Clatsop County Hosts Hazardous Household Waste Day!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

COUNTY HOSTS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY

Are hidden dangers lurking in your home?
Cleansers, pesticides and other chemicals make our lives more convenient, but they can also pose health risks.
To help local residents get rid of unused or unneeded hazardous waste products in their homes, Clatsop County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2320 SE 12th Place, Warrenton, at Western Oregon Waste’s administrative office near the Astoria Airport.
County residents can bring in a variety of toxic, flammable and other materials for disposal at no charge at what organizers say will become an annual event.
The following items are examples of what will be accepted:
Bug, weed, pest killers
Poisons, cleaners, batteries,
Paints, stains, thinners, solvents, wood preservatives
Car and boat fluids, gas, antifreeze
Mercury-containing thermometers, fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs
Home arts, photography, hobby supplies and more

Items NOT accepted:
Medical waste, including syringes and other “sharps”
Medications
Explosives
Radioactive waste
Business waste*
*A collection time for businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste a year, designated as Conditionally Exempt Generators, will be held June 10 by appointment only, no drop-ins will be accepted. For CEG registration call Clean Harbors Environmental Services at (503) 305-2158 or email ranf.alan@cleanharbors.com
The Collection Event is the product of the Clatsop County Household Hazardous Waste Program, a collaborative project between the county, cities, Western Oregon Waste and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing and properly disposing of residential hazardous waste.
Initial plans envisioned the construction of a permanent local facility dedicated to handling hazardous materials. The program’s short term goals are to hold regular collection events alternating between north and south county locations. The longer-term vision of a hazardous waste collection center will be assessed at a later time.
The program is funded by a small surcharge on all the solid waste going through WOW’s Transfer Station in Astoria.
According to Maureen Taylor, Household Hazardous Waste Program Coordinator, “our mission is to provide a safe, easy way for residents to dispose of toxic dangerous products accumulating around their home. We know this will decrease accidental poisoning and injuries to our children and pets, prevent unnecessary exposure to our waste haulers and fire fighter that come into contact with hazardous chemicals on the job, and decrease environmental damages that occur when people improperly discard hazardous wastes into the sewer, storm drains or on the ground.”
“I encourage residents to use the next couple of weeks to do a spring clean out of hazardous products they have not used in the last year,” she said. “Keep them in their original containers, secure with lids, place them in boxes out of reach of children and pets in readiness for the collection day. Bring them to the event any time from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. We can all start the summer with a new focus on using less hazardous, green products for our collective health and safety.
Suggestions to keep the amount of hazardous materials in your home to a minimum:
Buy non-toxic alternatives whenever possible
Buy only what you need
Store products in a safe place and keep in original containers, closed securely
Use up entire product or give away unused product to someone who will use it

Clean Harbors, a large national Hazardous Waste Management Company, is contracted by the county to safely collect, transport and legally dispose of all materials collected at the Clatsop County event. Disposal methods vary depending on the item: oil, fuel and oil-based paints are burned as fuel; car batteries, latex paint and antifreeze are recycled; and pesticides and poisons are destroyed by incineration.
For more information, call Clatsop County Public Health at (503) 325-8500.

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

Legal Counsel Advises Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners To Await Outcome Of LUBA Appeal On Oregon LNG/Pipeline Petition Of Mandamus Dismissal

Thursday, June 9, 2011

NO QUICK ACTION FROM BOARD PENDING ON PIPELINE APPLICATION

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will not move immediately to finalize its reconsideration decision rejecting the land-use application from Oregon Pipeline LLC, despite a recent legal ruling in its favor.
On the advice of legal counsel, the board will instead await the outcome of a challenge to that ruling, a process that will likely take several months.
The advice is based on a ruling from the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA), issued in April and re-confirmed last month, that effectively suspended the county’s review process.
On May 16 Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson dismissed a request for a writ of mandamus from Oregon Pipeline, which argued that Clatsop County exceeded the mandated deadline to review and act on its consolidated application to build 41 miles of natural gas pipeline.
Following Judge Nelson’s ruling, on May 24 LUBA issued an order denying Oregon Pipeline’s motion to dismiss the LUBA proceeding concerning the county’s first decision approving the pipeline application in November 2010, and suspending the appeal process until the mandamus issue is fully resolved. This includes any appeals of Nelson’s ruling.
On June 6 Oregon Pipeline filed an appeal of Nelson’s decision with the Oregon Court of Appeals.
In a June 1 letter to the board of commissioners, one of the project opponents, Columbia Riverkeeper, argued that Nelson’s mandamus ruling confirms the county’s jurisdiction over the application, and urged the board to move forward and adopt the proposed findings rejecting the application.
According to attorney Jeff Bennett, Clatsop County’s legal counsel on the Oregon Pipeline issue, the county’s review process is frozen until the mandamus issue is settled, including any appeals.
The board of commissioners originally approved the Oregon Pipeline application in November 2010. That ruling was appealed by Columbia Riverkeeper and other project opponents, and in January the board, with three new members, voted to withdraw that approval in order to reconsider the application.
On March 9 the board of commissioners gave preliminary approval to findings rejecting the application. The board was scheduled to adopt the findings March 30, but on March 29 the Oregon Supreme Court, on a motion from Oregon Pipeline, issued a stay on the county blocking further action until the mandamus issue was resolved in the circuit court.
LUBA’s May 24 ruling reads “The Circuit Court’s May 16, 2011 letter opinion has no immediate effect on the reasoning that leads us to conclude that we should (1) deny Oregon Pipeline’s motion to dismiss this appeal and (2) continue the suspension that we ordered on April 8, 2011.”

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

Highlights For June 8, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commisioners Regular Meeting

Listen To Audio Transcript Of June 8th Regular Meeting(LNG Dominates Public Comments)

(1 Hour 24 Minutes(approx.))

Official minutes available once approved by board

MUTUAL AID PACT APPROVED
The board approved Clatsop County entering a mutual-aid agreement with 11 other counties for disaster-related emergency assistance.
The omnibus intergovernmental agreement, originally developed in 2005 by several Willamette Valley counties, currently includes Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill counties.
The agreement provides a legal framework for county-to-county requests for aid during and after emergencies and puts in place the policies and procedures to provide for faster responses. The agreement does not obligate Clatsop County to provide aid, but does enable the county to seek reimbursement from the federal government for personnel time, equipment and other resources provided to other counties.

REDISTRICTING PLAN REVIEWED
The board held a public hearing on the proposed redistricting plan for the board of commissioner district boundaries. The board reviewed a proposed plan approved in May by the Redistricting Board, a citizen panel convened by the county to recommend new boundaries reflecting shifts in population revealed in the 2010 U.S. Census. The county’s five commissioner districts must contain roughly the same number of residents.
The public hearing will be continued to the board’s June 22 meeting

NEW DARIGOLD HAZARDS AGREEMENT APPROVED
Approved a contract with Rose City Contracting Inc. for hazardous materials abatement at the county-owned Darigold Building in downtown Astoria. In April the board approved a contract with the another bidder, but that agreement was cancelled when the vendor refused to perform the required work. Rose City Contracting had provided the second-lowest bid for the project at $105,900.
The Darigold Building is to be demolished to make way for a new office building for Coastal Family Health Center and local non-profit social service agencies. Hazardous materials such as asbestos must be removed prior to demolition.

OTHER BUSINESS
In other business the board:
-Held public hearings on the proposed 2011-12 Clatsop County budget and budgets for the 4-H and Extension Special Service District, Road District No. 1, Rural Law Enforcement District and Westport Sewer Service District. Final adoption of the budgets is scheduled for June 22.
-Held the first readings on four proposed zone map amendment ordinances for properties in the Westport area. Public hearings will be held June 22.
-Approved a lease agreement with Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District for a cabin on Broadway near the parks district pool. The cabin had formerly been leased by the county to the Boy Scouts of America but had sat unused for several years.
-Approved an amendment to the county counsel services contract with Jordan Schrader Ramis PC increasing the not-to-exceed limit from $100,000 to $150,000 for legal services associated with the Oregon Pipeline application.
-Approved an amendment to the county counsel services contract with Heather Reynolds increasing the not-to-exceed limit from $75,000 to $110,000 for legal services associated with the Georgia-Pacific tax appeal case.
-Approved an amendment to the 2010-11 labor counsel services contract with Bullard, Smith, Jernstedt and Wilson increasing the not-to-exceed amount from $15,000 to $30,000.


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

The Clatsop County Planning Commission

Clatsop County Planning Commission Dismantle Controversy

So, what's this all about then?

Really.

The last vestige of the "County G.O.B.'s" in this remnant of the Lee Era(The Johnson led CCPC)at risk of being erased completely and not about to buckle to a law created by its own leadership?

A true sense, collectively, that tenure makes for common sense and wisdom when, in truth, County Planning staff vets and researches the Land Planning issues coming before "The County" and develops Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations on the issue and provides CCPC and CCBofC with clear data for them to make rational decisions on issues in the "Public Trust", "Interests" and "Input" of the Citizens of Clatsop County?

Politics being played-out in a non-partisan government committee within a non-partisan County Government?

Well, "The Law" is clearly behind the current sitting County Board of Commissioners and in truth thanks to Richard Lee, Sam Patrick, Tim Gannaway, Russ Earl and Bob Green for creating it to their own agenda and benefit and of course, we see where that has gotten us to this point.....right?

My guess would be "Politics" and it's always been "Politics" driving it all. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your own persuasion, we have a local Republican Party asleep at the wheel and distracted by the influence of a fringe political movement versus an active Democratic Party very active in and focussed on putting their candidates in local elected offices.

My comment to a couple of those new Commissioners was...."I know what got you there but you need to leave "Party Politcs" at the door of "The Boyington Building" and serve all of us as the problems we have here transcend any kind of politics."

Are they listening?

I think they are so far.

Northwest Oregon Housing Authority Board - Clatsop County Seeks Applicants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD SEEKS APPLICANTS

Clatsop County is seeking applications for a vacancy on the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority.
The organization owns and manages housing for low- and moderate-income people and administers various federal housing assistance programs in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.
The vacancy is for a four-year term representing Clatsop County. The board meets once and month, alternating between Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties. Applicants with a background in property management are encouraged to apply. The county Board of Commissioners will make the appointment.
To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., 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 “Citizen Involvement.”

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

Clatsop Community College Adopts New Mascot And Unveils New Identity

CCC Unveils New Identity
Clatsop Community College has unveiled a new logo, mascot, and slogan to reflect the College's dynamic present and inspired future.
The face of Clatsop Community College is changing. Since 1986, the Clatsop Community College logo has gone through only slight modifications. The most recent included a change to honor the College’s 50th anniversary. The existence of a College mascot was largely unknown.

Read Full Press Release

OPB-Ecotrope: The Next 10 Big Issues For Columbia River Salmon

(Photo: ODFW)

June 3, 2011 - 9:55 AM
By Cassandra Profita - OPB News/Ecotrope

On a tributary of the Columbia River, a coho salmon makes its way to the Sandy fish hatchery.

I spent some time at the Future of Our Salmon conference in Portland this week. The conference was the first ever hosted by tribal leaders with the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission, and there were fish biologists and salmon managers from all walks at the event.

It was a big deal. Event host Paul Lumley, director of CRTFC, summed up the importance of the occasion: “I believe this is the first time in a long time – maybe ever – that we’ve gotten together without some major crisis at hand: a judge’s decision, a major loss of funding or a major loss of fish. It’s the first time we’ve all gotten together to look at the full salmon life cycle.” ....Read Full Cassandra Profita, OPB-Ecotrope Report

Wauna Mill Ratifies New Contract!

(Photo: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

By Erik Olson / The Daily News
Posted: Friday, June 3, 2011 8:10 pm

Union members at Georgia-Pacific's Wauna mill this week ratified a new four-year contract that includes wage increases and requires workers to change health care plans, union officials said Friday.....Read Full TDN Article

Clatsop County Interagency Narcotics Team & Clatsop County Sheriff Make Drug Arrest Of 20 Year Old Mother For Heroin Use, Sale And Endangering Infant

20 year old Mother of a 5 month old Arrested on Drug Charges

Hammond, OR – Clatsop County Interagency Narcotic Team, with the assistance of the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, arrested a 20 year old mother on Thursday and discovered the mother, of a 5 month old baby girl, had been using heroin in the home she shared with the baby and her significant other Mitchell Simonsen.

Detectives say they received information that Vanessa Troffer was using heroin around the baby and selling the drug from her apartment. A case was developed and Detectives were able to purchase narcotics. The team received information the child was in imminent danger so a decision was made to make immediate entry for the safety of the child.
Detectives made entry at 500 Pacific Drive, Hammond, Oregon and arrested 20-year-old Troffer and charged her with possession, distribution and manufacturing of heroin as well as one count of first-degree child neglect. Scales, heroin, currency and packaging material were also seized. At the time of Troffer’s arrest Simonsen, her companion, was working on Clatsop County’s Inmate Work Crew for a prior PSC conviction.

Troffer’s 5-month-old baby girl was taken into custody by Oregon Department of Human Services, and Troffer was booked into the Clatsop County Jail, bail set at $375,000. Simonsen was violated for probation violation and held at the Clatsop County Jail.

For any additional information contact Sheriff Tom Bergin
Cell 503 791-0072

USCG PaddleSmart Program

SEATTLE – A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel, the Jefferson County (Wash.) Sheriff and a Good Samaritan searched for a possible person in the water on the west side of Hood Canal in Dabob Bay, Thursday at approximately 2 p.m.
The Good Samaritan discovered an unmanned, capsized kayak earlier in the day and contacted the Coast Guard. After searching for nearly two hours, the Coast Guard suspended the search.

Read Full article

Grassroots People Banned From Northcoastoregon.com.......Again!!!

GRP: Was going to add some informative information to a thread on northcoast oregon.com this morning about a couple of Caspian Terns being killed on Port of Astoria property over the weekend and got this greeting....."The site has blocked you from posting new comments."
Obviously, northcoastoregon.com finds my comments offensive and not condusive to productive conversation according to its ethics but, I ask you to read the two existing comments below.
Freedom of the Press, sometimes, truly is the privilege of those that own it, isn't it?

"Sort by popular now Sort by best rating Sort by newest first Sort by oldest first
Showing 2 comments

John Jacob 1 comment
What? These birds are like a plague, an Award should be given. We need a whole lot more of these non-native salmon eaters killed. I disagree with the method only because it is not efficient enough.

Vern Johnson 1 comment
Oh for God's sake! Don't the cops have anything better to do than investigate two dead seagulls? I mean really! They got hit by a car. It doesnt mean it was intentional. Let it go."

June 3, 2011 Update: June 8, 2011 Clatsop County Board Meeting Preceeded By Executive Session At 9:00 AM

Executive Session: 9:00 AM
1) To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor
negotiations per ORS 192.660(1)(d)
2) To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real
property transactions per ORS 192.660(1)(e)
*3) 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).
Regular Meeting & Public Hearings: 10:00 AM
2011-12 Budgets For:

Clatsop County

4-H And Extension Service Special District

Road District No. 1
Rural Law Enforcement District
Wesport Sewer Service District

Board Of Comissioners District Redistricting Plan
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Wednesday, June 8 on the proposed new boundaries for county commissioner districts.
The hearing will be held during the board’s regular meeting beginning at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
The board will take testimony on and review a proposed redistricting plan approved by a citizen panel last month. The group was convened by the Clatsop County Clerk to meet the requirement of the County Charter that district boundaries be redrawn every 10 years to account for shifts on population revealed in the U.S. Census.
The Redistricting Board reviewed population data and voted to recommend one of several boundary scenarios. The panel’s choice can be viewed on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ under “Redistricting 2011” on the “Clerk/Records” page.
New legislative boundaries must be contiguous, be of equal population, utilize existing geographical or political boundaries, not divide communities of common interest and be connected by transportation links.
The new boundaries will 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.
The county sets only the boundaries for county commissioner districts. State legislature and congressional district boundaries are set by the Oregon Legislature.

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

Read Full Agenda Package

Bomb Hoax Evacuates Area Surrounding Merrytime Sports Bar On Tuesday!

Brad JohnstonAstoria Police Department
bjohnston@astoria.or.us
Hoax Destructive Device
Second Release
DATE OF INCIDENT: May 31, 2011
TIME OF INCIDENT: 4:08 PM
RELEASED BY: Sergeant Brad Johnston
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Hoax Destructive Device
DETAILS:

At about 1720 Astoria Police were able to locate the registered owner of the vehicle.

Kirsten Jorgensen, age 44 of Warrenton. Jorgensen informed officers that the device was built as a joke. The device was sitting upright between the seats and clearly visible to anyone walking by the vehicle. The device was extremely realistic including DuPont labels.

Possession of a hoax destructive device is a class A misdemeanor. Officers are determining if this incident satisfies the elements of the crime. The incident will likely be forwarded to the Clatsop County District Attorney for a determination.

Astoria Police were assisted by Astoria Fire Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon State Police.

On May 31, 2011 at 4:08 pm Astoria Police responded to a report of a possible bomb in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

The reporting party had been walking on 10th street past the vehicle and noticed it sitting in the vehicle.

Astoria Police responded and found that the device appeared to be an explosive device. Pictures were taken of the device and sent to OSP bomb squad who gave advice to evacuate two blocks.

They responded.

Based on the advice from OSP Astoria Police informed about twelve to fourteen businesses of the device and most closed and evacuated. Hwy 30 was restricted, Commercial (Eastbound Hwy 30) was rerouted and Marine Drive (Hwy 30 Westbound) was restricted to one lane while resources were marshaled to close it.

While the evacuation and closures were expanding the registered owner of the vehicle returned and informed officers that the device was a hoax designed to be a prank. The device was removed and dissassembled. The registered owner is being interviewed further and all traffic restrictions removed at about 545 PM.

HB2700 (The LNG Fast-Track Bill) Passes Oregon Senate

Third time’s a charm for what opponents call ‘LNG fast track’
Law that simplifies the process of citing public works and pipelines passes in third attempt
By Christian Gaston
The Forest Grove News-Times

Jun 1, 2011

In 2009, it was called House Bill 3058. In 2010, Senate Bill 1020. This year, it was House Bill 2700.
Read Full Article

Clatsop County Commission On Families And Children Honors Our Young Citizens

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

AWARDS HONOR YOUTH, ADULTS WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE

The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families honored young citizens May 18 at the annual Youth Recognition Awards banquet at the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria.

The awards recognize local youth who have either overcome personal challenges to achieve success, or who have significantly improved the quality of life in the community through some form of service.

Awards were also given out to adults who have made a difference in young people’s lives as “Asset Builders.”



Youth Awards winners:

Abeba Dunsmore, Tongue Point Job Corps Center/nominated by Katrina Morrell Gasser

Eleni Duret, Astoria High School/nominated by Sage and Scott Fitchett

Roland Johansen, Knappa High School/nominated by Peter Fessler

Howie Halverson, KHS/nominated by Peter Fessler

Kris Marley, AHS/nominated by Marilyn North

Trevor Oja, KHS/nominated by Peter Fessler

Cutter Pember, KHS/nominated by Peter Fessler

Danielle Sampson/nominated by Jessica Johnson

Allica Schmoker, AHS/nominated by Rachel Thomas

Jessica Solum, Astoria Middle School/nominated by Kristine Brown



Asset Builder of the Year winners:

Leanne Anderson, nominated by Beatriz Acosta

Hannah Brause, nominated by Chelsey Olsen, Hayley Clark and Annah Miehe

Mark Carlson, nominated by Chelsea Sapp

Nicole Dalton, nominated by Alicia Ann Oman

Charnae Decker, nominated by Randi Harhart

Barb Harn, nominated by Kaitlyn Landwehr

Stanette Klatt, nominated by Natalie Cliffton

Bryan Lempea, nominated by Devin Vandergriff

Pam Marks, nominated by Chanel Kelly

Barbara Schade, nominated by Sarah Nichols

Mary Suever, nominated by Troy Foster

The Daily Astorian; Sunset Empire Transit District Under Federal Probe Into Cruise Ship Service

Bus district was aware of risk it was taking providing bus service to luxury liners
By: Chelsea Gorrow - The Daily Astorian
Posted: Monday, May 30, 2011 10:19 am

The North Coast’s troubled bus district is under federal investigation, after an auditor’s report last month brought the district’s “charter services” to light.......Read Full Report

Oregonian; N.W. Natural Gas's Calm Shareholders Meeting Doesn't Reflect Shareholder Happiness

Published: Thursday, May 26, 2011, 8:15 PM

Updated: Thursday, May 26, 2011, 8:19 PM
By Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian The Oregonian Follow

Northwest Natural Gas Co.'s annual shareholder meeting Thursday was considerably calmer than in years past -- no noisy demonstrators outside the Oregon Convention Center complaining about pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals; no outbursts inside from sympathizers who snuck past security. This year, it was a typical shareholder gathering of a monopoly utility: quick, orderly, with a graying crowd of stockholders ready for the coffee and cookies to follow. That was the good news for executives...... Read Ted Sickinger's Full Oregonian Report

Audio Transcripts For; May 25, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Work Session And Regular Meeting

Meeting Highlights
Work Session Audio Transcript
Regular Meeting Minutes Audio Transcript

Clatsop County Extends Deadline For Planning Commission Applicants

Thursday, May 19, 2011

For the same reason we accuse certain members of the current Clatsop County Planning Commission of being the hand-picked progeny of the politically motivated "Lee Era Board of Clatsop County Commissioners", designed to ensure approval of a now defunct effort to insert Northern Star Natural Gas's proposed LNG Receiving Terminal and accompanying pipeline on Ken Leahy's property at Bradwood Landing, do we want to put this new Board in a position to do the same thing for lack of community members not being willing to step up to the plate?

What's the old saw....We get the government we deserve?

COUNTY EXTENDS APPLICATION PERIOD FOR PLANNING COMMISSION
Clatsop County is extending the period to accept applications for vacancies on 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....Read Full Details

OLCD Letter On Clatsop Planning Commission Replacement Process Versus "The Law"!

The "Bylaws of The Clatsop County Planning Commission" of Clatsop County States Clearly, in-part;

ARTICLE III

Section 1

The Planning Commission shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by and serving at the leisure of the Board of Clatsop County Commissioners, each, to serve a term of four (4) years or until their respective successors are appointed.

Section 6c

The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners may remove any appointed Planning Commission member at its discretion.

Section 7

Any vacancy on the Planning Commission shall be filled by the Board of Clatsop County Commissioners for the unexpired term.

Here Is "The Law"(Clatsop County Ordinance 01-10, Signed Into Law By Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners, Sam Patrick, Chair In August Of 2002). Read And Interpret, Without Bias, For Yourselves

Clatsop County Court Judge Phil Nelson Denies Oregon LNG/Pipeline Writ Of Mandamus Petition

Read Full Ciruit Court Opinion(Provided By Columbia Riverkeepers)

Citing that his court, "Has no authority to force a "Land Use Approval", Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Phillip Nelson denied Oregon LNG/Pipeline's Petition of Mandamus in his ruling released yesterday, May 17, 2011. Oregon LNG/Pipeline's Peter Hansen offered no comment, citing "Ongoing Litigation". Oregon LNG/Pipeline has 30 days to appeal the decision to the appropriate authorities..Click on Thread Title Above For OPB's, Rob Manning Report
Read OPB-Ecotrope's, Cassandra Profita's Report On This Ruling

Clatsop County Diverstiy Committe To Hold A Public Goal Setting Meeting May 26, 2011

The Clatsop County Diversity Committee will be holding a public meeting on Thursday May 26 at1:30 in the Judge Boyington building 857 Commercial street in Astoria. Chairperson Scott Lee invites all concerned community members to participate. The meeting will be an informal work session to develop goals and vision for the group .

It Begins; Astoria, Oregon To Celebrate 200th Anniversary With Year-Long Bicentennial Events In 2011

Paulette McCoy - Astoria Bicentennial Committee
503-325-5889
abc2011@cumtux.org
Astoria, Oregon

ASTORIA, Ore. – July 28, 2010

As the oldest United States settlement west of the
Rockies, the little town of Astoria is going all out to create “An Adventure in History”
with three major signature events and ongoing exhibits, displays, festivals and historical
home tours.

This Northwest town of 10,000 residents perched on a wooded hillside surrounded by
the Columbia River Estuary with views to the Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its stature
near Fort Clatsop, the end of the Lewis & Clark expedition, for its well-preserved
Victorian homes and because of its history as the “Salmon Canning Capital” of the world.

An “Astoria Bicentennial Trading Post” is already open offering books, commemorative
souvenirs, collectible coins, clothing and unusual gifts.

“We call our store a trading post because that’s how Astoria started -- it was John Jacob
Astor’s establishment of a fur trading post in 1811 that gave the United States its claim
to this region and eventually determined the Northwestern boundary of the US.” says
Bicentennial Director, Paulette McCoy.

Residents of Astoria expect an international crowd throughout their Bicentennial year
since Astoria’s sister city is Walldorf, Germany (the birthplace of John Jacob Astor),
because of its ethnic diversity (Astoria is home to a large Scandinavian and Finnish
population, along with Chinese, Croatian and others) and also because of Astoria’s
famed Fort Clatsop in the Lewis & Clark National Park.

Astorians are proud of their culture, history and heritage and although the town is now home to luxury hotels, fine restaurants and art galleries, Astoria is still an authentic working fishing town with breathtaking views and great natural beauty, scenes which are virtually unchanged for
centuries.

Astoria Bicentennial Ambassador: Rex Ziak
Noted historian and native-born Astorian Rex Ziak will serve as an Astoria
Bicentennial ambassador and spokesperson. He will be traveling throughout the
Northwest giving presentations to schools and civic groups, as well as private
corporations and associations.

“Many Americans are unfamiliar with Astoria’s significance on the world stage and they
don’t know Astoria’s legends and fascinating history. My aim will be to engage people in
the human interest stories which make Astoria a place unlike any other in the United
States,” said Ziak.

Signature Events;

Bicentennial event organizers plan to attract visitors with three signature events during
2011; an Opening Ceremony in the spring, a summer Regatta with a Bicentennial Ball and a fall Super Homecoming with high profile officials, celebrities and even a visit from Lord Astor of Hever (John Jacob Astor VIII), who lives in London.

Throughout the year, there will also be fishing and logging demonstrations, a fur trader encampment, ethnic festivals, cultural celebrations, the tall ships, contests, lectures, museum exhibits, and parties with birthday cake for everyone.

The theme of the Astoria Bicentennial is “An Adventure in History”, and
the Clatsop County Historical Society has produced a film by the same
name which showcases Astoria’s past as well as the vibrant and charming Astoria of
today with its Victorian homes, a real working waterfront, and the iconic Astoria Column.

For more information contact Paulette McCoy at 503-325-5889 or visit
www.astoria200.org.To book Astoria Bicentennial Ambassador Rex Ziak,
visit http://www.rexziak.com/

Visit Official Bicentennial Website

The Argument For Nuclear Energy

Franklin Johnston - The Jamaica Observer
Friday, May 20, 2011

NUCLEAR energy could be the best thing to happen to us! A new generation of politicians may mark out our turf as a leader and build prosperity. Nuclear separates the best from the rest and the new Cabinet in 2012 should engage providers to look at a nuclear option. This would change our nation's focus and mood and be a call to action and commitment. LNG changes nothing. In 1973 the owners of oil formed the OPEC-style cartel to control quantity and price; so will LNG, and we are back in the dunce corner! With nuclear energy we control prices and can fulfil our national aspration! But there is added value too.........Read Full article

May 25, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Preceeded By Work Session At 5:00 PM

Read Full Agenda

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