Clatsop County Jury Convicts Kenneth Middleton, Killer Of Andrew Church To 13 Years In Prison

By Stuart Tomlinson, The Oregonian

Kenneth Middleton was behind the wheel of this pickup truck that crashed into a motorcyclist, 35-year-old Andrew Church of Rainier on Memorial Day weekend, 2010.A 45-year-old Southeast Portland man was found guilty of manslaughter, drunken driving and other charges by a Clatsop County jury Thursday for the May 2010 traffic death of a Rainier motorcyclist......Read Full Report

Two Bodies Found In Car At Seaside Boat Ramp!

By Justin Burton, KGW Staff
kgw.com
Posted on April 26, 2011 at 6:43 AM
Updated today at 7:58 AM

SEASIDE, Ore. -- Divers recovered the body of a man and a woman from the Necanicum River in downtown Seaside after reports that a car drove down a boat ramp and into the water.

View KGW Report

City Of Astoria, 17th Street Pier Replacement; Got Questions?

The 17th Street Dock adjacent to the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a
traditional wooden pier. The City acquired ownership in 1966. It was
expanded to the west in the early 1990s, and extended slightly eastward
approximately 10 years ago. Due to deterioration of the dock and the high
costs associated with maintaining a wooden dock in serviceable condition,
the City has secured funding to replace the dock with a concrete and steel
structure. Engineering and design work is now underway for a modern
dock that will be used to moor US Coast Guard cutters, the retired Lightship
Columbia, and the historic Columbia River Large Navigation Buoy. The
existing floating dock will be maintained within the new dock.

Read Details

Astoria City Council Drafts Its Goals For 2011-2012

Astoria City Council Goals
Draft Goals Proposed for Fiscal Year 2011 – 2012
*Support the City of Astoria Bicentennial Celebration;
*Complete the Garden of Surging Waves;
*Parks Increase awareness and opportunities to participate in both indoor and outdoor recreation; Complete an Inventory and Analysis of Park Sites and Facilities, noting opportunities for repair and improvements;
*Complete a Plan for Redevelopment of the Downtown Safeway/Legion Block with a goal of incorporating a portion of the block into a park/open space area, maintaining a portion for parking, and continuing to accommodate activities such as the Sunday Market;
*Evaluate opportunities for energy cost savings, with a particular focus on the Street Lighting System, and implement viable alternatives
*Initiate Planning for Renovation of the Library
*Implement Riverfront Vision Plan on a Zone by Zone basis
*Maintain advocacy activities for the Astoria Bypass and for Fisheries issues

Tomorrow! Tuesday! April 26! Voter Registration Deadline!!!

Want To Vote In The May 17, 2011 Special Elections?

April 25, 2011

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 IS VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

The Clatsop County Clerk and Elections Office reminds local residents that Tuesday, April 26 is the deadline to register to vote in the May 17 special district election.
Ballots for the election will be mailed out beginning Friday, April 29.
Tuesday, April 26 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to hand in or mail a registration form if you are registering to vote for the first time. To be eligible to vote, you must be an Oregon resident, a U.S. citizen, and be at least 18 years old by Election Day.
You Want To Vote In The May 17, 2011

You must update your registration if you move or change your mailing address, change your name, or wish to change your party affiliation. Those who are updating their registration have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to do so.
People can register online with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office at www.sos.state.or.us/elections. Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the “Clerk/Elections” page at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ or obtained at the Clerk’s office at 820 Exchange St., Astoria.
The May 17 election features contests for seats on the Port of Astoria, Clatsop Community College and Sunset Empire Transportation District, as well as school districts, fire districts and water and sewer service districts. The City of Seaside and Clatskanie School District also have local option tax measures on the ballot.
For more information go to the Clerk/Elections page on the Clatsop County website or call (503) 325-8511.
Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

UFO? No, Freight Hauler!!!!

Notional System Concept
MAS recognize that the world requires a revolutionary hybrid heavy lift Airship to fulfill 21st Century transformation mission requirements. These requirements result in the need for an air vehicle that can provide heavy lift global reach transport of varying weights, sizes and volume. MAS will start with a 50 ton lift vehicle and will base the production of larger air vehicles on future demands; however we have already been queried on a 500 ton lift vehicle. Once the 50 ton vehicle is designed and in initial testing a decision will be made on larger sizes.

The HHLAV 50 ton aircraft proposed operating perameters will be as follows:

 Cargo weight - 70 tons

 Cargo volume - 14 TEU's

 Maximum range - 2000 Nautical miles @ 50 ton payload

 Cruise speed - 80 kts

 Landing zone - 2000 ft diameter circle

 Fuel - Jet-A
Read Details

Trans Canada's Keystone Pipeline System

Watch Video

Oregon SB736;Do We really Want To Ban Our Commercial Gillnetters From Taking Fish On The Main Lower Columbia And Leave Them To Sport Fishermen?

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Our River Shut Down To Our Commercial Gillnetters And What Is And Has Been Their Life Blood Over Sport Fishermen?

Does This Bill Assure Retraining Of Our Commercial Fleet To Get Priority As Outfitters And Guides To Suppliment Their Loss Of Income?

Think We Best Be Contacting Senator Betsy Johnson On This One With A Big "No" Suggestion On Her Vote?

GRP

Senate Bill 736

Sponsored by Senator BATES, Representatives BAILEY, HUNT, KENNEMER; Senators BONAMICI, GIROD, HASS, KRUSE, MONNES ANDERSON, MONROE, MORSE, OLSEN, Representatives BARKER, DEMBROW, DOHERTY, FREEMAN, GILLIAM, GREENLICK, HARKER, JOHNSON, KOMP, KOTEK, NOLAN

SUMMARY

The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor's brief statement of the essential features of the measure asintroduced. Prohibits gillnet fishing in lower Columbia River except in off-channel fishery enhancement areas specified by rule of State Fish and Wildlife Commission. Becomes operative January 1, 2012. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to gillnet fishing; creating new provisions; amending ORS 508.775; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon: SECTION 1. ORS 508.775 is amended to read: 508.775. (1) { + (a) + } Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vessel in the Columbia River gillnet salmon fishery without first obtaining a vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS508.775 to 508.796.

However, an individual who holds valid commercial fishing licenses and vessel permits required by and issued pursuant to the laws of the State of Washington for commercial salmon fishing in the Columbia River may land salmon in this state that were taken in the Columbia River gillnet salmon fishery without the permit otherwise required by this subsection. { + (b) Gillnet fishing under paragraph (a) of this subsection is prohibited in the lower Columbia River, except in off-channel fishery enhancement areas specified by rule of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

+ } (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for a wholesaler, canner or buyer to buy or receive salmon taken in the Columbia River gillnet fishery from an individual who does not have the permit required by subsection (1) { + (a) + } of this section. (3) The permit required by subsection (1) { + (a) + } of thissection is in addition to and not in lieu of the boat license required by ORS 508.260.

SECTION 2. { + Except as provided in section 3 of this 2011Act, the amendments to ORS 508.775 by section 1 of this 2011 Act become operative on January 1, 2012. + }

SECTION 3. { + The State Fish and Wildlife Commission mayadopt rules before the operative date specified in section 2 ofthis 2011 Act or take any action before that date that isnecessary to implement the amendments to ORS 508.775 by section 1of this 2011 Act on and after the operative date specified insection 2 of this 2011 Act. + }

SECTION 4. { + The amendments to ORS 508.775 by section 1 ofthis 2011 Act apply to vessel permits issued or renewed pursuantto ORS 508.775 to 508.796 for the Columbia River gillnet salmonfishery before, on or after the operative date specified insection 2 of this 2011 Act.+ }

SECTION 5. { + This 2011 Act being necessary for the immediatepreservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergencyis declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on itspassage. + }

2011-2012 Clatsop County Budget Maintains All Services

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Clatsop County’s proposed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year maintains almost all current programs and services.

The county Budget Committee will review the budget at a public meeting Tuesday, May 3 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

The entire document can be viewed online at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/. Copies are also available to view at local libraries and the County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 410
Read Overview And The Complete Budget Itself

Legal Review Finds County Ordinance 01-10 Valid

Press Release From; Clatsop County Government
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

LEGAL REVIEW FINDS COUNTY'S COMMITTEE ORDINANCE IS VALID

Clatsop County Ordinance 2001-10, which sets out procedures for appointment and removal of members of county boards and commissions, is a valid ordinance and provided full authority for the March 23 decision of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners to vacate all seven positions on the Clatsop County Planning Commission, according to the county’s legal counsel.

Read Full Release

April 27, 2011 Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Regular Session Agenda

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Meeting preceeded by a Work Session from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Read Full Agenda

HB 3025(Clarifying D.A. Authority In Municpal/Justice Courts) Passes House 34-26!

The Clatsop County District Attorney's Office announced yesterday that Oregon House Bill, HB 3025(Clarifying the authority of Oregon District Attorneys to oversee Municipal/Justice Court cases) has passed by a 34-26 vote.

Both Boone and Witt voted Yes. The bill was "carried" by GOP State Rep. Wally Hicks, a former deputy DA. It is unusual for another rep to offer to carry a bill.

District Attorney Marquis stated that he will continue to educate Oregon Senators about what HB 3025 really does and that it does not abolish or neuter Municpal/Justice Courts.

Oregonlive Guest Column By;Clatsop D.A. Josh Marquis And Steve Atchison

John Kroger's administration: Holding our public officials to a higher standard
Published: Monday, April 18, 2011, 8:00 AM
By Guest Columnist - The Oregonian
By Joshua Marquis and Steve Atchison

Guest columnist Jack Roberts usually gets it right, but his attack on Attorney General John Kroger misses the point by a mile. Roberts claims that the increased prosecution (400 percent) of misconduct cases under Kroger's administration has been manufactured to pave Kroger's way to higher office. Ambition in statewide office is not exactly uncommon, although the last attorney general to seek higher office was Dave Frohnmayer, who had the support of every elected district attorney in Oregon when he ran for governor in 1990 (and lost)...... Read Full Column

Oregonian Guest Column;Measure 11 Plays Critical Role In Our Justice System

By Guest Columnists - The Oregonian
By Walt Beglau, Tom Bergin and Stuart Roberts

The "Top Ten." It's a title that implies distinction and pride. Yet before 1994, Oregon made the top ten in a category no one was proud of: violent crime. "Life sentences" for murder typically meant less than nine years in prison. A person convicted of forcible rape could be in and out of prison in less than three years. Oregonians were tired of being victimized at the hands of criminals and a justice system in which they saw no justice. When offered an answer that gave transparent and honest sanctions to those criminals, we said "yes." Twice.......Read Full Op-Ed

Ocean Container Carriers:After 50 Years Want To Stop Supplying Container Chassis To Their Ports Of Call!

Bill Mongelluzzo Apr 6, 2011 1:07PM GMT

The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story

Who will provide chassis as ocean carriers stop making them available?

Ocean carriers are committed to ending the 50-year-old practice of supplying chassis to their customers in the U.S., but industry......Read Full Details

Baby Chicks And Duckies For Easter? Oregon Public Health Says "Be Warned!!"

Thursday, April 14, 2011

STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS: DON’T KISS THE CHICKS
Salmonella can spread from baby chicks and ducklings to people

Oregon Public Health has issued the following release:
With spring here and the Easter holiday approaching, Oregon Public Health officials are urging parents to protect their children from potential Salmonella infection caused by handling baby poultry, such as chicks and ducklings. Baby chicks are cute, soft and cuddly. Handling them, however, could cause illness.
“I know baby chicks and ducklings are cute and you may want to pick them up. Never nuzzle or kiss chicks or ducklings. Salmonella bacteria are easily spread from birds to humans. Chicks and ducklings may not be an appropriate gift for children younger than five or for people with weakened immune systems,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., state public health veterinarian for the Oregon Public Health Division.
A recent case of salmonellosis in a child in Deschutes County has been linked to baby chicks that had been kept inside a home, which led to cross-contamination.
Many chicks carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract and can shed these bacteria in their feces. Salmonella bacteria may not cause any illness in chicks, but can cause serious illness in people, especially children and immune-compromised people.
Most Salmonella infections in humans result in a mild, self-limiting illness characterized by diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. However, the infection can spread to the bloodstream leading to severe and sometimes fatal illness.
To prevent the spread of Salmonella bacteria from baby birds, people should take the following precautions:
· Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling cages and equipment, and the stool of birds.
· Keep the birds outside.
· Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling birds, cages, or bird equipment.
· Follow instructions from your veterinarian concerning proper diet and environment for your chicks. Healthy chicks and ducklings living in proper environments are less likely to shed Salmonella bacteria.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Clatsop County Courthouse Saves Energy With New Lights At South Entrance

Monday, April 18, 2011 NEW, ENERGY-SAVING LIGHTS GRACE COURTHOUSE ENTRANCE New “old” lights now illuminate the south entrance to the Clatsop County Courthouse in Astoria. This month the county Building and Grounds Department had two new historic-designed fixtures containing energy-saving, long-lived lights installed on both sides of the doorway. The lights will replace an unsightly fixture currently mounted above the door. The project was funded from federal stimulus dollars Clatsop County received last year to upgrade lighting, heating and ventilation systems in several county buildings. The new lights feature “induction” bulbs that have a projected life of 10 years, and draw only 40 watts of power. The lights were produced by a Spokane, Wash.-based company. The courthouse’s north entrance still features its original light fixtures, but no lights were installed on the south entryway when the courthouse was built more than 100 years ago. The design for the new fixtures was reviewed and approved by the City of Astoria’s Historic Landmarks Commission. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: A crew from Clatsop Electric installs the second of two new energy-efficient lights at the south entrance of the Clatsop County Courthouse April 15. Released by: Tom Bennett Community Relations Coordinator (503) 325-1000

FROM: Duane Cole, County Manager - KF7LRX SUBJECT: Update for Week April 15, 2011

LNG(Oregon LNG Pipeline Application) – The process in the Court system continues. This week the applicant filed a motion for a change of venue. A hearing on the change of venue will be in Clatsop County by Judge Jonathan Hill from Tillamook County on April 29 at 3:30 p.m. A hearing on all Circuit Court motions filed in Clatsop County is set for May 13, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 200 of the County Courthouse. The County filed a request for a time extension with LUBA and this was granted by LUBA, stopping the clock until things are resolved. The time line for additional consideration by the County is not known at this time.

Clatsop County Commissions, Boards And Committees; The Law And The Bylaws!!

These were the (12) speakers, all against the reappointing of Clatsop County Planning Commission, at last Wednesday's, April 13, 2011 Clatsop County Board of Commissioners meeting and forgive me the possible inaccuracies in the spelling of their names.... Beebee Johnson Stan Johnson Cary Johnson Kathy Sanders Jeremy Baudish Margaret Hyland Art Hyland Tim Gannaway Mr. Shipley Allen Smiles Dale Barrett Christine Bridgens In the majority, if you know the names of these people and our recent history with CCBofC, you will clearly see that this is all merely a continuation of the political polarization of this community and the continued vindictiveness between the local parties, allowing it all to spill-over into Non-Partisan Government, in my view. Listen to the "Audio" and you will clearly hear that it is still only about "Political Footholds" in our community and who has slipped over the edge after years of unquestioned dominance. Now, anybody with the least common sense and especially those that follow the local mainstream parties and pay close attention to their websites can clearly see who, over recent years has worked hardest to insert their candidates into non-partisan seats on commissions, boards and committees and we all know that is the case but, the problem is, we are in some serious trouble here and party politics is not going to get us out of it and they need to be and we must insist they be left at the front and back door of the halls of Clatsop County Government. Read Them Both To Make-Up Your Own Mind

Clatsop Farm Board Of Review Calls For Applicants

Thursday, April 14, 2011 FARM BOARD SEEKS APPLICANTS Clatsop County is seeking volunteers knowledgeable and experienced in farmland values to serve on the Farm Board of Review to set assessment values for local farmland......Read Full Call For Applicants

Clatsop Board Of Commissioners Approves Land Deal With City Of Astoria

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE LAND AGREEMENT WITH ASTORIA

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved an agreement with the City of Astoria settling a dispute over ownership of an undeveloped tract next to Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton. The county will pay $60,000 to the city for clear title to the property, which consists of two tax lots totaling about 46 acres immediately east of the cemetery. The county will also dismiss a lawsuit it filed against the city in February......Read Full Release

Clatsop County Commissioners Honor Local Volunteers

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HONOR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday honored the county’s top volunteers for 2010 and expressed thanks to the hundreds of citizens who donate their time to the community.

Reserve Deputy Tom Tussing was honored as Individual Volunteer of the Year;Bill and Dorothy Davidson received the Outstanding Individuals within a Group award; and the Outstanding Volunteer Group honor went to the Caring Adults Developing Youth (CADY) mentoring program.

The board also approved a proclamation recognizing April 10-16 as Volunteer Week.

Tussing volunteers with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program, whose members assist regular duty personnel on patrol duties, perform civil paper service, work security for special events and help with other duties.

Ready to respond “at a moment’s notice,” Tussing volunteers an average of 60 hours a month.

“Tussing’s interest in the program has been exemplary,” said program coordinator Sgt. Mark Whisler, who nominated Tussing for the award. “He has been summoned in for various tasks including security at the Astoria waterfront fire, transport of prisoners to other facilities in the state, and volunteering to work patrol when we are short-handed.”

Bill and Dorothy Davidson are the volunteer coordinators of the Community Emergency Response Team program. The CERT teams are made up of volunteer members who provide valuable assistance during local disasters and other emergencies.

“Bill and Dorothy have given untold hours of their time to promote CERT and to train volunteers,” Clatsop County Emergency Services Coordinator Gene Strong said. “They have also been willing to respond at any time and help in the time of need.”

The CADY mentoring program, coordinated by the Clatsop County Juvenile Department, matches adult volunteers with local youth aged 10 to 17. In regular weekly meetings the mentors share their life experiences and encourage the youth to reach their dreams and full potential. The adults help keep the students in school by assisting with homework, improving academic skills and helping the youth realize the value of education.

Those honored Wednesday were among 382 volunteers who donated a total of 21, 636 hours of service with the county in 2010. That service has an estimated monetary value of $451,119.

For more information on the above volunteer programs:

· Reserve Deputy Program – Sgt. Mark Whisler, (503) 325-8635

· Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Gene Strong, (503) 325-1000

· Caring Adults Developing Youth (CADY) – Laura Parker, (503) 325-8601

For more information on other volunteer opportunities, go to “Citizen Involvement” on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 325-1000

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners;April 13, 2011 Audio Transcript And Meeting Highlights

BOARD VOTE CRITICIZED During the Business from the Public portion of the meeting, a dozen audience members spoke out against the board’s March 23 vote vacating all seven positions on the Clatsop County Planning Commission and seeking new applicants. Planning Commission Chair Cary Johnson said the vote showed an “unbelievable lack of respect” to the panel and said no other planning commission in Oregon had ever had all its members removed at once. Commissioner Peter Huhtala replied that in recent years some citizens have been reluctant to apply for vacancies on the planning commission. Commissioners Huhtala, Debra Birkby and Chair Dirk Rohne voted March 23 to vacate the planning commission positions. Commissioners Scott Lee and Patricia Roberts voted no. Chair Rohne said current planning commission members would be considered for re-appointment if they applied. The plans to make the appointments by June 30. Audio Transcript of April 13, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

April 13, 2011 CCBofC Meeting Highlights

North Coast Business Park Master Plan - Read And See It!!!

Access Full Plan Documents

Port Of Vancouver Touts Impressive Growth

Port of Vancouver touts role in economy By Aaron Corvin Columbian Staff Reporter Wednesday, April 6, 2011 The news about Clark County’s economy has been gloomy over the past two years. The Port of Vancouver on Wednesday showed what it’s doing to improve it, revealing increases in cargo volumes in 2010, spotlighting the creation of jobs and pointing to more jobs to come as it invests in rail and other infrastructure improvements. The port is working “to put more of our neighbors back to work,” Larry Paulson, the port’s executive director, said during the “State of the Port Address” held at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay. “This is our time to lead.”Read Full TDN Report

Cowlitz County Drug Court Takes A Dark Turn

By Tony Lystra / The Daily News Posted: Saturday, April 2, 2011 10:00 pm Editor's Note The Daily News has been following Kelso resident Don Pomerenke's progress through Cowlitz County's Drug Court program since 2009. Pomerenke graduated from the program last year. Clarification: Two Cowlitz County men had already graduated from the county's Drug Court program when Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning hired them to do landscaping work at his home last year. The men were not participants in the program when the judge, who oversees Drug Court, hired them. Both men were mentioned in Sunday's story about a Drug Court graduate's relapse. Don Pomerenke attended countless hours of group therapy, counseling sessions and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. The government gave him a housing voucher so he could rent an apartment. And when Pomerenke graduated from Drug Court nearly a year ago, a judge shook his hand instead of sending him to prison.....Read Full TDN, Tony Lystra Report

HB-3025(D.A. Authority On Municipal Court Cases) Passes House Judiciary With A "Do Pass" Vote 8 to 1 In Favor

The Oregon House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted 8 to 1 in favor of a "Do Pass" to the floor of State Legislature on House Bill 3025 which clarifies the specific authority of Oregon County District Attorneys on all Municipal/Justice Court Cases.

An Observation;Clatsop County Planning Commission

The By-Laws and Ordinance(01-10) have been on the books for at least 8 years and clearly defines the role of members of the Clatsop County Planning Commission and common sense would tell most people that when one is selected as a member of that panel, the acceptance of those conditions by the individual, if not protested, would be implied don't you think? So why now would it be so important to start protesting the unfairness of ordinance 01-10 and its accompanying by-laws when the majority of the current sitting commission chooses, in light of a complete redistricting, to exercise their prerogative in restructuring the planning commission? Add to this the simple fact that the members of the current, sitting, Planning Commission have been invited to re-submit their applications along with everybody else that applies. Wouldn't common sense tell us that if these members, to the man/woman, were doing the job they were appointed to do, would they still be looked at favorably to continue serving? Do you think, at the time this ordinance, 01-10 was being developed by Richard Lee, Sam Patrick, Tim Gannaway, Russ Farmer and Bob Green and approved on August 2, 2002, that they were all so naive that they didn't know what, exactly, they were approving and its true motive? So, here they are, members of Clatsop CountyPlanning Commission and I think most of us familiar with recent history of this panel on key, current issues around these parts know their association, tenure and position on them. Mike Autio Cary Johnson Brian Pogue Marcia Harper-Vellutini Clarke Powers Stephen Malkowski Pat O’Grady What do you think, who should go and who should stay? Is CCBofC off-base here or are they simply exercising their legal right?

From Clatsop County;Recreational Lands Committee Seeks Applicants

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR RECREATIONAL LANDS COMMITTEE

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for open seats on the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

The citizen committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks, and formulating amendments to the recreation lands element of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan.

The committee meets once a month.

The county board of commissioners will make the appointments.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000.

Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ at “Documents” under “Board of Commissioners/Administration.”

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 325-1000

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners;Current April 13, 2011 Regular Meeting Agenda

*AMENDED* Regular Meeting/Executive Session Wednesday, April 13, 2011 – 9:30 am Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial, Astoria *Executive Session: 8:30 am 1) To consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed per ORS 192.660(1)(h) Read Full Agenda

Clatsop County Accepting Applications For Clatsop County Planning Commission

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 COUNTY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING COMMISSION

Clatsop County is accepting applications for the county planning commission.

On March 23 the county board of commissioners voted to vacate all seven seats on the panel and invite the current members and new applicants to apply for the vacated positions.

The planning commission advises the board of commissioners on land-use planning, conducts land-use hearings and implements the county’s zoning and comprehensive plan. The panel normally meets once a month.

Planning commission membership rules require that panel members be residents of various geographic areas of the county, and that no more than two members reside in incorporated cities. In addition, no more than two members may be engaged in the buying, selling or developing of real estate, and no more than two members may be engaged in the same occupation.

Appointments to the planning commission are normally for four years, but appointees to these vacancies will serve the remainder of the current terms, which expire at various dates. Two positions have terms that expire June 30, 2012; three positions’ terms expire June 30, 2014; and the remaining two positions’ terms expire June 30, 2015.

The board of commissioners will make the appointments.

To see the ordinance and bylaws governing the planning commission, go to “Land Use Planning” on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ and click on “Planning Commission.”

The deadline to apply is May 13.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000.

Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ at “Documents” under “County Manager.”

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 325-1000

From Clatsop County; Slide Blocks Washington S.R.-4. Westport Ferry On All-Night Schedule

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 SLIDE BLOCKS WASHINGTON SR 4; WESTPORT FERRY ON ALL-NIGHT SCHEDULE The Wahkiakum County, Wash. Public Works Department has announced that a landslide has blocked State Route 4 between Cathlamet and Longview. As a result, the Westport Ferry will operate through the night, Tuesday night, to accommodate detoured traffic. Motorists using the ferry, which operates between Cathlamet and Westport, are advised to expect longer-than-normal waiting times for the ferry. Released by: Tom Bennett Community Relations Coordinator (503) 325-1000

From The Daily Astorian - SETD's Howe; "I stand by my record of service"

Posted: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 11:32 am

Updated: 11:39 am, Tue Apr 5, 2011.

By CHELSEA GORROW - The Daily Astorian

It’s been kept under wraps during the layoffs, cuts and bottom lines of the Sunset Empire Transportation District and the exit of former-Executive Director Cindy Howe. But with a settlement reached, and Howe’s paid-administrative leave concluded, the investigation into Howe’s conduct is finally coming to light.....Read Full Chelsea Gorrow, Daily Astorian Report

USCG District 13; Cofferdam Construction Starts At Stranded Barge Davey Corockett

PORTLAND, Ore. - Work crews place sheet piling near the barge Davy Crockett Monday, April 4, 2011. When completed, the sheet piling will form a cofferdam encircling the barge and containing pollutants during the vessel's removal from the Columbia River. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer Shawn Eggert.......View Full Details

From Clatsop County; Transition Center Closes!!

Monday, April 04, 2011

TRANSITION CENTER CLOSES; SAVINGS WILL FUND OTHER SERVICES

The Clatsop County Community Corrections Transition Center has been closed effective Friday, April 1. The facility, an alternative sanction program for local offenders, had been slated for closure as part of a reorganization of the county’s Community Corrections Department. Friday’s closure was the result of a joint decision of the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and Community Corrections staff......Read Full Release

Astoria City Council Agenda For April 4, 2011;Goal Setting?, Another $18,000 For Another Study To Move Chinese Interpretive Center To Safeway Block?

A "Lackluster" Aquatic Center report from, still, Interim Director Moss?

Read Full Agenda/Memorandum

The Astoria DUII Issue: Want To Hear What Was Actually Said At HB3025 Hearing?

Click Here To Access The "Oregonlive" Audio For HB3025 Hearing on March 31, 2011

Clatsop District Attorney Marquis; Transcript Of Testimony At February 11, 2011 Governor's Advisory Committee On DUII's. Oregon A.G. Presents Opinion!

"What you have in front of you is a House Bill, a proposed House Bill, filed by Representative Debbie Boone, one of the two State Reps in my county, at my request. Then, right underneath it, are the statutes which it affects. Attached to that, in turn, is a packet of information which will tell you why the bill is necessary.3025 on its face is frankly something of a housekeeping bill. It relates to 8.660 which goes to the authority of District Attorneys, and the issue is where is the authority of the Municipal Court prosecutor versus the authority of the District Attorney.".......Read Full Transcript

Oregon Attorney General/Department Of Justice Presents An Opinion On The Authority of District Attorney To Transfer Municipal DUII Prosecution To Circuit Court....."we are prepared to argue that the district attorney's authority is primary in situations where the city attorney may have concurrent jurisdiction(such as misdemeanor DUII prosecutions in municipal court)."

From Clatsop County Sheriff's Office;High Angle Rescue Team, Assisted By Cannon Beach Fire Department And USCG Retrieve Stranded Surfers

Friday, April 01, 2011 SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM RETRIEVES STRANDED SURFER On Wednesday, March 30 at about 11:15 a.m. the Clatsop County High Angle Rescue Team was dispatched to the Indian Beach parking lot at Ecola State Park for a report of two surfers stranded on the rocks to the North of Indian Beach. With the assistance of the Cannon Beach Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard ground Search and Rescue personnel, the High Angle Rescue Team was able to successfully hoist one surfer to safety. A more experienced surfer rescued the second stranded surfer. The two rescued surfers were uninjured and in good spirits. The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office would like to caution people who are surfing at the Indian Beach area. This area is very technical and novice surfers should use caution and be with an experienced surfer.

Oregon LUBA Orders Coos Bay's Jordan Cove To Prove It Has Permission To Cross Proposed Pipeline Land And Show No Impact On Olympia Oysters

Published: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 5:31 PM Updated: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 5:38 PM By Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian Oregon's Land Use Board of Appeals has kicked back Coos County's approval of the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, ordering the county to reconsider the project's impact on the Olympia Oyster and demonstrate that it has permission to cross all land along the 50 mile section of pipe in Coos County.....Read Full Report

Clatsop County Sheriff Hosts Rural Law Enforcement District Meeting

Thursday, March 31, 2011 RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DISTRICT MEETING SET FOR APRIL 12 The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office hosts a meeting of the Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee on Tuesday, April 12 at 5:30 pm. at the Sheriff’s Office Conference Room, 355 7th St., Astoria.

The advisory committee meetings serve as an opportunity for the Sheriff’s Office to brief the committee and residents on the activities and programs the Sheriff’s Office is conducting. The primary purpose of this meeting is to discuss the requested Fiscal Year 2011-12 Rural Law Enforcement District budget.

The Sheriff’s Office values the opinions and input of the citizens it serves, and this is an opportunity to provide direct input to both the Sheriff and the Rural Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, which is charged with advising the Board of County Commissioners on matters that affect the citizens of our rural communities. Released by: Tom Bennett Community Relations Coordinator (503) 325-1000

Those Clatsop County Appointed Commissions

It's The Law!!!!

Signed into Law, August 2, 2002 by Sam Patrick Ordinance 01-10 Gave Clatsop County Board of Commissioners complete authority to appoint and dismiss Board, Commission and Committee members to serve at their pleasure.

Here's a brief overview of the ordinance:

* CCBofC may establish any Board, Commission or Committee as "The Board" deems necessary or advisable.

* All members of any Board, Commission or Committee shall be appointed and serve at the pleasure of CCBofC.

* Any Board, Commission or Committee may recommend to the CCBofC, the removal of any of its own members in accord with its by-laws and this ordinance.

* CCBofC may remove any approved Board, Commission or Committee member from his or her appointment by affirmative vote of at least three commissioners. Removal may be initiated in accordance to county policies and at CCBofC's discretion upon recommendation of a Board, Commission or Committee as provided in Paragraph 3.C of Ordinance 01-10

The rest you can read yourselve's

Read The Ordinance On Appointed Commissions In Clatsop County

Amended March 30, 2011 Special Meeting Agenda

*AMENDED* Special Meeting Wednesday, March 30, 2011 – 3:30 pm Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial, Astoria

Read Full Details Of Notice

Clatsop County Redistricting Committee Still Seeking Applicants!!!

Monday, March 28, 2011 REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE STILL SEEKING APPLICANTS - Clatsop County is still seeking applicants for a citizen panel charged with drawing new boundaries for county commissioner districts based on the 2010 U.S. Census data. The process, conducted every 10 years following the Census, ensures that all five districts represented by the county commissioners have roughly equal population by re-drawing the boundaries to take into account any shifts in population within the county. The 11-member committee will be made up of one citizen representative from each commissioner district and a representative from each of the five cities, with a county commissioner as chairperson. City representatives will be selected by the respective city managers – Clatsop County is seeking applicants from the each of the five districts. Those members may be city residents. The committee will use the Census data to make any necessary changes in the boundaries in conformance with state requirements that districts be contiguous, of equal population, utilize existing geographical or political boundaries, not divide communities of common interest, and be connected by transportation links. To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ at “Documents” under “County Manager.” Forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, April 8. The board of commissioners will make the selections.

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 325-1000

Port Of Longview Sets Another Revenue Record

By Erik Olson / The Daily News Posted: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 9:30 The Port of Longview pulled in nearly $28 million in 2010, hitting a record for the third consecutive year, port officials said Tuesday. The $27.8 million of revenue last year was 11 percent more than the port accumulated in 2009, when it topped the $25 million mark for the first time......Read Full Report

An Observation: Those Astoria DUII’s And Who Should Try Them: Is It Time To Take The Issue To The People?

With Clatsop County District Attorney, Josh Marquis and Astoria City Attorney, Blair Henningsgaard scheduled to be in attendance, proposed HB3025 will be heard March 31, 2011 in the House Judiciary Committee in Salem and has already won endorsement from the Governor’s Advisory Committee on DUII’s at a previous meeting February 11, 2011.

This culminates a year’s worth of sparring between the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office and the Astoria City Council over its Municipal Court and that court’s disposition of DUII cases and the issue seems far from being resolved at all but, here’s a rough and by no means, specific chronology of what has taken place to date:
* April, 2010: Astoria District Attorney presents his proposal to Astoria City Council declaring his desire to assume all DUII cases from Astoria Municipal Court.
* July, 2010: County D.A. comes back to Astoria City Council for further discussion on the issue and not well received by, then,. Councilor and candidate for new Astoria City Attorney, Blair Henningsgaard inferring a “personal vendetta” on the part of D.A. Marquis and Commissioner Russ Warr wanting statistics.
* At a Work Session in October, 2010, D.A. Marquis is back again with the results of a two month study by his office with everybody weighing-in on the results with no clear resolution on the issue but much scrutiny, on the part of the Council, to dissect Marquis’s report and defer any final outcomes till Mayor Van Dusen and Council and other parties review individual elements of the report.
* January, 2011: District Attorney Marquis publishes an Op-Ed in the Daily Astorian with his explanation as to why he is pursuing those DUII cases with the Astoria City Council their own letter to “The Citizens of Astoria” , collectively signed by all members and hand delivered to D.A. Marquis and a local radio personality in the dark of night to their doorstep and then, 4-5 days later meets to approve “The Letter”? Read The Op-Ed And Letter Here
* February, 2011: Oregon Rep. Deborah Boone drafts and introduces HB 3025 which will be heard March 31, 2011 in the House Judiciary Committee in Salem. Read “The Bill” Language Here

And so, here we are today and I’m looking at a headline in Thursday’s Daily Astorian that reads; ”Astoria DUII Battle Re-Ignites”?

Re-ignites?

I’d say that fire is still burning as strong as ever now with Astoria Police Chief Curzon weighing-in with his own statement on the issue and comes across, in my view, as somewhat generic and diluted and lends nothing whatsoever towards any resolution from his position and perspective.

Still, no clear resolution and still, many unanswered and unsettled questions remain and the true question I see arising ultimately is; Does this issue need to go before the people of Astoria to settle?

Should we hold open hearings, with testimony from all involved without fear from any reprisal or retaliation for that testimony?

I say “Yes” we should and the sooner the better and as amicably as possible.

Palomar Gas Partners Back-Off Proposed Pipeline Project, Citing Insufficient Demand To Support It.

Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 8:15 PM
Updated: Thursday, March 24, 2011, 8:08 AM

By Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian

Northwest Natural Gas Co. and TransCanada Corp. have withdrawn their joint venture's application to build the controversial Palomar pipeline, telling regulators that demand is insufficient to support the project in the near term. The announcement moves the project off the map and out of a labyrinthine regulatory process in Washington, D.C., where elaborate environmental studies and high-priced lawyers can quickly lay their own high-capacity pipeline into shareholders' wallets..... Read Full Ted Sickinger Report

March 30, 2011 Special Meeting To Reconsider Oregon Pipeline LLC Consolidated Pipeline Application

Special Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 – 3:30 pm
Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial, Astoria
Special Meeting: 3:30 pm
The Board of Commissioners, as the Governing Body of Clatsop County, all County Service Districts for which this body so
acts, and as the Clatsop County Local Contract Review Board, is now meeting in Special Session.
FLAG SALUTE
ROLL CALL
AGENDA APPROVAL
PUBLIC HEARING
a. Oregon Pipeline LLC consolidated application reconsideration ............................................. { }

March 23, 2011: An Eventful Evening At Clatsop County

OK, we heard NNB's Tom Freel present his slant on last night's CCBofC meeeting this morning.
We got the Daily Astorian's concise presentation this afternoon and yes, it is true, Clatsop County Board of Commissioners plans to vacate the sitting membership of the current Clatsop County Planning Commission and replace it with a new commission by June 30, 2011. FYI, CCBofC can, by statute, do this and has every right to do so.

The Board of Commissioners makes it very clear that all current members of the sitting Planning Commission whose tetm will not expire by june 30, 2011 will be invited to reapply for their seat if they so wish and be included amongst the list of candidates slated for review and appointment.

Me? Write something just to be writing something when we have, already, two distinct versions of what two professional journalists interpreted?

I don't think I will, on this one and I really want all of you to listen directly to the "Complete Audio" of last night's meeting for yourselves and then develop your own judgement as to what transpired

Listen To Full Audio Of Last Night's CCBofC Meeting

Update:Regular Meeting Notice For: Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners, Wednesday, March 23, 2011

To: Media
Attached is second amended agenda for March 23 Clatsop County Board of Commissioners meeting. A second executive session has been added at the conclusion of the regular session, and executive session scheduled for 5:30 p.m. is now for ORS 192.660(1)(h)-Litigation.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 Ext. 1312

5:30 PM Executive Session preceeding the regular meeting at 6:00 PM

Read Full Meeting Notice

County's Draft Of Staff Findings And Conclusions On Oregon LNG/Pipeline's Application Still Supports Staff Recommendation For Denial

Clatsop County Draft of revised Staff Findings and Conclusions on Oregon LNG/Pipeline's application for a 41 mile long, High Pressure Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline still maintains denial of project.... Read Full Draft Of County's Document

Clatsop County Imate Work Crew Collects 4600 Pounds Of Trash From Woods

Monday, March 21, 2011

INMATE CREW COLLECTS 4,600 POUNDS OF TRASH FROM WOODS

On Friday, March 18 the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Crew completed a two-week garbage cleanup project in the Astoria Basin forest area, locally referred to as the “Pipeline” area.

This project, coordinated by Forest Patrol Deputy Michael Nelson, was carried out with the participation and cooperation of the Oregon Department of Forestry Astoria District.
4,600 pounds of garbage, discarded furniture, and appliances were bagged in 70 33-gallon garbage sacks and collected.

140 inmate labor hours were contributed to the collection and disposal of the garbage, which was transported to the Western Oregon Waste facility in Astoria. Those fees were paid by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Items found which identify potential suspects of criminal activity including Offensive Littering are being processed. Cases worthy of prosecution have been and will be referred to the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office.

To report crimes on forestlands in Clatsop County contact Sr. Deputy Michael Nelson at (503) 791-4978.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 Ext. 1312

Update: Post After-Action Review Work Session For March 11, 2011 Release From County

Read Full County Post-Work Session Report



Members of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners plan to attend an after-action review by county staff and invited guests of the local response to the March 11 tsunami event. The review will take place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 18 at 800 Exchange St., Suite 430, Astoria.

Because a quorum of at least three commissioners are likely to attend, the county is required to notice the meeting as a work session of the board.

No deliberation or action by the board is scheduled to occur at this meeting.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 Ext. 1312

Clatsop County:Looks To Improve Phone Notification System

Monday, March 21, 2011

COUNTY PURSUES NEW, IMPROVED PHONE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
A key tool in alerting Clatsop County residents about the potential threat from the Pacific tsunami on March 11 was the telephone-based emergency notification system (ENS).
The “reverse-9-1-1” system allowed local emergency managers to send out recorded messages to people in selected areas, informing them of the tsunami warning and urging them to prepare to evacuate to safer ground. The calls, beginning at about 2 a.m., went out to approximately 7,500 households.....Read Full Clatsop County News Release

U.S. Department Of The Interior-BLM Gives Priority Status To 19 Renewable Energy Projects. Oregon Gets Two

U.S. Department of the Interior-BLM
Renewable Energy Priority Projects
Last Updated: March 8, 2011.

The BLM in 2011 continues work on developing a portfolio of renewable energy projects on public lands. The agency has given priority status to 19 projects (nine solar, five wind, and five geothermal)..... Read Full Details

Circuit Court Judge, Cindee Matyas Vacates Oregon LNG/Pipeline Writ Of Mandamus Motion, Cancels Friday Hearing!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 17, 2011

JUDGE VACATES OREGON PIPELINE MOTION

A Clatsop County Circuit Court judge on Thursday vacated a writ of mandamus motion filed by Oregon Pipeline LLC against Clatsop County.

The action by Judge Cindee Matyas effectively puts an end to the company’s motion, which sought immediate approval for its consolidated land-use application for the construction of 41 miles of natural gas pipeline. A hearing scheduled for Friday morning in front of Matyas on the motion has been cancelled.

At the March 9 hearing the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a new set of findings that would result in the application’s denial. The board is currently scheduled to review the draft findings and possibly approve them at a special meeting March 30.
The board of commissioners originally voted in November to approve the application. The ruling was appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals by project opponents, and in January the board, with three new members, elected to withdraw the November decision in order to reconsider the application.

On March 4 Oregon Pipeline filed a request for a writ of mandamus with the court seeking immediate approval of its application. The motion argues that the county has missed the legal deadline for taking final action on the application. If local jurisdictions fail to act on an application within the required timeframe, applicants can seek to have a circuit court order the application to be approved.

Matyas signed the writ and set a hearing for March 18 to hear from attorneys for the county and the applicant. On Thursday, she rescinded her signature and cancelled the hearing.

Oregon Pipeline also claims that, once Matyas signed the writ on March 4, the application came under the official jurisdiction of the court, and that the county had no authority to hold its hearing March 9. No representative from the company attended that hearing.

At this point, Clatsop County is proceeding with the review process, including the March 30 meeting, until it receives direction to do otherwise from its legal counsel, according to County Manager Duane Cole.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

U.S. House Votes To End NPR Federal Funding!

Mark Memmott - NPR News
March 17, 2011 - 3:38PM

The House of Representatives just voted 228-192 to bar NPR from receiving any more federal funds. It was a partisan vote, with Republicans voting "aye" and Democrats voting "nay."....Read Full Report

May 17, 2011 Special District Elections:114 Open Positions, Only 32 Declared Candidates So Far As March 17, Candidate Filing Deadline Approaches

To See Elections Calendar And Who Has Filed So Far Click This!

You Gonna Run For Office? Today's Your Last Day!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 3, 2011

MANY RACES IN MAY 17 ELECTION STILL SEEKING CANDIDATES

Would you like to make a difference in your community? How about lending your time and expertise to a local district providing vital services to you and your neighbors?
The deadline to file for the May 17 special district election is approaching, and many positions up for election still have no candidates.
The May election features contests for school districts, fire districts, water and sewer districts and other entities. The deadline to file as a candidate for the election is March 17.
There are a total of 114 positions on 39 different service district boards and commissions up for election, but candidates had filed for only 32 of those positions as of Wednesday, March 2.
Among the positions with no candidates are those on the Port of Astoria Commission and Clatsop Community College Board of Directors.
Here are the districts with positions on the May 17 election:

County-wide districts
Port of Astoria
Clatsop Community College
Sunset Empire Transportation District

School Districts
Astoria School District
Clatskanie School District (candidates file with Columbia County)
Jewell School District
Knappa School District
Seaside School District
Warrenton-Hammond School District

Rural Fire Protection Districts
Cannon Beach RFPD
Clatskanie RFPD (candidates file with Columbia County)
Elsie-Vinemaple RFPD
Gearhart RFPD
Hamlet RFPD
John Day-Fernhill RFPD
Knappa-Svensen-Burnside RFPD
Lewis & Clark RFPD
Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD (candidates file with Columbia County)
Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue (candidates file with Tillamook County)
Olney-Walluski Fire & Rescue
Seaside RFPD
Warrenton RFPD
Westport-Wauna RFPD

Water Districts
Arch Cape Domestic Water Supply District
Falcon Cove Beach Water District
John Day Water District
Skipanon Water District
Wauna Water District
Wickiup Water District
Willowdale Water District
Youngs Bay Water District
Sanitary Service Districts
Arch Cape Sanitary District
Miles Crossing Sanitary Sewer District
Shoreline Sanitary District
Sundown Sanitary District

Health districts
Clatsop Care Health District
Union Health District

Other Districts
Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District
Clatsop County Rural Law Enforcement District

Candidates can file to run by fee or petition.
For a complete list of all seats up for election, the requirements for each office and other information, go to the “Clerk/Elections” page on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/.
The last day to register to vote in the May 17 election is April 26; more voter registration information is also available on the Clerk/Elections page of the county website. People can also check their voter registration status online by going to https://secure.sos.state.or.us/eim/vr/showVoterSearch.do

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Port Of Astoria Presented A Speculative Plan For Energy Farm At Bradwood Landing?

(The photo-rendering is of a pilot hydrogen fuel filling station now under construction in Southern California and will be the model used for the so-called "Hydrogen Highway")

Ah! "Perpetual Candidate" and "Bio-Mass Energy Project Promoter", John Dunzer, now teaming up with Bradwood Landing property owner, Ken Leahy?

Dunzer speculates using that property (Bradwood Landing) for an "Energy Farm"?
Wants to ship little bitty shiploads of LNG from Kenai, Alaska, down the coast and then upriver to Bradwood Landing to be used to whatever means necessary to recycle tires and produce Hydrogen for the future "Hydrogen Highway" and other assorted and volatile gases such as, Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Hydrogen and Argon gas?

An "Energy Farm" he calls it and wants our Port of Astoria to endorse it all?
An 11 mile, 24 inch diameter, high pressure, Natural Gas Transmission pipeline as opposed to a 30-plus mile, 36 inch diameter line going to a tie-in with Northwest Natural Gas's feeder line?
And Dunzer says it's all very simple and straight-forward and Leahy is his much-needed developer to help make it happen plus put-up the land that we all know very well, Bradwood Landing?

Bunches of questions with a few holes that really need to be plugged to make it look more realistic, in my view.

Kenai, Alaska? Kenai was in the window of Northern Star Natural Gas’s’ vision to build LNG receiving terminals at Bradwood Landing and a California project as a likely supplier of Alaskan LNG. Unfortunately, Alaska, in a joint project with Trans-Canada Pipeline opted to process and ship Their Natural Gas overland throught Alberta Province, Canada and into the U.S. Midwest and tie-in to the national pipeline system and then to the West Coast Market.

“The Hydrogen Highway”? A definite plan underway in California with a pilot Hydrogen Fuel Filling Station under construction at the moment and a fact Mr. Dunzer overlooked was that those stations when in-place will produce and dispense their own Hydrogen Fuel and will likely, as well, be positioned all along the I-5 corridor all the way up to Canada and probably beyond.
Tire Recycling? (To break those tires down to re-capture the Carbon to be re-sold) A viable but, very specialized process and sophisticated equipment to make it happen and a requirement for storage of mountains of old tires.

The Port? So, with this aggressive plan by The Dunzer/Leahy partnership, I need to ask Port of Astoria if they were just blowing smoke up our butts when they announced the proposed Martin Nygaard Timber processing and shipping project at Tongue Point accompanied by a Bio-mass power generation facility that could potentially produce enough electricity to power 14 thousand homes? In its own right would that not be an effective and purposeful “Energy Farm” likely offering many jobs?

I guess my big question is….With all these varied and specialized uses of Leahy’s Bradwood Landing property and all their inherent and sensitive and volatile sophistication, does Dunzer and Leahy actually believe this scheme will go any smoother than the last scheme on that property as attempted by Northern Star Natural Gas?

Truth is, in my view, Bradwood Landing was historically a Log/timber Shipping Operation and maybe some thought should be put into a cooperative arrangement between Leahy and “The Port” to ship those Westerlund Logs out of there, opening up the West Port facility for more Port related ventures.

GRP:This is an observation of an in-depth piece on John Dunzer and Ken Leahy's Scheme as presented to Port of Astoria and written by Katie Wilson - The Daily Astorian on March 16, 2011

Lordan Cove LNG Project Manager Says LNG Export Talk Premature

From: The World
Posted: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 7:58 pm

The manager of the Jordan Cove LNG terminal project did tell an energy newsletter that his company had entertained inquiries about using the facility for export of natural gas, he said Wednesday.

"But the leap of faith (in the article) from 'mulling over' to 'redesign' was enormous," said Bob Braddock......Read Full Details And Updates

Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson Denies Bail For Accused Murderer Fitzhugh

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 10:51 am Updated: 10:53 am, Tue Mar 15, 2011.
By KATIE WILSONThe Daily Astorian Daily Astorian

An Astoria man accused of murder by abuse and aggravated murder will remain in jail without bail.

According to a decision by Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson released Monday, the state was able to present strong evidence that Christopher Fitzhugh “recklessly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of life, caused the death of (his fiancée) Evelyn Decker.”.........Read Full Katie Wilson - Daily Astorian Article

Clatsop County Invites Public Comment On Westport Corridor And Community Plan At Community Meeting

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Clatsop County is hosting a community meeting to gather citizens’ comments about the new Westport Corridor and Community Plan, 7:30-9 p.m. March 31 at the Westport Community Church.
The plan, developed by the county in partnership with local citizens and business owners with funding from a tax-penalty payment from Georgia-Pacific, includes the following proposed projects”
· New Highway 30 access for Westport Ferry/Industrial Park
· Plympton Creek restoration
· Public park on former Georgia-Pacific site
· Boat landing improvements
· Highway 30 pedestrian safety and aesthetic improvements
The community meeting will offer information on recent design progress and the next steps in the planning process.
Public input and involvement is an important part of the planning process – the proposed projects have emerged from meetings with the Westport community, business owners and county representatives.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 Ext. 1312