Eric Christopher Adams - Alaska Dispatch
April 20, 2012
The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign has fired a warning shot at the Alaska Republican Party and its longtime chairman, Randy Ruedrich, over what it perceives as unfair treatment of Paul delegates to the upcoming GOP conventions.
Ruedrich disputes the campaign's allegations and says the Alaska GOP is treating all campaigns fairly. He says the party is just trying to conduct routine business, but that "misinformation" from Paul supporters in Alaska has caused much ado about absolutely nothing.
Read Full Alaska Dispatch Article
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Oregon LNG-Warrenton Now Proposes To Export Canadian Natural Gas And Re-Route Pipeline To Intercept Williams Pipeline North Across Columbia?
Published: Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 9:00 AM
By Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian
Opposition by landowners to LNG import terminals was effective. Now, it remains to be seen if equal opposition will arise against export terminals on the Oregon coast.
A proposal to build a liquefied natural gas terminal near the mouth of the Columbia River in Warrenton is re-entering the regulatory running, resuscitated by burgeoning North American gas supplies after being left for dead by opponents.
Backers of the controversial Oregon LNG terminal, which would sit just across Youngs Bay from Astoria, have briefed regulators and politicians on their $6 billion plan and say they plan to file an initial application by next week with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Oregon Health Authority Offers Two Training Sessions In Childhood Dental Health In Clatsop County, April 25-26th
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Oregon Health Authority invites dentists, pediatricians and others involved in childhood dental health to two free training sessions Wednesday and Thursday, April 25 and 26 in Clatsop County.
The “First Tooth” Project, sponsored by the Oregon Oral Health Unit, provides an overview of how to perform oral screening, conduct oral health risk assessments, provide oral health education and apply fluoride varnish for infants and young children.
Two sessions are scheduled:
· Wednesday, April 25, 12-1:30 p.m. at Providence Seaside Hospital, 725 S. Wahanna Rd., Seaside
· Thursday, April 26, 12-1:30 p.m. at Columbia Memorial Hospital Health and Wellness Pavilion, 2265 Exchange St.
Cost is free, and lunch is provided.
The program is designed for pediatricians, family physicians, allied health professionals in pediatric settings, dentists, dental hygienists and anyone with a stake in children’s oral health.
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma, four times more common than childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. According to the Oregon Health Authority, between 24 and 26 percent of children in Cannon Beach and Seaside elementary schools screened in a school-based dental sealant program showed obvious tooth decay that required further treatment.
“First Tooth” is a workforce development project funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
For more information and to RSVP for a training session, contact Amy Umphlett at (971) 673-1564 or amy.m.umphlett@state.or.us
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
The Oregon Health Authority invites dentists, pediatricians and others involved in childhood dental health to two free training sessions Wednesday and Thursday, April 25 and 26 in Clatsop County.
The “First Tooth” Project, sponsored by the Oregon Oral Health Unit, provides an overview of how to perform oral screening, conduct oral health risk assessments, provide oral health education and apply fluoride varnish for infants and young children.
Two sessions are scheduled:
· Wednesday, April 25, 12-1:30 p.m. at Providence Seaside Hospital, 725 S. Wahanna Rd., Seaside
· Thursday, April 26, 12-1:30 p.m. at Columbia Memorial Hospital Health and Wellness Pavilion, 2265 Exchange St.
Cost is free, and lunch is provided.
The program is designed for pediatricians, family physicians, allied health professionals in pediatric settings, dentists, dental hygienists and anyone with a stake in children’s oral health.
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma, four times more common than childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. According to the Oregon Health Authority, between 24 and 26 percent of children in Cannon Beach and Seaside elementary schools screened in a school-based dental sealant program showed obvious tooth decay that required further treatment.
“First Tooth” is a workforce development project funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
For more information and to RSVP for a training session, contact Amy Umphlett at (971) 673-1564 or amy.m.umphlett@state.or.us
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Lower Columbia Diversity Project Presents, A Conversation With Richard W. Etulain. Thursday, April 26th, 7:00 PM
Invites you toLessons from Lincoln: Is Political
Bipartisanship Possible?
An Oregon Humanities Conversation with
Richard W. Etulain
Professor Emeritus of History at the University of New Mexico
Thursday, April 26th, 2012, 7:00 PM
Judge Guy Boyington Building
857 Commercial Ave, Astoria, OR 97103
Everyone is welcome to this free community discussion!
This program made possible by the generous
support of Oregon Humanities, The National
Endowment for the Humanities,
and the Oregon Cultural Trust.
http://oregonhumanities.org
Presented by the Lower Columbia Diversity Project.
For more information on the LCDP, please visit our web-site -
Web: http://www.lcdiversityproject.org/
Email: lcdiversityproject@gmail.com
What Should U.S. Policy Be On Energy Exports?
National Journal
By Amy Harder - Energy Exports Blog
Monday, April 16, 2012
What should U.S. policy be on exporting fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and refined oil products? Refined petroleum products--such as diesel and oil--were the country's top export last year, according to Census Bureau data. Because of the recent natural-gas boom, companies are proposing nearly a dozen new terminals nationwide to boost exports--one up for approval this week at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The U.S. is also shipping more coal to other countries than ever, with exports reaching their highest levels in two decades, according to an AP analysis released last week.
Read Full Article
By Amy Harder - Energy Exports Blog
Monday, April 16, 2012
What should U.S. policy be on exporting fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and refined oil products? Refined petroleum products--such as diesel and oil--were the country's top export last year, according to Census Bureau data. Because of the recent natural-gas boom, companies are proposing nearly a dozen new terminals nationwide to boost exports--one up for approval this week at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The U.S. is also shipping more coal to other countries than ever, with exports reaching their highest levels in two decades, according to an AP analysis released last week.
Read Full Article
Humboldt Harbor Names PofA's Jack Crider Its CEO
The Times-Standard
times-standard.com
Posted: 04/17/2012 01:59:15 AM PDT
The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District has chosen an Oregon port manager to be its new chief executive officer.
According to a press release from the district, Jack Crider, who has been executive director of the Port of Astoria since 2008, has three decades of fisheries and port experience in Oregon.
The district faced public scrutiny after it abruptly fired longtime CEO David Hull without cause in September. Crider, who was hired after a nationwide search conducted by a selection committee composed of port and community leaders, was chosen for the position out of a field of more than 25 candidates, the release said.
Crider starts work May 1.
Crider began his career as a fisheries biologist. Between 1979 and 1991, he built a seafood business on the Oregon coast.
From 1991 through 2007, he served as executive director of the Port of Tillamook Bay, where he planned and supervised the opening of a major air museum, lobbied for $25 million in federal funds, planned the development of a golf resort, operated the port's railroad line, developed fiberoptic facilities and pioneered the nation's first community dairy manure digester, according to the release.
As executive director at the Port of Astoria, Crider and his staff managed an array of marine, industrial and aviation facilities, including a marina, an airport, 350 acres of industrial property, 350,000 square feet of warehouse facilities and 50,000 square feet of office
times-standard.com
Posted: 04/17/2012 01:59:15 AM PDT
The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District has chosen an Oregon port manager to be its new chief executive officer.
According to a press release from the district, Jack Crider, who has been executive director of the Port of Astoria since 2008, has three decades of fisheries and port experience in Oregon.
The district faced public scrutiny after it abruptly fired longtime CEO David Hull without cause in September. Crider, who was hired after a nationwide search conducted by a selection committee composed of port and community leaders, was chosen for the position out of a field of more than 25 candidates, the release said.
Crider starts work May 1.
Crider began his career as a fisheries biologist. Between 1979 and 1991, he built a seafood business on the Oregon coast.
From 1991 through 2007, he served as executive director of the Port of Tillamook Bay, where he planned and supervised the opening of a major air museum, lobbied for $25 million in federal funds, planned the development of a golf resort, operated the port's railroad line, developed fiberoptic facilities and pioneered the nation's first community dairy manure digester, according to the release.
As executive director at the Port of Astoria, Crider and his staff managed an array of marine, industrial and aviation facilities, including a marina, an airport, 350 acres of industrial property, 350,000 square feet of warehouse facilities and 50,000 square feet of office
Monday, April 16, 2012
Want To Vote In The May 15th Primary? You Have Till April 25, 2012, 5 PM To Register
Monday, April 16, 2012The Clatsop County Clerk and Elections Office reminds local residents that Tuesday, April 24 is the deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the May 15
primary election.
April 24 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to hand in or post-mark a registration form if you are registering
to vote for the first time or wish to change your party affiliation. 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 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 the name or
address of their registration have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to do so.
Voter registration
forms are available at the Clatsop County Elections
Office, 820 Exchange St., Astoria, second floor, as well as local U.S. Post
Offices, public libraries or Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles offices.
People may also 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/. For more information
go to the Clerk/Elections page on the Clatsop County website or call (503)
325-8511.
Ballots for the
election will be mailed out beginning Friday, April 27. Ballots are not
forwarded by the post office; therefore, voters are urged to update their
registration if they have moved.
The May election
ballot includes Democratic and Republican primary races for President, Congress,
the Oregon Legislature and several statewide offices, as well as non-partisan
contests for Clatsop County Sheriff and two Clatsop County Board of
Commissioners seats. Three local measures are also on the ballot, along with
local precinct committeeperson ballots.
· If you are registered
as a Democrat, you will receive a ballot containing Democratic candidates, the
non-partisan offices and measures, and the Democratic precinct committeeperson
ballot.
· If you are registered
as a Republican, you will receive a ballot containing Republican candidates, the
non-partisan offices and measures, and the Republican precinct committeeperson
ballot.
· If you are registered
as non-affiliated, and responded to the Republican Party’s invitation to receive
a partial Republican ballot by April 24, 2012, you will receive a ballot
containing only the non-partisan offices and measures and an additional ballot
for Republican candidates for offices of Secretary of State, Attorney General
and State Treasurer.
· If you are registered
other than a major party, you will receive a ballot containing only the
non-partisan offices and measures.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Port Of Astoria Meeting Notice
www.portofastoria.com
M E E T I N G N O T I C E
PORT OF ASTORIA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5:00 P.M. - Executive Session
6:00 P.M. – Special Meeting
On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. the Port of Astoria Commission will hold an
Executive Session. The Executive Session is held in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2) (e).
At 6:00 p.m. a Special Meeting will be held. The meetings will be held at the Port’s Board
Member Conference Room at 422 Gateway Ave., Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. A request for
an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with
disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling the Port of
Astoria at (503) 741-3300. The Executive Session is closed to the public.
The Port Commission reserves the right to add or delete items as needed, to change
the order of the Special Meeting agenda, and to discuss any other business deemed
necessary at the time of that meeting. The Special Meeting is open to the public.
AGENDA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Conduct deliberations with persons designated to negotiate real
property transactions in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2) (e).
3. Adjourn
# # # #
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
6:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Changes/Additions
3. Public Comment
4. Updated Cash Position
5. Projects Update: Budget, “Loose-ends”
6. Line Hauling Vessel Proposals
7. Budget Committee member replacement
8. Commission Direction
9. Public Comment
10. Adjourn at 7:30 p.m. for Employee Appreciation Party
M E E T I N G N O T I C E
PORT OF ASTORIA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5:00 P.M. - Executive Session
6:00 P.M. – Special Meeting
On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. the Port of Astoria Commission will hold an
Executive Session. The Executive Session is held in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2) (e).
At 6:00 p.m. a Special Meeting will be held. The meetings will be held at the Port’s Board
Member Conference Room at 422 Gateway Ave., Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. A request for
an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with
disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling the Port of
Astoria at (503) 741-3300. The Executive Session is closed to the public.
The Port Commission reserves the right to add or delete items as needed, to change
the order of the Special Meeting agenda, and to discuss any other business deemed
necessary at the time of that meeting. The Special Meeting is open to the public.
AGENDA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Conduct deliberations with persons designated to negotiate real
property transactions in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2) (e).
3. Adjourn
# # # #
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
6:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Changes/Additions
3. Public Comment
4. Updated Cash Position
5. Projects Update: Budget, “Loose-ends”
6. Line Hauling Vessel Proposals
7. Budget Committee member replacement
8. Commission Direction
9. Public Comment
10. Adjourn at 7:30 p.m. for Employee Appreciation Party
April 11, Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Highlights
Highlights
Wednesday, April 11,
2012 regular meeting
Official minutes
available once approved by board
Volunteers
honored
The board recognized
the hundreds of volunteers who donate time to the county each year, and gave out
awards to the top volunteers of 2011.
Honorees
were:
· Individual Volunteer
of the Year – Linda Dygert
· Outstanding Advisory
Board Member – Bruce Francis (Planning Commission)
· Outstanding Volunteer
Group – Amateue Radio Emergency Services (ARES)
· Outstanding
Individuals Within a Group – Tate Dellelo/Adopt-A-Road; Dave Rouse/Reserve
Deputy Sheriff, Clatsop County Search and Rescue and High-Angle Rescue teams;
Mark Seavey/CADY mentoring program
Health initiative
discussed
The board heard a
presentation from County Manager Duane Cole, Public Health Director Margo Lalich
and others on the Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) program now under
development at the direction of the Oregon Legislature.
The CCO initiative is
designed to provide Medicare and Medicaid recipients coordinated care options
designed to reduce costly critical care visits and ultimately improve health and
reduce healthcare costs.
Two entities –
CareOregon and Greater Oregon Health Benefits Inc., have expressed interest in
creating a CCO covering Clatsop County and neighboring counties.
The county is engaged
in the process with local healthcare providers, the commissioners heard, and
were told that in the near future the board may be asked to approve a letter
commenting on the proposed CCO.
Comment letter
sent
The board voted to
direct staff to draft a letter to the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB)
regarding a request by represented employees of the Clatsop County Parole and
Probation Division to join a different union.
The six Parole and
Probation staff have sought approval to leave the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and join the Federation of Parole and
Probation Officers (FOPPO). The Parole and Probation personnel are currently
represented by AFSCME Local 2746, which also represents Sheriff’s Office
employees.
The letter will
request that the ERB conduct a hearing on the Parole and Probation staff
request. Increasing the number of bargaining units with whom the county must
bargain would add to the cost and complexity of negotiating labor
contracts.
Unionized county
employees are currently represented by four bargaining units: Sheriff/Parole and
Probation; Courthouse/Roads; District Attorney’s Office; and Nurses. The
Sheriff, Courthouse and District Attorney units are all represented by AFSCME;
the nurses unit is represented by the Oregon Nurses Association.
The county was set to
begin negotiations this month with the sheriff’s office bargaining unit on a new
contract. Those talks will be postponed until the ERB’s decision on the Parole
and Probation request.
Committee
appointment
The board appointed
Linda Eyerman to the Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312
Wednesday, April 11,
2012 regular meeting
Official minutes
available once approved by board
Volunteers
honored
The board recognized
the hundreds of volunteers who donate time to the county each year, and gave out
awards to the top volunteers of 2011.
Honorees
were:
· Individual Volunteer
of the Year – Linda Dygert
· Outstanding Advisory
Board Member – Bruce Francis (Planning Commission)
· Outstanding Volunteer
Group – Amateue Radio Emergency Services (ARES)
· Outstanding
Individuals Within a Group – Tate Dellelo/Adopt-A-Road; Dave Rouse/Reserve
Deputy Sheriff, Clatsop County Search and Rescue and High-Angle Rescue teams;
Mark Seavey/CADY mentoring program
Health initiative
discussed
The board heard a
presentation from County Manager Duane Cole, Public Health Director Margo Lalich
and others on the Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) program now under
development at the direction of the Oregon Legislature.
The CCO initiative is
designed to provide Medicare and Medicaid recipients coordinated care options
designed to reduce costly critical care visits and ultimately improve health and
reduce healthcare costs.
Two entities –
CareOregon and Greater Oregon Health Benefits Inc., have expressed interest in
creating a CCO covering Clatsop County and neighboring counties.
The county is engaged
in the process with local healthcare providers, the commissioners heard, and
were told that in the near future the board may be asked to approve a letter
commenting on the proposed CCO.
Comment letter
sent
The board voted to
direct staff to draft a letter to the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB)
regarding a request by represented employees of the Clatsop County Parole and
Probation Division to join a different union.
The six Parole and
Probation staff have sought approval to leave the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and join the Federation of Parole and
Probation Officers (FOPPO). The Parole and Probation personnel are currently
represented by AFSCME Local 2746, which also represents Sheriff’s Office
employees.
The letter will
request that the ERB conduct a hearing on the Parole and Probation staff
request. Increasing the number of bargaining units with whom the county must
bargain would add to the cost and complexity of negotiating labor
contracts.
Unionized county
employees are currently represented by four bargaining units: Sheriff/Parole and
Probation; Courthouse/Roads; District Attorney’s Office; and Nurses. The
Sheriff, Courthouse and District Attorney units are all represented by AFSCME;
the nurses unit is represented by the Oregon Nurses Association.
The county was set to
begin negotiations this month with the sheriff’s office bargaining unit on a new
contract. Those talks will be postponed until the ERB’s decision on the Parole
and Probation request.
Committee
appointment
The board appointed
Linda Eyerman to the Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312
Clatsop County Commissioners Honor County Volunteers
PHOTO CAPTION:
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Peter Huhtala presents Linda Dygert
with the Volunteer of the Year Award at Wednesday’s board meeting.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday honored the many local citizens who donate their time to help make their community a better place to live.
The commissioners recognized the recipients of the 2011 Volunteer of the Year awards and approved a proclamation thanking all county volunteers.
In 2011, 537 volunteers donated a total of 21,653 hours of service to a county – work valued at almost a half-million dollars.
Award winners are:
· Individual Volunteer of the Year – Linda Dygert
· Outstanding Advisory Board Member – Bruce Francis
· Outstanding Individuals Within a Group – Tate Dellelo/Adopt-a-Road; Dave Rouse/Reserve Deputy Sheriff, Clatsop County Search and Rescue and High-Angle Rescue teams; Mark Seavey/CADY
· Outstanding Volunteer Group – Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)
Linda Dygert won the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award for her work at the Clatsop County Animal Shelter. Dygert has volunteered at the facility for 10 years, up to six days a week, handling a wide variety of tasks from showing animals for adoption, transporting them to veterinary visits and assisting with office work. She is secretary of Clatsop Animal Assistance, the non-profit group that helps care for shelter animals, and also offers her own home as a foster caretaker for animals needing extra time away from the shelter.
Dygert was nominated for the award by Steven Hildreth, Animal Control Supervisor.
“With everything she has done and continues to do for the shelter, we can never say thank you enough for being one of the best people we have ever known,” he said.
Bruce Francis is chairman of the Clatsop County Planning Commission, in which role he facilitates the panel’s meetings and brings members’ viewpoints into a coherent discussion ending in legally supportable and appropriate decisions on a wide variety of land-use questions. The panel most recently completed a thorough review of the county’s newly adopted Strategic Plan.
Tate Dellelo is a volunteer in the county’s Adopt-A-Road program and picks up roadside litter along 19th Street and Ensign Lane in Warrenton. While most Adopt-A-Road participants are in groups, and are only required to clean their assigned roads twice a year, Dellelo cleans 19th and Ensign every day, rain or shine.
Dave Rouse is a reserve deputy with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and is a member of the department’s volunteer Search and Rescue Team and High-Angle Rescue Team. A dedicated participant in all three groups, he shares his expertise with other team members.
Mark Seavey is a member of CADY (Caring Adults Developing Youth) mentoring program and was nominated by one of his student mentees, Nicolas Morse, who praised Seavey for not only involving him in activities like hiking Saddle Mountain and a Trailblazers game, but also introducing him to the possibilities of a military career.
Members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services group provide a critical communications link for local agencies during emergencies. The ARES group, nominated by Clatsop County Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Manning, regularly drills to test its procedures, and strives to ensure members keep up with the growing list of training requirements.
“They put in hundreds of hours to literally save lives,” Manning said.
Blue Ribbon Campaign Focuses On Child Abuse Awareness
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families, in partnership with other local stakeholders, is promoting awareness of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month with an event Friday, April 13 in Astoria.
Volunteers will install 100 blue ribbons on the small park space at 15th Street between Marine Drive and Commercial Street in downtown Astoria beginning at 12:30 p.m. The event, a kick-off to the commission’s “Keep Kids Safe” campaign, recognizes the more than 100 children in Clatsop County who were victims of maltreatment in the past year, whether emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse or sexual abuse.
All forms of maltreatment take a tremendous toll on a child’s ability to develop healthy brain pathways, and can lead to serious health issues throughout adult life.
The “Keep Kids Safe” campaign is a project of the Commission on Children and Families, Clatsop County Juvenile Department, CASA, Hope House, Women’s Resource Center and North Coast Parenting. Friday’s ribbon-placing event is made possible by support from the City of Astoria and Home Depot.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families, in partnership with other local stakeholders, is promoting awareness of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month with an event Friday, April 13 in Astoria.
Volunteers will install 100 blue ribbons on the small park space at 15th Street between Marine Drive and Commercial Street in downtown Astoria beginning at 12:30 p.m. The event, a kick-off to the commission’s “Keep Kids Safe” campaign, recognizes the more than 100 children in Clatsop County who were victims of maltreatment in the past year, whether emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse or sexual abuse.
All forms of maltreatment take a tremendous toll on a child’s ability to develop healthy brain pathways, and can lead to serious health issues throughout adult life.
The “Keep Kids Safe” campaign is a project of the Commission on Children and Families, Clatsop County Juvenile Department, CASA, Hope House, Women’s Resource Center and North Coast Parenting. Friday’s ribbon-placing event is made possible by support from the City of Astoria and Home Depot.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
North Coast Parenting Presents Money Smart Workshop In Seaside
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Parents, do you have trouble finding money for those unexpected bills? Could you use some guidance figuring out how to support a family every month on your household income?
Get answers at the Money Smart Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at Broadway Middle School in Seaside.
Participants will receive help with basic budgeting, saving for emergencies, planning for the future and how to work smarter, not harder. Childcare will be available.
The event is sponsored by North Coast Parenting and the Seaside School District.
For more information and to register, contact North Coast Parenting at (503) 325-8673 ext. 4.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Parents, do you have trouble finding money for those unexpected bills? Could you use some guidance figuring out how to support a family every month on your household income?
Get answers at the Money Smart Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at Broadway Middle School in Seaside.
Participants will receive help with basic budgeting, saving for emergencies, planning for the future and how to work smarter, not harder. Childcare will be available.
The event is sponsored by North Coast Parenting and the Seaside School District.
For more information and to register, contact North Coast Parenting at (503) 325-8673 ext. 4.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Clatsop County Public Health Urges Vaccination For Pertussis(Whooping Cough)
Tuesday, April 10, 2012As a result of several recent cases of pertussis locally, the Clatsop County Public Health Department is encouraging everyone in the county ages 2 months and above to be vaccinated against the illness, also known as whooping cough.
The department is reporting a total of six positive reports of pertussis – a 2-year-old child, four school-age children and a 31-year-old adult. On Tuesday the health department sent out a memo to parents of schoolchildren describing the disease’s symptoms and means of spreading, and tips for prevention and treatment.
Based on current data, it is likely there are many more pertussis cases than the six positive reports, as providers frequently do not test for the disease. Additionally, there is likely a large segment of the high school population that is susceptible to pertussis, since school law currently only requires freshman to be vaccinated.
Symptoms of pertussis include coughing “fits” sometimes followed by a “whooping” noise, vomiting, or the inability to catch one’s breath – the illness has been called “the 100-day cough.” People with pertussis are contagious for about three weeks or until after the fifth day of an appropriate antibiotic regime. In spite of antibiotics, severe coughing may last for months.
Pertussis can be life-threatening in infants up to 12 months old. Pregnant women in their third trimester are also considered high-risk because of the potential of passing the infection to their newborns. Adults with severe cases may develop pneumonia and need hospitalization. Adults and teenagers may spread the disease to infants and young children.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends DtaP (diphterhia, tetanus and acellular pertussis) vaccination for children ages 2 months through 6 years of age, TdaP (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) vaccination for children between ages 7 and 11 who have not completed the initial DtaP series, and TdaP booster vaccination for all adolescents ages 11 through 18 years of age and all adults.
Clatsop County Public Health is encouraging everyone to review his or her vaccination records and contact their primary care provider or Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500. Pertussis vaccines are available at low or no cost through Clatsop County.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Natural Gas Glut Forces Slow-Down In Drilling Boom
By JONATHAN FAHEY - AP Energy Writer - The Associated Press
Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:03 AM EDT
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. natural gas market is bursting at the seams.
So much natural gas is being produced that soon there may be nowhere left to put the country's swelling surplus. After years of explosive growth, natural gas producers are retrenching.
Read Full Article
Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:03 AM EDT
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. natural gas market is bursting at the seams.
So much natural gas is being produced that soon there may be nowhere left to put the country's swelling surplus. After years of explosive growth, natural gas producers are retrenching.
Read Full Article
Friday, April 06, 2012
Astoria Police Respond To Gunshot Wound. An Investigation Is Ongoing
Astoria Regional Dispatch Reports:
On April 5, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Astoria Police responded to a residence in the 900 block of Franklin to a report of a gunshot victim. When they arrived they found a seriously injured 35 year old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Indications are that the wound was self inflicted. Medix and Astoria Fire personnel provided aid to the victim who was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Astoria Police were initially assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Clatsop County District Attorney’s office provided a medical legal investigator to assist in the investigation as well. While the cause of death is a gunshot wound the manner of death will be determined through a complete investigation.
Astoria Police will not be releasing the name of the deceased to allow for the notification of relatives.
On April 5, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Astoria Police responded to a residence in the 900 block of Franklin to a report of a gunshot victim. When they arrived they found a seriously injured 35 year old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Indications are that the wound was self inflicted. Medix and Astoria Fire personnel provided aid to the victim who was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Astoria Police were initially assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Clatsop County District Attorney’s office provided a medical legal investigator to assist in the investigation as well. While the cause of death is a gunshot wound the manner of death will be determined through a complete investigation.
Astoria Police will not be releasing the name of the deceased to allow for the notification of relatives.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
TransCanada Shifting Focus Of Alaska Gas Pipeline To Develop Potential For LNG Export
Sutherland LNG LawPosted: April 5, 2012
An official for TransCanada told the Associated Press (carried via the Anchorage Daily News) that the company would like to shift the focus of its proposed natural gas pipeline to carry North Slope gas to an LNG liquefaction facility in southern Alaska, instead of transporting the gas into Canada. Under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, the change in the project is subject to approval by Alaska state officials.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
National Health Survey Ranks Clatsop County 11th Out Of 33 Counties In Oregon
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Clatsop County has moved up in the rankings of a nationwide survey of health indicators released earlier this week.
The study, a joint project of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, compiled data on lifespan, health care access, smoking and obesity rates and other factors for every county across the United States, and ranked the counties within each state.
Clatsop County earned an overall ranking of 11th out of the 33 Oregon counties listed in the study (Gillam, Sherman and Wheeler counties were not included) in health outcomes, which measured deaths before age 75, low birthweight infants and percentage of residents who report poor physical and mental health. That compares with a ranking of 19th in the first 2010 study and 17th in last year’s survey.
To Margo Lalich, Clatsop County Public Health Department director, the Wisconsin survey is simply one of many sources of data her office uses to gauge the community’s well-being and prioritize health initiatives.
“We have all the silo data – when we put it together, we begin to see what impacts what, and what story it’s trying to tell us,” she said.
While its health outcomes score improved, Clatsop County’s ranking dipped two places, to 17th, for health factors, which measure behaviors such as smoking and drinking as well as access to health care, poverty and education levels.
“What this tells us is that in spite of the risk factors, the initiatives and interventions we are adopting locally are having a positive impact on health outcomes,” Lalich said.
According to the survey, 22 percent of county residents smoke versus 18 percent statewide, but the local obesity rate matched the state average of 26 percent, and excessive drinking was slightly less than the state’s 16 percent. The local rate of uninsured residents totals 21 percent of the population, versus 19 percent for Oregon, while the rate of preventable hospital stays is 36 percent higher than the statewide average.
The complete survey can be viewed at www.countyhealthrankings.org.
Local demographics can influence health statistics – Clatsop County’s rural setting, older-than-average population and reliance on service-industry jobs all impact health outcomes – but a key focus of the Public Health Department is determining how these widely varying factors affect citizens’ health.
“We can’t just look at whether you have a doctor to go to – we need to consider all the determinants of health: individual lifestyle factors, social and community networks, living and working conditions as well as socio-economic, cultural and ecological conditions,” Lalich said. “Understanding what the social and cultural norms are of a community is critical when developing initiatives to decrease risk and improve outcomes.”
The county is conducting a Comprehensive Community Health Assessment due to be completed later this month. Sponsored by the county Commission on Children and Families and undertaken in partnership with the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, the study will provide even more detailed data than the Wisconsin study, and further illuminate how various risk factors impact health.
Public Health has received additional resources to support some of its traditional services, including a $10,000 state grant for a breast-feeding promotional campaign.
“We are collaborating more with other organizations,” said Steven Blakesley, Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist. “We have a very active Community Health Action Response Team comprised of community leaders and volunteers from many different organizations. Our focus areas are chronic disease self-management, food insecurities, increasing physical activities and worksite wellness.”
Clatsop County itself has an employee-driven wellness program, funded by its health insurance carrier, which promotes healthy habits. Subsidized pool passes, a Weight Watchers program, fitness walk contests – even an initiative to promote healthy break-room snacks – have all been launched, and the county is promoting the idea to other local entities.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Clatsop County has moved up in the rankings of a nationwide survey of health indicators released earlier this week.
The study, a joint project of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, compiled data on lifespan, health care access, smoking and obesity rates and other factors for every county across the United States, and ranked the counties within each state.
Clatsop County earned an overall ranking of 11th out of the 33 Oregon counties listed in the study (Gillam, Sherman and Wheeler counties were not included) in health outcomes, which measured deaths before age 75, low birthweight infants and percentage of residents who report poor physical and mental health. That compares with a ranking of 19th in the first 2010 study and 17th in last year’s survey.
To Margo Lalich, Clatsop County Public Health Department director, the Wisconsin survey is simply one of many sources of data her office uses to gauge the community’s well-being and prioritize health initiatives.
“We have all the silo data – when we put it together, we begin to see what impacts what, and what story it’s trying to tell us,” she said.
While its health outcomes score improved, Clatsop County’s ranking dipped two places, to 17th, for health factors, which measure behaviors such as smoking and drinking as well as access to health care, poverty and education levels.
“What this tells us is that in spite of the risk factors, the initiatives and interventions we are adopting locally are having a positive impact on health outcomes,” Lalich said.
According to the survey, 22 percent of county residents smoke versus 18 percent statewide, but the local obesity rate matched the state average of 26 percent, and excessive drinking was slightly less than the state’s 16 percent. The local rate of uninsured residents totals 21 percent of the population, versus 19 percent for Oregon, while the rate of preventable hospital stays is 36 percent higher than the statewide average.
The complete survey can be viewed at www.countyhealthrankings.org.
Local demographics can influence health statistics – Clatsop County’s rural setting, older-than-average population and reliance on service-industry jobs all impact health outcomes – but a key focus of the Public Health Department is determining how these widely varying factors affect citizens’ health.
“We can’t just look at whether you have a doctor to go to – we need to consider all the determinants of health: individual lifestyle factors, social and community networks, living and working conditions as well as socio-economic, cultural and ecological conditions,” Lalich said. “Understanding what the social and cultural norms are of a community is critical when developing initiatives to decrease risk and improve outcomes.”
The county is conducting a Comprehensive Community Health Assessment due to be completed later this month. Sponsored by the county Commission on Children and Families and undertaken in partnership with the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, the study will provide even more detailed data than the Wisconsin study, and further illuminate how various risk factors impact health.
Public Health has received additional resources to support some of its traditional services, including a $10,000 state grant for a breast-feeding promotional campaign.
“We are collaborating more with other organizations,” said Steven Blakesley, Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist. “We have a very active Community Health Action Response Team comprised of community leaders and volunteers from many different organizations. Our focus areas are chronic disease self-management, food insecurities, increasing physical activities and worksite wellness.”
Clatsop County itself has an employee-driven wellness program, funded by its health insurance carrier, which promotes healthy habits. Subsidized pool passes, a Weight Watchers program, fitness walk contests – even an initiative to promote healthy break-room snacks – have all been launched, and the county is promoting the idea to other local entities.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Lower Columbia River(Astoria Included) To Get Three Regional Response Vessels
MarineLog.com Reports:
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River's Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) has approved a $2.7 million Port Security Grant Program project to purchase three Regional Response Vessels with firefighting capability for the lower Columbia River.
The acquisition of these vessels is the culmination of a two-year project to identify marine firefighting vulnerabilities in the Columbia River system and address them through federal grant programs.
Astoria will receive a 35-foot vessel that will be operated by the Astoria Fire Department. The other two boats, 35-feet and 45-feet, will be based in the Vancouver, Wash., port area. Both Astoria and Vancouver port authorities have committed their organizations to maintain and sustain the response vessels for the benefit of the entire river system. Additionally, the new boats will help the Coast Guard in patrolling the ports and responding quickly to a variety of threats. The vessels are expected to be in place by early 2013.
The AMSC includes key maritime stakeholders from Oregon, Washington and Idaho established by Congress to assist the Coast Guard Captain of the Port in ensuring safe and secure marine transportation and commerce. Committee actions are undertaken on behalf of the USCG and the general public, rather than any private entity or individual.
"This funding decision reflects our belief that safety and security are shared responsibilities, and that we can best protect the vital economic engine of the Columbia River system when the private sector and local, state and federal government work together," said Coast Guard Captain Bruce Jones, Captain of the Port for Sector Columbia River. "I applaud our port partners for their comprehensive approach to managing risk and wisely spending scarce grant funds in support of our mutual goals."
The AMSC also approved a $1.9 million Port Security Grant for a vessel tracking system focused on the Columbia and Snake River system. This system will integrate with and extend the vessel tracking system already in place between the mouth of the Columbia River and the Portland/Vancouver area, upriver to Lewiston, Idaho. Until now, lack of resources and challenging topography have severely limited vessel traffic reporting in this area. The Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and all entities having an interest in river commerce or incident response will benefit from a greater awareness of where ships, tugs and barges are at any given moment.
April 3, 2012
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