunities to let people know what to do in the event of an emergency.
One of the things that did happen was the activation of emergency shelters. Several hundred people crowded into the theater at the Florence Events Center early this morning. One of them was Carol Bennett. She lives in the Mariner’s Village subdivision off Rhododendron Drive and said she was surprised to learn she needed to evacuate. Her daughter called her last night and they talked about the earthquake in Japan and whether or not there would be an evacuation order.
215 – “11:00 I talked to my daughter and I almost went to Eugene last night. If I had, I’d have gotten a whole night’s sleep instead of just a couple hours.”
The evacuation order was lifted about 10:40 this morning.
Transportation officials were prepared this morning. O-Dot dispatched crews to aid in evacuation and provided electronic reader boards on routes leading to the coast advising people to stay away. Rick Little says they also had maintenance and engineering crews standing by.
208 – “All of our maintenance crews are capable of doing a first level inspection of the bridge to make sure it is safe and we have bridge engineers mobilized to take a look if we do encounter any serious problems. Right now it looks pretty good.”
No problems were reported and crews quickly removed warning signs by early afternoon.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
The Oregon State Beavers were eliminated from the Men’s Pac-10 Basketball tournament last night, falling to number one seed Arizona 78-69. The top-seeded Wildcats will advance to play fourth-seeded Southern Cal this afternoon in the first semi-final.
The Oregon Ducks will face Washington in the second semi… Oregon routed number two seed UCLA 76-59. EJ. Singler scored a career high 24 points. Tonight’s game is set to tip off at 8:40. The pregame show on KCST will be at eight.
Local emergency officials say this morning’s tsunami warning went relatively smooth in the Florence area. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief John Buchanan says it’s because they’ve been working on developing a tsunami response plan for the past five years.
200 – “I think it’s paid off, our EOC opened up smoothly. Police and Fire worked in concert out on the roadways, again, keeping our public safe. At this point we’re very satisfied with the way our EOC operated and where we operated.”
The Emergency Operations Center opened just after midnight. Despite estimates that the first tsunami surge wasn’t expected until after seven AM on the West Coast, the decision was made to begin evacuations just before three when the first evacuation siren was sounded. At the same time, the “Community Emergency Notification System” or “Senz” (CENS) was activated, prompting computerized calls to landline phones that have already been identified as being in the tsunami inundation zone. At least two more siren activations were made over the course of the next several hours, and police and firefighters went through impacted areas notifying residents that they needed to get out. Emergency shelters at Three Rivers Casino and the Florence Events Center were opened and evacuees rode out the warning until they were allowed back to their homes about 10:45.
Emergency officials say this morning’s tsunami warning went smoothly from their standpoint, but Fire Chief John Buchanan says, as in life, nothing ever goes perfectly.
201 – “Oh we’ve learned things… oh absolutely… “
But, he says, for the most part, things went according to plan. One shortcoming that he noticed is the public education aspect of tsunami planning. When the sirens went off, he says many people didn’t know if their home was in an inundation zone or whether they should evacuate.
202– “If there’s one big problem out there, is, you probably reached 10% of the people knowing that they were in inundation zones. The other 90% were calling in asking… is my house in an inundation zone?”
April is earthquake and tsunami awareness month. Buchanan says they’ll be putting together more outreach and education opportunities to let people know what to do in the event of an emergency.
One of the things that did happen was the activation of emergency shelters. Several hundred people crowded into the theater at the Florence Events Center early this morning. One of them was Carol Bennett. She lives in the Mariner’s Village subdivision off Rhododendron Drive and said she was surprised to learn she needed to evacuate. Her daughter called her last night and they talked about the earthquake in Japan and whether or not there would be an evacuation order.
215 – “11:00 I talked to my daughter and I almost went to Eugene last night. If I had, I’d have gotten a whole night’s sleep instead of just a couple hours.”
The evacuation order was lifted about 10:40 this morning.
Transportation officials were prepared this morning. O-Dot dispatched crews to aid in evacuation and provided electronic reader boards on routes leading to the coast advising people to stay away. Rick Little says they also had maintenance and engineering crews standing by.
208 – “All of our maintenance crews are capable of doing a first level inspection of the bridge to make sure it is safe and we have bridge engineers mobilized to take a look if we do encounter any serious problems. Right now it looks pretty good.”
No problems were reported and crews quickly removed warning signs by early afternoon.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
The Oregon State Beavers were eliminated from the Men’s Pac-10 Basketball tournament last night, falling to number one seed Arizona 78-69. The top-seeded Wildcats will advance to play fourth-seeded Southern Cal this afternoon in the first semi-final.
The Oregon Ducks will face Washington in the second semi… Oregon routed number two seed UCLA 76-59. EJ. Singler scored a career high 24 points. Tonight’s game is set to tip off at 8:40. The pregame show on KCST will be at eight.
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