May 18, 2012

DUII Task Force
The Southern Oregon Coast DUII Taskforce will be active in the upcoming weeks in support of the many holiday weekends we have coming up.  We sincerely hope that as you travel that you make it to your destination safely.  We offer these safety tips to assist you in getting to your vacation, or destination safely.  Drink Responsibly - As the sun shines and you are enjoying your beverage of choice, please come up with a plan prior to drinking alcohol.  Have a designated driver, save money for a cab, but regardless of what you do, don’t drink and drive.  Alcohol impairment has been proven to start as low as .03% blood alcohol content.  Drugs impair as much as Alcohol - Prescription drugs and certain prescription drug interactions can impair you the same way  as alcohol.  Please consult your doctor about driving on your medications.  If you aren’t sure, don’t do it.  Keep yourself and the others around you safe.  Follow the rules of the road - Traffic laws are in place to keep you and the others around you safe.  Please stop for those pedestrians, stop signs and lights.  Don’t use your cell phone and drive, hands free devices are required.  Remember that speed kills, the faster you travel the further you will go before you recognize  a threat and apply the brakes.  Slow down and enjoy the sunshine!  Walk Safely - If you are a pedestrian enjoying the weather, please ensure you wear bright, visible clothing.  Be courteous and use crosswalks as they are available.  Keep your head up and aware of your surroundings.  Move Over - Please remember that if you are a motorist and notice emergency lights ahead, move over to the adjacent lane if available and slow down.  This is for your emergency services personnel’s safety.  The DUII Taskforce will be deploying in your area soon.  Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Memorial Day enforcement
Beginning Monday 05-21-2012 and continuing through June 3rd, 2012 the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Patrol will be joining with other south coast law enforcement agencies in the Oregon Three Flags “click it or ticket” campaign.  This mobilization will be Oregon’s 2nd Three Flags Blitz for 2012.  The Coos County Sheriff’s Office will be focusing on safety belt use and child safety seat use during evening hours.  Recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research suggests that most of Oregon’s unbuckled fatalities occur on weekday afternoons and between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am on weekends.  Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies will be conducting enhanced safety belt enforcement through federal overtime grants from the US Department of Transportation.  Deputies will be focusing on the most common causes of injury crashes – speeding and impaired drivers.  Deputies will be looking for those drivers traveling faster than posted speed limits, driving impaired by intoxication, and cell phone and texting use.  Specifically on Friday night, May 25th and Saturday night, May 26th, Sheriff’s Deputies will be joining other law enforcement agencies that comprise the South Coast DUII Taskforce, and will be out in force targeting impaired drivers over this Memorial Day weekend.  The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging people traveling this Memorial Day weekend, as they should every day, to stay safe and drive responsibly.   

Dedication of the Southern Oregon Coastal Regional Historical Marker
Oregon Travel Experience (OTE) is pleased to announce an upcoming dedication ceremony for a new Southern Oregon Coast Historical Regional Marker. The marker will be formally dedicated at 11:00 a.m. on May 19, 2012, at the Coos Bay Visitors Center, 50 Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR. Marker sponsorship is supported by the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; Three Rivers Casino; and OTE.  “The confederated tribes is honored to be able to tell our story. The marker honors our ancestors and our generations to come. We thank you," said Jesse Beers. Beers is the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.  Oregon Travel Experience launched its new regional marker program in 2009 to coincide with our state’s sesquicentennial. The series exemplifies the purpose of OTE through honoring our state’s citizens, places, and events. Regional markers serve as gateways to travel and tourism at highly visible sites within Oregon’s seven geographic and cultural regions.  “The Southern Oregon Coastal Marker is the third marker to be installed,” said OTE’s CEO Cheryl Gribskov. “The level of community commitment and participation was absolutely key to its successful production. It is essential that we record cultural history accurately and we could not have moved forward without the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.”  Since the Regional Marker Series is funded solely by public sponsorship, regional markers make the most of everyone’s resources; two or more organizations can team up to help fund their fabrication and installation. Sponsorship is open to businesses, foundations, nonprofits, and public agencies. OTE encourages communities and potential sponsors to work collaboratively to sponsor a marker in their region or sub-region.

Indian school mascots banned
Reedsport and Roseburg high schools, both in Douglas County, are two of 14 schools identified in Oregon that will have to change their school mascots in five year or risk losing state funding.  The ruling follows a 5-1 vote by the State Board of Education Thursday in Salem aimed at removing what is seen as degrading Native American mascots.  Reedsport has been known as the Braves and Roseburg the Indians.  Seven schools will be allowed to continue "Warrior" names, but will have to change mascots or graphics that depict Native Americans.  The ruling also impacts a number of elementary and middle schools.

Flare Shoot
Coos Bay Power Squadron will be doing a Flare Shoot (Visual Distress Signal)and Fire Extinguisher Demonstration MAY 19th at 1:00 PM.  This will be done at the Distant Water Fleet Facility south of Englund Marine. This is to coincide with Englund Marine's Safety Saturday and the start of National Safe Boating Week. This is a good time to check the DATE on your FLARES. Flares are good for THREE Years from date of manufacture. If you fellow boaters have any EXPIRED FLARES this is a good time to use & practice their use.  The FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEMO will be put on by the Charleston Fire Department, if you have NEVER operated a FIRE EXTINGUISHER, now is the time.  Safety Seminars on GPS, VHF-DSC radio and Radar are planned for the summer boating season. IF you would like to take one or all of these contact Squadron Education Officer Al Swanson at 541-888-6178.

Central Coast Quake
A 2.5-magnitude occurred just off the Central Oregon Coast mid-day Thursday, May 17.  According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the horizontal quake was recorded at 12:51 p.m., 18-miles west of Yachats in southern Lincoln County at a depth of 1.2-miles.

Suspicious school fire
A fire at a sports field on the Central Oregon Coast May 17, 2012, is being investigated as suspicious.  According to a news release from the Newport Police Dept., officers were called to a fire located in the field area of Sam Case Elementary School at 459 NE 12th Street. When they arrived they saw the portable bathroom on fire. The Newport Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The incident is still under investigation.

Ham Radio Class  
WHO: Volunteers from Amateur Radio Emergency Services; WHAT: an introductory class leading to “technician class”; WHEN: Saturday, June 2nd and June 9th  9am  -  4pm; WHERE: Southwestern Oregon Community College,  Coos Bay; COST: Class is free  manual is $22.50 and federal test is $15.00.  Before the next incident or disaster in our area, come join with some Coastal Douglas residents to learn the methods of operating a ham radio.  Ham radio is a radio communications system operating above the AM frequency band by amateurs and can be an essential tool when there is a loss of normal means of communication and to assist in emergency preparedness.  These classes are free and will be held at Southwestern Oregon Community College at 1988 Newmark Avenue in Coos Bay (Room #10 Sitkum) on Saturday June 2nd and June 9th from 9 - 4pm.  The instructing group (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) would like to have reservations so then can order materials. While the instruction is free there is a manual which costs $22.50  (Kent at KDUNE has some for $20.00).  The instructors have also set up a test in order to obtain a license at the North Bend Library (June 21st at 6:15pm) which is at a cost of $15.00/  As a bit of an incentive the Friends of Winchester Bay will pay for three tests for the Coastal Douglas Group based on a lottery of those from this area who have received their license.  We had worked to have the instruction in Reedsport but this seems the soonest and closest class we will obtain for a while.  A group is also working on a method to obtain equipment that is affordable.  Come assist our community.  There is also a class in Reedsport on May 24th and 25th.  To register for the class contact: Dan Bissell at 541-347-4580.  For more information and the location of the classes call Joe Coyne 541-271-2103.

Rhododendron Festival
Rhododendron Festival held May 18 through May 20, 2012 in Florence.  The parade is on Sunday.

Forestry & Fishing meeting
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Forestry & Fisheries Committee & Douglas Timber Operators will meet on Friday, May 18, 7 a.m.  Please Join Us For Our May Breakfast Meeting.  Featuring Our Guest Speakers:  Caddy McKeown and Co-House Speaker Arnie Roblan.  Program:  Candidates for Oregon State Representative, District 9.  Red Lion Hotel, Coos Bay.  No - host breakfast.  NOTE:  If you plan to attend, please help us guarantee adequate food and seating by calling the Bay Area Chamber Office at 541/266-0868.  Please RSVP to assure a place is set for you at the table.

Community Supported Agriculture Workshop
Zoë Bradbury, a local organic farmer, will delve into the principles and practices of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) at a workshop and field trip offered by Southwestern Oregon Community College.  CSA is a sustainable farming model that offers a vibrant alternative to the mainstream, industrial food system. It is essentially a loose partnership of mutual commitment between farmers and eaters. CSA members sign up in advance to receive produce from a farm all season and in turn the farm commits to providing a diverse array of vegetables, fruit, berries and recipes each week.  By forging this connection between farmers, eaters, and the land, people not only gain access to food that is fresh, seasonal, and locally grown, but bridges are built between urban and rural communities; food miles are reduced; food literacy is enhanced; farm economics become stable and more viable; and, ecological farming practices can be employed for long-term agricultural sustainability.  Class is scheduled to begin with a lecture segment from 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on May 18 at the Port Orford City Hall, followed by a field trip from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 19, 2012.  Cost of the workshop is $32 and pre-registration is required. Those interested in registration or more information can contact the Southwestern Gold Beach Center at (541) 247-2741. Sign up now to secure your spot in this popular workshop.

Barn Dance Saturday at Greenacres Grange with Live Music
The South Coast Folk Society invites couples, families, and singles to join us for an evening of lighthearted social dancing on May 19 at the Greenacres Grange Hall.  The public is welcome, and no experience is necessary.  The dances are easy to learn, and a great way to get exercise.  On stage this month are musicians from the South Coast who are volunteering their time and talent to play lively dance music from 7:00 to 10:00PM.  They will play jigs, reels, and waltzes.  Don’t be shy, join us.  The steps are simple.  The caller will guide you through every figure.  Our special guest caller this month is Alan Winston from San Francisco.  He will give lessons at 7:00PM.  The dance program includes contras, circle mixers, a waltz or two, and sometimes squares.  All dances are taught and called; no prior knowledge and no partner are needed.  Doors open at 6:45PM.  Refreshments are available.  Admission:  General $7, Students w/id $6, Over 60 $6, Members $5, Supervised children under 6 free.  The dances are alcohol and fragrance free.  For more information call 541-572-0518 or visit http://southcoastfolksociety.wordpress.com  or on Facebook.

The Rapidly Changing Arctic and What It Means For The Rest Of Us
Dr. Julienne Stroeve from the National Snow and Ice Data Center will be talking about “The Rapidly Changing Arctic and What It Means For The Rest Of Us” at 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in the Hales Center for the Performing Arts on the SWOCC Campus.  This will be the final talk in the 2011-12 lecture series.  Dr. Stroeve, a geographer and glaciologist, received her Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Colorado where she focused on surface energy balance studies of the Greenland ice sheet using satellite imagery. Now a research scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado, Stroeve studies the decline of the Arctic Sea ice cover, and how a seasonally ice-free Arctic will impact global climate.  She has participated in several field campaigns in Greenland and the Arctic to validate various geophysical parameters retrieved from spacecraft such as sea ice concentration, surface temperature and surface reflectivity.  Continuing sponsors of the lecture series include Oregon Resources Corporation, the SWOCC Foundation and the College.  Check out the geology department website in order to keep track as talks are scheduled for the 2012-13 lecture series. For additional information contact Ron Metzger at 541-888-7216.

Sprint AG Fest
The OSU Extension Office in conjunction with the Coos County 4-H Leaders Association and Myrtle Point FFA is organizing the first ever Spring Ag Fest to be held on May 19th at the Coos County Fairgrounds.  This one day event is planned as a fun filled day for 4-H and FFA Youth packed full of learning opportunities to enable them to enhance their projects. Learn new tips and techniques on feeding, fitting and showing from Industry Experts that routinely compete in the Northwest. This event will replace many pre-fair functions that have been offered in years past.  To date there are Evaluation Judging Contests starting at 10am, Fitting and Showing Demonstrations to follow and a chance to test you skills with your project in the Jack Pot Showmanship Contest.  Lunch will be available on the grounds. Please bring your project animal, large or small and they will perform better for you at the fairs. There are no entry fees just prizes and awards to wrap up the day!  The OSU Extension Office needs to know soon that you want to attend so please check the Monitor for the entry form or phone 541-572-5263 ext. 293 or 240.  Please plan on attending the third Saturday in May every year so you will be able to “Raise Your Blue Ribbon” at the Coos County Fair in July and the Oregon State Fair held the end of August in Salem. The event is supported by area businesses and feed stores, Coos County Fair Board and OSU Extension.

Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation
The South Coast Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is holding our 20th Anniversary Fund raising banquet to be held May 19th in Reedsport at the Community Building. The doors open at 5p.m. RMEF raises money to benefit Elk and other wildlife.  These monies are used to thin forests, prescribed burn forest land, make water holes in dry areas, and remove old fences that are not needed any more, etc.  Call Kirby for more information for RMEF or to get tickets to the banquet at 541 269-9431.

Power of Words art show
The Bay Area Artists' Association & Neighbor to Neighbor Mediation Services will hold the 2012 Open Art Show and Char - Ity Fund-Raiser at Pony Village Mall in North Bend May 19 & 20.  

Tomato-Rama
The Coos Co. Master Gardeners will host the 9th Annual Tomato-Rama and Plant Sale at Pony Village Mall in North Bend May 19 & 20.  

Bonsai Show
The Annual Bonsai Spring Show and Sale will be held May 19 & 20 at Pony Village Mall in North Bend.

Arrest
A traffic stop for speed led to an arrest and vehicle impoundment on Bayshore Drive in Coos Bay early Thursday morning, May 17.  According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for 12:57 a.m., 38-year old Billy Joe Kelley was arrested on a charge of PCS Hashish and one Oz. Marijuana.  Also cited for No Valid Operator's License and Driving Uninsured.  Warned for speed.  

Tagging
They were dressed in all black when they were witnessed "tagging" a dumpster on the 2500 block of Sherman Ave. in North Bend Wednesday night, May 16.  According to an entry on the police log for 11:42 p.m., "reported male and female dressed in all black just tagged dumpster.  Last seen headed southbound on Sherman Ave."  Police responded but were unable to locate the suspects.  "Officers located additional tagging on dumpster on the 2400 block of Sherman Ave.

Wanted
According to an entry on the Coquille Police log for Wednesday, May 16, 7:21 p.m., Fishtrap Road, "located wanted subject."  Thirty-four year old Larry J. Statham arrested on Clark Co., WA, warrant for Violation of Conditional Release.  Transported to the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.

Probation Violation
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police logs for Wednesday, May 16, 1:47 p.m., 200 block So. Schoneman, "detainable client."  Twenty-seven year old Amber F. Ferre arrested on Probation Violation charge and transported to the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.

Wanted
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police logs for Wednesday, May 16, 11:41 a.m., Coos River Hwy., 23-year old Todd Federico arrested on Salem Municipal Warrant charging him with Failure to Appear on Obstruct Police charge.

WX
Mostly to partly cloudy along the Oregon Coast today with highs in the mid to upper 50s and winds from the North at 10-15 mph.  Partly cloudy tonight with lows in the lower 40s and winds from the North to Northeast at 5-15 mph.  Partly cloudy Saturday and Sunday.