Clatsop County Offers-Up 10 Land Parcels For Auction June 6, 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

TEN PARCELS OFFERED AT COUNTY LAND AUCTION JUNE 6

Clatsop County will offer 10 parcels of land at a public auction Monday June 6, 2011
The auction will be held in the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria. Bidder registration begins at 9 a.m. The auction will start at 10 a.m.
One parcel is located in Birkenfeld near Fishhawk Lake, one parcel contains a house built in 1964 south of Seaside and some parcels are offered in the Warrenton area. Another parcel is in the Elsie area and two more on a hillside off Hwy 202 in the Williamsport area south east of Astoria.
Minimum bids range from $500 to $127,000. All properties will be sold as is and for cash. Payment is due in full by 5 p.m. the day of the auction, except for one parcel which has a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the minimum bid due by 5 p.m. on day of sale, closing to take place on or before 30 days from the date of sale (July 6).
Auction packets are available for $4.50 at the Assessment & Taxation office, and an open house will be held one time only at the house south of Seaside. For more information, contact Property Specialist Sirpa Duoos at 820 Exchange St., Suite 230, Astoria or call (503) 325-8674.

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

Oregon Supreme Court Halts Further Oregon Pipeline Review, Orders Matyas To Reinstate Writ Of Mandamus, March 30, 2011 Hearing Cancelled

Un-Named But Reliable Source Believes Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Denies Writ Of Mandamus Petitioned By Oregon LNG/Pipeline!!!(Details will follow as they become available)


Tuesday, March 29, 2011 SUPREME COURT HALTS COUNTY PIPELINE REVIEW; HEARING CANCELED The Oregon Supreme Court, in a ruling handed down Tuesday, issued a stay against Clatsop County from proceeding with its reconsideration of the Oregon Pipeline LLC land-use application. As a result, the public hearing scheduled before the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners for Wednesday, March 30 has been canceled. The board was scheduled to review and possibly approve findings of fact denying the consolidated application for the construction of 41 miles of natural gas pipeline. The court also ordered Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Cindee Matyas to reinstate a writ of mandamus sought by Oregon Pipeline against the county and proceed with the mandamus case. The board of commissioners is reconsidering the approval originally granted to the Oregon Pipeline application by the county commissioners in November 2010. On March 9 the board gave tentative approval to preliminary findings that would deny the application. The board was due to review the final, modified findings at the March 30 hearing. On March 4 Oregon Pipeline filed a writ of mandamus petition with the local circuit court, arguing that the county has failed to take final action on its application within the timeframe mandated by Oregon land-use law. Matyas signed the writ and set a show-cause hearing for March 18, but on March 17 she vacated the writ. On March 21 Oregon Pipeline filed a writ of mandamus with the Supreme Court asking the court to order Matyas to reinstate the writ filed in Clatsop County court, and to stay all proceedings and decisions by the county on the application. Oregon Pipeline contends that once the writ of mandamus was filed in local circuit court, the county no longer had jurisdiction over the application. Released by: Tom Bennett Community Relations Coordinator (503) 325-1000

From Clatsop County;AmeriCorps Honors Local Volunteers, May 14 Through May 21, 2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS’ WORK FEATURED FOR AMERICORPS WEEK

To honor National AmeriCorps week, May 14 through the 21, your local AmeriCorps members, Donna Leinus, Jen O’Neal, Blaire Buergler, Derek Partridge and Jessica Johnson want to share with you their experience with national service in Clatsop County.
AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives and strengthen communities. AmeriCorps is made up of three programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
Locally AmeriCorps members fill needed gaps in our community.
Donna is a second year AmeriCorps member with the Marine Education and Volunteer Coordinator with the City of Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock Awareness Program. She serves as a Rocky Shore Interpreter on the beach during low tides for the general public and visiting school groups. She coordinates visiting school groups and visits local school classrooms to share information before their field trip.
Last year, her main project was creating a short educational film that targeted visiting school groups that the program could not visit in person, to give students some information before heading to the beach. She also works to increase the volunteer base for the program, plan community events, train new volunteers, and support the ongoing education of current volunteers.
In her first year with AmeriCorps, Jen O’Neal is our local American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Specialist. She teaches Red Cross Health and Safety classes, which include the CPR/AED, First Aid, and Babysitter training. She also teaches the ALERT (Awareness Learning & Emergency Response Training) programs to area youth. On top of this, she gives free emergency preparedness presentations to community groups and works at many of the local blood drives.
Blaire Buergler serves as the downtown coordinator for the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA), a non-profit organization that is part of the Oregon Main Street Program. She is part of the RARE Program (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments), an AmeriCorps program that is administered through the University of Oregon’s Community Service Center.
Blaire is focusing on building ADHDA’s capacity and is working to facilitate the Main Street Program’s proven comprehensive approach to revitalizing commercial historic districts. Specifically, she is inventorying all downtown properties in the area, developing a comprehensive database of organization stakeholders, coordinating and facilitating downtown promotional events, researching sustainable funding models, and populating a website for the organization. Blaire is a graduate of Virginia Tech and moved to Astoria from Arlington, Virginia.
AmeriCorps member Derek Partridge is funded by the Warrenton Trails Association (WTA) and the City of Warrenton through the University of Oregon’s Community Service Center. He is part of the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments program, and is placed for the year in Warrenton. He is coordinating parks and trails projects with the City’s Public Works Department, WTA, and Parks Advisory Board. Currently, Partridge is leading an effort to revitalize the Warrenton City Park, including construction of a new restroom facility, with help from the National Guard, community volunteers, and City leaders.
Seaside High School alumna Jessica Johnson is in her second year with the AmeriCorps HOPE (Healthy Options through Prevention and Education) program serving Clatsop County through the Clatsop County Juvenile Department’s Substance Abuse Prevention Programs. Her position, matched locally by the Commission on Children and Families, United Way, OSU Extension and Kiwanis, takes her to many of the county’s school districts as the Friendly PEERsuasion and Allies in Action afterschool program instructor. She also helps to co-facilitate the Strengthening Families Program 10-14, Safe Dates curriculum in partnership with Women’s Resource Center and works with groups of local youth to take action to reduce underage drinking and drug use.
AmeriCorps is the chance to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of those around you. Members who complete their entire term of service are awarded the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. To search for a national service opportunity that fits your desired location and interests, visit http://www.americorps.gov/.

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

Cowlitz County Commissioners Schedule Public Hearing For Input On Coal Export Proposal

(L.A. Times Photo)

By Barbara LaBoe / The Daily News
Posted: Sunday, May 15, 2011 8:30 pm

Cowlitz County commissioners say they'll hold a forum to let residents have their say about a coal export terminal proposed for West Longview.
As it stands now, the commissioners don't have a decision to make about the project, but they expect to be confronted by the issue again later this year or next year....Click On Thread Title Above For Full Story

Interesting Vertical Axis Wind Generators For Residential Use

( www.desertpowerinc.com)

Explore Your Options

Why The GOP Should Listen To Mitch Daniels

(Photo By:Darron Cummings / AP)
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
It’s lunchtime at frontier Elementary School in Brookston, Ind., and Gov. Mitch Daniels, who’s spent the past two hours leading a charity motorcycle ride through the cornfields of central Indiana, has decided, along with 500 of his burliest friends, to park his Harley and grab some food. In the cafeteria, groups of tattooed men in leather vests, skull bandannas, and sleeveless denim jackets mill about, nibbling on limp turkey sandwiches. But Dennis Tyger, a 42-year-old auto repairman with a thick goatee and an impish grin, is too busy plotting his next move to eat. “So I should do it, right?” he asks his tablemates. They nod. Seconds later, Daniels enters the room.

Read The Newsweek Andrew Romano Article

Special District Election Ballots Due By 8:00 PM Tuesday, May 17, 2011

May 12, 2011

SPECIAL DISTRICT ELECTION BALLOTS DUE BACK MAY 17

Time is running out to return ballots for the May 17 special district election.
Ballots for the election must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday in order to be counted. To ensure their ballots arrive on time, voters are advised to bring completed ballots to one of the approved drop sites. Ballots placed in the mail before the deadline but not delivered until after will not be counted.
Completed ballots can be dropped at the following sites:
· Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, Public Services Building, 820 Exchange St., Astoria -or- 24-hour drop box in front of office.
· Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 Gower St., Cannon Beach
· Gearhart City Hall, 698 Pacific Way, Gearhart
· Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, Seaside
· Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton
· Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa
· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall, 12525 Oregon Highway 202
· Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie
For more information contact the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 or go to the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ and click on “May 17, 2011 Special District Election.”

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

Coast Community Radio To Feature Astoria Port Commission Candidates Bill Hunsinger And Tim Liddiard Thursday Morning

Tune in Thursday morning May 12th to hear Patrick Webb interview Port Commissioner Bill Hunsinger and challenger Tim Liddiard.
9:30 am: KMUN 91.9 and KTCB 89.5 and www.coastradio.org
8:30 pm: KCPB 89.5 (if you can access it)
Questions: 503-325-0010

Clatsop County Redistricting Board Sets New Proposed Commisioner District Boundaries!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

REDISTRICTING BOARD PICKS PROPOSED NEW COMMISSIONER BOUNDARIES

The Clatsop County Redistricting Board has settled on proposed new boundaries for the County Board of Commissioners districts.
At a meeting Monday the 10-member board chose a boundary scenario that makes relatively few changes to the existing commissioner districts.
The plan next goes to the board of commissioners for review and final adoption. The board must adopt new boundaries by Sept. 13.
Legislative boundaries must be redrawn every 10 years to account for shifts in population revealed in the U.S. Census. The Clatsop County Clerk’s Office convened the Redistricting Board to review the data from the 2010 Census and agree on new boundaries.
From input from the panel, county staff developed six different boundary scenarios. On Monday the board voted 8-2 to select Scenario D, which shifts a handful of voter precincts between districts to maintain similar population totals, but largely leaves the existing districts in their current configuration.
“The process went smoothly,” County Clerk Cathie Garber said. “The board was very forward-thinking, trying to do what’s best for Clatsop County now and in the future.”
The board made one change to Scenario D, shifting the “Cove” area of south Seaside from District 5 to District 2.
To see a map of Scenario D, go to “Redistricting process” at the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/. Note that the map does not show the shift of the Seaside area.
The Redistricting Board was charged with drawing boundaries that met the following criteria:
· Be contiguous
· Be of equal population
· Utilize existing geographical or political boundaries
· Not divide communities of common interest
· Be connected by transportation links
The new boundaries also had to reflect a change in the method of counting the population. The current districts are based on the number of registered voters, while the new districts are to be based on total population. For that reason, the new proposed boundaries follow census blocks, while the current boundaries are based on voter precincts.
As a result, some areas – in Astoria, Seaside, Warrenton and the Olney area – have been shifted to another district under the board’s preferred Scenario D.

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

May 11, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Time Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 9, 2011

MAY 11 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING TIME CHANGED

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has changed the time of its Wednesday, May 11 regular meeting to accommodate public input on a draft letter regarding future management in the Clatsop State Forest.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
The letter, to State Forester Doug Decker, constitutes the board of commissioners’ comment on the draft Implementation Plan for the state forest’s Astoria District. The 10-year implementation plan spells out how the revisions to the Northwest Oregon Forest Management Plan, adopted in 2010 by the Oregon Board of Forestry and covering harvest levels, habitat protection and other strategies, will be carried out on the ground in the approximately 150,000 acres of the Astoria District, which covers the Clatsop State Forest.
The state forestry department is accepting public comment on the implementation plan until May 25. The final decision on the implementation plans lies with the department.
The draft letter was presented to the county board of commissioners at its April 27 meeting, when the board heard a presentation from District Manager Tom Savage and Assistant Manager Ron Zilli on the district implementation plan.
The board postponed action on the letter and scheduled further discussion for May 11. Staff made some revisions to the letter based on commissioner input.
The letter emphasizes the important role forestry plays in the economy and culture of Clatsop County. It notes that one of the key changes in the 2010 Forest Management Plan carried over to the implementation plan, the introduction of a new habitat-protection strategy called Species of Concern, “appears to be more specific and targeted,” but urges the department to dedicate sufficient resources to ensure the species-protection plan is “based on the best available science.”
To see the draft letter on the May 11 meeting agenda, go to the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us and go to “Board of Commissioners meetings/agendas.”
The state forestry department is taking public comment on the draft implementation plan until May 25. To view the entire plan, and get information on submitting comments, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry website, www.oregon.gov/ODF.

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

BRING ME SUNSHINE!!!!

Find It Here!!!

Astoria Planning Commission;Plans May 24, 2011 Public Hearing On Buildable Lands Inventory

CITY OF ASTORIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Astoria Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 immediately following the Traffic Safety Committee meeting at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following request(s):
1. Amendment A10-02 by the Community Development Director, City of Astoria, to amend the Development Code adding Section 1.253 adopting the Buildable Lands Inventory by reference, City Wide, in all zones. Development Code Standards 1.200-1.210, Articles 9 and 10, and Comprehensive Plan Sections CP.005-CP.025, CP.110-CP.125, CP.190-CP.210, CP.215-CP.230, CP.290-CP.340, are applicable to the request.
2. Amendment A11-01 by the Community Development Director, City of Astoria, to amend various Comprehensive Plan sections to implement the 2011 Buildable Lands Inventory and update outdated information in relevant sections of the Comprehensive Plan, City Wide, in all zones. Development Code Standards Articles 9 and 10, and Comprehensive Plan Sections CP.005-CP.025, CP.010-CP.025, CP.030-CP.105, CP.110-CP.125, CP.190-CP.210, CP.215-CP.230, CP.290-CP.340, and CP.460.4 are applicable to the request.
3. Amendment A11-02 by the Community Development Director, City of Astoria, to amend Section 2.390(18) of the Development Code to allow single and two family dwellings on the first floor with commercial facilities in the front portion of a structure as an outright use in a C-3, General Commercial zone. Development Code Standards 2.385-2.415, Articles 9 and 10, and Comprehensive Plan Sections

Read Full Agenda

24th Annual Youth Recognition Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted Until May 11, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 5, 2011

YOUTH AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families is accepting nominations until May 11 for its 24th Annual Youth Recognition Awards.
Adults may nominate youth ages 12 through 20 who have either overcome personal challenges to achieve success or significantly enhanced the quality of life in the community through some form of service.
In addition, youth can nominate adults who have made a significant positive impact on their lives for the Adult “Asset Builder” Award.
Instructions on how to nominate a youth and forms are available from Alice Beck at (503) 325-8156 or on the Clatsop County website at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/. Information on how youth can nominate adults will be posted in local middle and high schools. Nominations will be reviewed and final candidates selected by commission members.
The awards will be presented at the 24th Annual Youth Recognition Awards, Wednesday night, May 18 at the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Many local businesses are donating desserts for the event.

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

Clatsop Special Service District Budgets Approved

CLATSOP COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICT BUDGETS APPROVED

The budget committees of the four Clatsop County special service districts approved the districts’ respective 2011-12 fiscal year budgets without change Wednesday.
Approved were the proposed budgets of the 4-H and Extension Service Special Service District, Road District #1, Rural Law Enforcement District and Westport Sewer Service District. The four budgets next go to the county board of commissioners for public hearings June 8 and final adoption June 22.
The budget committees consist of the five county commissioners plus citizen members.
The 4-H/Extension Service budget totals $573,400 and funds four Oregon State University faculty positions and support staff who provide educational programs and information to Clatsop County residents, including nutrition education, Coastal Hazards and Master Gardener programs.
Road District #1 funds road maintenance and improvement projects in the unincorporated area of the county. Its budget for 2011-12 is $3,303,400.
Rural Law Enforcement District provides enhanced funding to the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office. Budget for 2011-12 is $4,738,700.
Westport Sewer Service District supports the wastewater system serving approximately 90 customers in the Westport community. Funding includes a district budget of $70,800 and an equipment replacement budget of $57,700
Proposed 2011-12 tax rates charged by the districts are:
· 4-H/Extension Service – $0.0534 per $1,000 property value
· Road District #1 – $1.017
· Rural Law Enforcement District – $0.7195
The Westport Sewer Service District is entirely rate-supported; sewer rates are $37 per month.
All four budgets can be viewed online at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/. Go to “Budget” under”Administration/Board of Commissioners.”

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

Clatsop County Diking District #5 To Hold Annual Meeting May 16, 2011

Diking District #5 will hold its annual meeting Monday, May 16, 7 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Rural Fire Department Fire Hall, 34583 Highway 101-Business.

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

LCPS Final Phase Of The Stramiello Estate Sale Set For May 13, 2011

The Lower Columbia Preservation Society
Last Phase of our Sale from estate of Roberta Stramiello
First Presbyterian Church Hall
corner of 11th and Harrison Streets, Astoria
May 13th through 15th, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half-price mark-down begins at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Huge amount!! Housewares, linens, cabinets, dressers, tables, chairs, lamps, sofas, 10’ quilting rack, etc.
There will be a silent auction for some choice items, e.g. garden décor and wicker chaise.
For more information call Pam Chestnut (503) 325-3245
All proceeds go to LCPS
Don't miss this one!

2011 - 2012 Clatsop County Budget Unanimously Approved By Budget Committee

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

BUDGET COMMITTEE APPROVES 2011-12 PROPOSED BUDGET
The Clatsop County Budget Committee unanimously approved the proposed 2011-12 budget without change Tuesday, May 3.
The budget next goes to the county board of commissioners for a public hearing June 8 and final adoption June 22.......Read Full Release

Darigold Building Surplus Sale Set For May 12, 2011 At The Building

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

SURPLUS ITEMS FOR SALE MAY 12 AT DARIGOLD BUILDING

Looking for a bio-hazard refrigerator? How about a toilet, still in the box? Or some mouse pads?
A potpourri of items of varying value and utility will be for sale Thursday, May 12 as Clatsop County clears out the Darigold Building in downtown Astoria in preparation for its demolition.
The building at Ninth and Duane streets has served as storage space for the county for several years, and has accumulated a variety of used office equipment and furniture such as desks and filing cabinets, as well as assorted oddities – including an antique toilet paper holder, and even two animal skulls – that the county is offering for sale to the public.
The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Darigold Building. Sales are for cash only or checks from established businesses.
A complete list of all 200-plus items for sale is available on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/.
The Board of Commissioners sold the Darigold Building in February to Coastal Family Health Center, which plans to build a three-story, 40,000-square-foot building for its own clinic as well as office space for local non-profit social service agencies.
Hazardous materials such as asbestos will be removed from the structure prior to the demolition, which will likely occur in mid-June. Once cleared, the site will serve as temporary parking space until construction on the new facility begins.

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

Wauna Mill Union Says....Strike!!!

By Erik Olson / The Daily News Online
Posted: Monday, May 2, 2011 8:20 pm
Union workers at Georgia-Pacific's Wauna mill have given negotiators strike authorization as contract talks with the company have bogged down, a union representative said Monday.

The 900 members of the United Steelworkers local 1097 have been working under a contract that expired in April 2010, said Gaylan Prescott, the union's staff representative.

The union voted down a company contract offer in January, and the next contract talks are scheduled May 24 with a federal mediator, he said......Read Full TDN Details

The Ideal Natural Disaster, Emergency Survival Kit; Got One Ready Yourself? Any Ideas To Add?

(Photo - Masternewmedia.org)

If I need to evacuate, what should I bring with me?
Your survival kit is generally the same for all natural disasters. Here is a list of suggested supplies:
*an extra supply of prescription medicines
* non-perishable dietary foods
*ice chest
*a minimum of 2 quarts of water per person per day
*pet food
*candles/flashlight
*matches
*blankets/sleeping bags
*extra cash
*clothing
*eyeglasses
*personal hygiene items
*special items for infants
*special items for elderly and disabled family members
*quiet games or books/toys for children
*important papers-driver′s license, special medical information, insurance policies, and property inventories
*first aid kit
*water purification kit.

Want To Play A Part In Your Own Local History?

Monday, May 2, 2011

REDISTRICTING BOARD INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS

The Clatsop County Redistricting Board invites public comment on the process of redrawing the boundaries of the county board of commissioner districts.
The nine-member board will hold a series of meeting May 5, May 9 and May 20. All meetings will begin at 4 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria. Public comments will be accepted at the beginning of each meeting.
The panel is charged with drawing new boundaries for the five commissioner districts to conform to new population data from the 2010 U.S. Census. The board’s plan must be presented to the county commissioners by July 30.
New districts must adhere to the following criteria established by the Oregon Legislature:
· Be contiguous
· Be of equal population
· Utilize existing geographical or political boundaries
· Not divide communities of common interest
· Be connected by transportation links
For more information on redistricting, go to “Redistricting Process” on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/.

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

U.S. LNG Exports Will Face Stiff Competition

(Cheniere Partners Photo)




Updated from a Barclays Capital commodities research publication Mar. 22, 2011.

James Crandell
Biliana Pehlivanova

Barclays Capital

New York



Michael Zenker


Barclays Capital


San Francisco



Oversupplied North American natural gas markets might see construction of liquefaction that would allow LNG export potentially in 2015. There is a question, however, of whether the world needs another source of LNG supplies.



Global regasification additions will far outpace liquefaction capacity growth 2012-13, suggesting that global LNG markets could tighten if demand materializes behind those terminals.





The picture changes 2014-15, however, when liquefaction and regasification growth balance.



This suggests that proposals for North American liquefaction would likely face strong competition, particularly from Australia, and highlights the importance of relative costs of supply.....Read Full Article

Booming Demand By Chinese For Northwest Logs And Lumber

(Michael Clapp Photo - OPB)

Booming Demand From Chinese For NW Logs And Lumber
Tom Banse - OPB

April 4, 2011

There's good news and bad news for logging and sawmilling jobs in the Northwest.
The bad news is new figures out Friday show construction spending dropped in February to the lowest level in more than a decade.

The good news is that timber demand from China is soaring...... Read Full OPB Article

Bin-Laden Dead!! Buried At Sea!!!

by JULIE PACE, Associated Press
kgw.com
Posted on May 1, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Updated today at 8:42 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks against the United States, is dead, and the U.S. is in possession of his body, a person familiar with the situation said late Sunday.....Follow The Details Here

Inside The Raid That Killed Bin-Laden

LNG Trucks Through Communities; Who Pays For Accidents And Damages?

Forum Explores Who Pays In LNG Accident
Posted: April 29, 2011 - 11:13pm Updated: April 30, 2011 - 8:13am

By Mary Landers - SavannahNow.com
Savannahians, especially those along the DeRenne corridor, have been concerned for months about a proposal to transport up to 58 tanker truckloads a day of liquefied natural gas across that busy road.....Read Article

West Coast Short Sea Shipping Scuttled By Unions?

This article was published in the Winter 2010 issue of the Coast Longshore Division Newsletter.

GRP;Is this why our own Port of Astoria sandbagged on the potential of our own participation in this industry when it was available to us?

NON-UNION CARGO: Short sea shipping barges on the Duwamish River (shown here) and the Columbia transport cargo loaded by non-union dockworkers.
Most longshore workers, particularly those of us registered in small ports, have heard the rhetoric associated with short sea shipping (SSS), sometimes referred to as marine highways.
The United States government and many small public port authorities are championing the concept of SSS. Why?

The United States government wants to undermine our position in the cargo transportation industry.

Ports want a piece of the free money that the current administration is irresponsibly throwing around.

Wannabe freight moving entrepreneurs and underutilized ports are telling all of us up and down the West Coast that there are jobs in it for us and our communities......Read Full Article

Oregon LNG/Pipeline: Leucadia National Corporation's(OLNG's Money People) Annual Letter To Shareholders. This Is Their Statement On LNG

In January 2007, Leucadia acquired a leasehold interest and certain permits to construct and operate an onshore liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) receiving terminal.

The site is located on the Skipanon Peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River, in Warrenton, Oregon.

Since that time,we have been working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) to permit the site for an onshore LNG terminal. That process has been much slower, challenging and frustrating than we anticipated.

If we had known what we were getting into, we would not have done it! However, we are making progress.

In 2010, the Biological Assessment was issued by FERC,which indicated that the project does not have any significant impact on endangered species.

In 2011, we anticipate FERC will issue an Environmental Impact Statement, the last hurdle to clear before receiving final FERC approval. We are not naive – and now even less so – to the nature of development projects, and anticipate an ongoing stream of opposition and challenges in the future.

We are keenly interested in the global energy market. Like it or not, the world’s appetite for power and light shows no sign of slowing and no one is moving back to oxen or whale oil lanterns. It appears to us that the environmental and economic benefits of natural gas will make it a preferred worldwide energy source in the foreseeable future.

The import and export of LNG has a role to play within that market. With this theme in mind, we’ve opened our wallet to fund this venture for another year, within which time frame we hope to cross the finish line. Tune in next year.

Clatsop County Redistricting Committee; April 29, 2011 Agenda

Read Full Agenda

Columbia River Summer And Fall Fishing Seasons Announced

Columbia River Summer And Fall Fishing Seasons Announced

April 27, 2011

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Pacific Northwest fishery managers have announced summer and fall salmon fishing seasons on the Columbia River for 2011 following conclusion of the recent North of Falcon meeting process.
The North of Falcon process is a series of public meetings in which fishery managers from several jurisdictions, including Oregon, convene to review data and accept public testimony to plan recreationaand commercial salmon fisheries on the Columbia River and parts of the ocean off the Oregon and Washington coasts. The name refers to Cape Falcon on Oregon’s north coast, the southern end of the planning area........ Read Full Schedule

Clatsop County Board;April 27, 2011 Work Session And Regular Meeting Audio Transcript and Meeting Highlights!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APRIL 27, 2011 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Official minutes available once approved by the board

DARIGOLD CONTRACTS APPROVED
The board approved contracts for demolition of the Darigold Building and abatement of hazardous materials in the structure. The demolition contract will go to Groat Brothers for $57,300, and the abatement job to Lake Oswego Insulation for $68,100.
The abatement and demolition are required under provisions of the sale of the structure to Coastal Family Health Center, which was approved by the board in February.
The board also voted to declare stored items in the building as surplus in order to sell them and remove them from the site prior to the demolition
The board approved a budget adjustment within the Special Projects Fund to cover the cost of the project in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscal years.

FOREST PLAN LETTER TABLED
The board postponed action on a letter to State Forester Doug Decker supporting the proposed revised Implementation Plan for the Clatsop State Forest’s Astoria District. The plan implements the revised Forest Management Plan adopted in 2010, which reduces target levels for developing complex forest stands, increases harvest levels and changes habitat protection strategies.
Discussion of the letter followed a presentation from District Forester Tom Savage and Assistant District Forester Ron Zilli from the Clatsop State Forest-Astoria District.
Commissioner Peter Huhtala said he had some concerns with the draft letter. He said if the implementation plan does not rely on the best available science, including an independent report due to be presented to the Oregon Board of Forestry this week, then the Forest Management Plan could be vulnerable to legal challenge, which could result in federal interference in the state forests.
The board voted to discuss the letter at its May 11 meeting.

SUPERFUND EXTENSION SOUGHT
The board approved sending letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Oregon Congressional delegation seeking a 120-day extension of the comment period for the EPA’s proposed listing of Astoria Marine Construction Co. under the National Priorities Superfund program. The delay, the letter states, would give the county more time to work with the state and EPA to ensure that any required clean-up of pollution at the Lewis and Clark River facility would not jeopardize the business.
The board postponed action on a second letter to Gov. John Kitzhaber pending discussions between the state and EPA regarding the potential direction and outcome if the property is identified as a Superfund site.

NON-PROFITS REPORT
The board heard reports from representatives of the five non-profit social service entities that receive dollars from the county – Women’s Resource Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Healing Circle, Clatsop Community Action and Lighthouse for Kids. The reports are required under the terms of the donations. Each of the organizations received $3,000 for the current fiscal year.

OTHER BUSINESS
In other business the board:
-appointed Ed Johnson and Tom Horning to the county Redistricting Board. The panel is charged with drawing new boundaries for the five commissioner districts based on population data from the 2010 federal census. The board’s first meeting is 4 p.m. Friday, April 29 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building.
-voted to dissolve four inactive water districts. The districts – Burnside, Fernhill, Fishhawk Lake and Olney-Walluski – were replaced by private, non-profit water associations in the 1950s and ’60s, but were never formally dissolved.
-decided to make no recommendation on an appointment to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council.
-approved a proclamation recognizing the Astoria Bicentennial.
April 27, 2011 CCBofC Work Session Audio Transcript
April 27, 2011 CCBofC Regular Session Audio Transcript

Oregon Ocean Sport Salmon Fishing Season Set

Go To Schedule

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