Open seats are available on several local government committees. Most spots require panel members to be residents of the area they’ll represent or, in some cases, business owners. Some seats could require an accounting background or other qualifications. **Parks Clatsop County seeks applicants to serve on the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee. The committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks and formulates amendments to the recreation lands element of the (continued)
A four-week paving project in Fort Stevens State Park began this week as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepares for a massive rehabilitation of South Jetty. “South Jetty Road will see heavy use during the rehabilitation project, so USACE contractors are improving road conditions now,” said Justin Parker, manager of Fort Stevens State Park. “Plus, park visitors will reap the long-term benefits from the freshly paved road.” Bayview Asphalt of Seaside is performing the paving work, (continued)
Downtown Warrenton was recognized during a statewide conference of Oregon Main Street. The city, along with Spruce Up Warrenton, were named “The One to Watch.” There were 20 businesses, projects, and people recognized at the annual awards event held late last week in Tillamook. “The city and Spruce Up Warrenton have been working hard on revitalizing downtown (and) South Main Avenue and it is getting noticed!” the city exclaimed on its Facebook page. Brenda Hoxsey, director of the (continued)
Warrenton girls volleyball team went into the third set Tuesday night against Taft tied. They won the first set 25-20, but dropped the second 18-25. They went on to win the third set 25-16. The Warriors swept the Tigers in the fourth set, perhaps owing to Leah Schiewe serving six aces in a row. It gave them a match win of 25-15. “We are definitely scrappy as a team,” sophomore middle blocker Melia Kapua said afterward. “We just keep making the unexpected plays. Our serve reception could (continued)
The Confederated Lower Chinook Tribes and Bands quietly purchased 10 acres this spring at Tansy Point, the site of one of the most important yet devastating moments in the history of local Indian tribes. Last month, the tribe won a $6,000 state grant to construct an interpretive kiosk on the site of the 1851 Tansy Point Treaty. The award from Oregon Cultural Trust was one of $2.7 million announced statewide to cultural and historical groups last month. Of that figure, $682,000 went to 45 county (continued)
Just two tiny fixes to the Port of Astoria’s long-awaited Strategic Business Plan: Use the words “past” and “prior” when summarizing the body’s discord. “I have two small things,” Commissioner Robert Stevens told the consultant who’d written the plan. Ensure the two sentences of the introduction that refer to board disagreements and public distrust are in the past tense, he told her. “There’s no more rancor here,” Stevens said. The port’s Board of Commissioners the (continued)
Astoria Regional Airport, along with John Day Airport in Grant County, have won a combined $2 million in federal grants for critical infrastructure improvements. “This grant funds the first phase of much needed rehabilitation of the airport apron,” said Gary Kobes, Port of Astoria airport manager. “The original was constructed in the early 1940s and has served well, but is approaching the end of its useful life.” The apron is the portion of the airport where airplanes are parked, (continued)
A crew from Big River Construction adds soil amendment after removing asphalt in the small park adjacent to Dairy Maid and the post office. The plaza revitalization is being done with Warrenton Urban Renewal Agency funds and includes a public gathering area with benches, trees and other landscaping.
Utility pole bump-outs on South Main Avenue and a triangular park north of Warrenton High School are included in the improvements. (continued)
Martha Jean Quashnick, the matriarch of a family devoted to the commercial fishing industry, died Sept. 12 in Astoria. She was 81. Quashnick was born Dec. 8, 1937, to Russell and Cecil Smith in Costa Mesa, Calif. The family moved to Astoria, where she attended Astoria schools and graduated in 1955. Later that year, she married Richard Quashnick. This month, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Each year, the couple headed north of Kenai, Alaska, to participate in the salmon season. (continued)
John Francis Shepherd Sr., a former fire chief and member of the Hammond town council, died Friday, Sept. 27. He was 91. He was born in Terre Haute, Ind., to Delbert and Martha Shepherd, the eldest of four boys. The family moved to Arizona in 1945 and he joined the U.S. Coast Guard at age 17, serving from 1946 to 1948 at Neah Bay, Wash., and Point Adams in Hammond. While in Hammond, he served for a short time on the rescue boat Triumph and met his future wife, Carolyn Petersen. When he left the (continued)
Last Friday’s home game against Knappa appeared to be an amicable match initially. There was a large contingent of spectators for the visitors. And it almost seemed a homecoming for host Warrenton. To ascertain the level of rancor between the two teams, one should know that the Warriors have lost to the Loggers the last five times in a row. The before-game camaraderie may well have been an illusion. There was an air or unease on the field and in the stands. You could read between the lines, (continued)
The culmination of years – no, decades -- of work to place the ownership of Hammond Marina in the city’s hands came to fruition Wednesday. “The city is so excited for this day,” Warrenton City Manager Linda Engbretson giddily told the dozens of politicians, public employees and residents gathered for the transfer ceremony at the boat basin. Those who made it happen were “doggedly” determined, Sen. Betsy Johnson said. Federal, state, county and city officials had to work together. (continued)
The governing board of Skipanon Water Control District wants to disband, saying the current board has served multiple terms with no one else stepping up to the plate. “We’re just exhausted for being under attack all the time,” said Gail Galen, the district’s treasurer. “Now that we’ve made this very difficult decision, I think we’ve all realized how fatigued we all are.” Down to four board members -- and no candidates for the last vacancy in this year’s special districts (continued)
The city of Warrenton and owners of Pacific Seafood have signed a good neighbor agreement in hopes of quelling concerns about a planned dormitory for workers along Northwest Warrenton Drive. The document spells out expectations of the seafood processing company in managing the 100 plant workers who would live there. There is no home-owners association or other entity involved, so the agreement is with the city on behalf of all residents, Community Development Director Kevin Cronin said. (continued)
** NW power users are green Pacific Power’s Blue Sky customers are among the nation’s most devoted promoters of renewable energy, the utility reports. For the 17th year, the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory ranked Blue Sky, which includes Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power customers, in the top five nationwide for utility green power programs. Blue Sky ranks second for total number of participating customers and third for total renewable energy sales through a (continued)
Clatsop County was been awarded a state grant to create a plan for emergency evacuation routes and facilities. The $132,000 grant was one of 12 recently awarded statewide through the Transportation and Growth Management Program, a joint initiative of the Oregon Department of Transportation and Department of Land Conservation and Development. The money will fund the development of a tsunami evacuation facilities improvement plan, intended to identify routes and accompanying facilities to save (continued)
Oregon State University will receive more than $400,000 in federal funds to research how large earthquakes, like those that could strike the Cascadia Subduction Zone, would affect the western electrical grid. “At a time that scientists are sounding the alarm about the potential for a devastating earthquake to one day hit Oregon and the entire West Coast, it’s vital to understand the risks of a quake of that magnitude, especially the possible effects on the electrical grid that keeps (continued)
Students in grades 9-12 in Clatsop and Pacific Counties are invited to submit an original personal essay to win cash prizes from two local groups. The contest is a nonpartisan Vote the Future project of Indivisible North Coast Oregon and the American Association of University Women. The essays, on the topic “Why I Will Always Vote,” should be no more than 500 words, double-spaced with 12-point font. A cover page should include the title, student name, age, grade, school, email address, and (continued)
Small nonfarm businesses in Clatsop County and 16 other counties are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans are to offset economic losses caused by drought. “SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” SBA western field Operations Director (continued)
Columnists & Other Opinions
It’s a well-known fact that seniors are a barrel of information. And we don’t mind showing it off, do we? The other day, I was trying to explain to my wide-eyed great-grandsons Joshua and Silas how a caterpillar can tell us if we’ll have a cold winter or a mild winter after they placed two into my hand to pet. Later I had to check out my many sources. “According to folklore, the amount of black on the woolly bear (caterpillar) in autumn varies proportionately with the severity of the (continued)
I ran across some interesting statistics from 1936. It’s especially interesting to me because I turned 4 that year and actually remember things that happened then. Would you believe our life expectancy at that time was 59.7 years? Now some of us (like me) have “kids” that age! Those of us growing up during that time had Franklin Roosevelt as our “forever” president. Some 1936 prices that were quoted: Average annual income, $1,713; new car, $780; new house, $3,925; loaf of bread, 8 (continued)
Events
The Liberty Theatre’s Classical Series opens Friday, Oct. 11, with wild and more tame performances by an eclectic-style orchestra. The concert is at 7 p.m. at the theater, 1203 Commercial St. The theater formed a partnership with Portland-based 45th Parallel University Orchestra, which is known for bridging the gap between old and new chamber music, bluegrass, jazz, gospel, Persian and folk music. The performance, called “Primordial Swamp,” features the world premiere of a new work (continued)
The Astoria Finnish Brotherhood Auxiliary invites the public to its annual Laksloda Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Suomi Hall, 244 W. Marine Drive, Astoria.
Doors open 15 minutes before the lunch. Tickets are $15 per person for all you can eat. Included is a bake sale featuring Scandinavian treats.
For more information, contact Karen Van Cleave at 503-791-7805. (continued)
The Astoria chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution meets at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Astoria Golf and Country Club, 33445 Sunset Beach Road, Warrenton.
The program will focus on veterans and the Veterans Stand Down at Camp Rilea on Oct. 25.
Members and women interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information and reservations, contact registrar Sue Glen at 503-861-0574. (continued)
A lively look at Clatsop County’s early coroner’s reports is the subject of a talk at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Astoria Public Library, 450 10th St.
McAndrew Burns, executive director of the Clatsop County Historical Society, presents “The Book of the Dead.” Prepare for a grim look at the ways residents passed away from 1905-1909, Burns warns. The free interactive talk could get graphic and is not recommended for young children. (continued)
A city fall festival is being planned in Robinson Community Park the weekend before Halloween. It will include a zombie parade, food and game booths, a pumpkin decorating contest, hayrides, pony rides, and “trunk-or-treating,” in which trinkets and candy are offered from the trunks of pre-approved vehicles. The event is sponsored by the city’s Warrenton Business Association and organized by Jeanne Smith, co-owner of Main Street Market. Booths are available for $10, with all proceeds (continued)
Warrenton Community Library, in conjunction with Clatsop Community College, is offering a basic ESL (English as a second language) course.
Classes are free. Classes began Oct. 2 and are from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the library, 160 S. Main Ave., through mid-December.
For more information, call 503-791-7408. (continued)
The public is welcome to any of several informative and informal lunch-time conversations about improving your health sponsored by Columbia Memorial Hospital and the Knight-OHSU Cancer Collaborative. All presentations are from 11 a.m. to noon in the activity room at the center, 1905 Exchange St., Astoria. Sessions are free and light bites will be provided. For more information, call 503-338-4520. Wednesday, Oct. 2: “Go With Your Gut” and learn about gut health and cancer and how to promote (continued)
Classes on understanding Medicare are scheduled at three locations in Clatsop County. Fall open enrollment is Oct. 15-Dec. 7. Northwest Senior and Disability Services and Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance are sponsoring the classes. To register, call 503-861-4200. Walk-ins also are welcome. Seaside: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 and Nov. 15 at Bob Chisholm Community Center, 1225 Avenue A. Astoria: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 and Nov. 20, second floor Coho Room, Columbia Center, 2021 Marine (continued)
Eleven cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Astoria this fall.
Their arrival usually flushes downtown businesses with shoppers and provides local tour guides with plenty of work.
Sept. 17: Island Princess
Sept. 23: Star Princess
Sept. 26: Seven Seas Mariner
Sept. 26: Coral Princess
Sept. 26: Oceania Regatta
Sept. 27: Volendam
Sept. 30: Star Princess
Oct. 1: Oosterdam
Oct. 9: Norwegian Jewel
Oct. 15: Grand Princess
Oct. 22: Grand Princess (continued)
Police and Public Safety
** Warrants Warrant service, 10:28 a.m. Sept. 29, 1100 block Pacific Drive, Hammond. Zane Cruz Belshe, 57, no known address, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant from Pacific County, Wash. ** Thefts and burglaries Shoplifting, 11:35 a.m. Sept. 24, Walmart. Tyece M. Sawyer, 22, of Astoria and Sunie K. Lyon, 19, of Hammond were cited for third-degree theft and criminal mischief after they allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for $79 in cosmetics, pet flea medication and a purse. (continued)
** Warrants Warrant service, 4:29 p.m. Sept. 16, Skipanon and Harbor drives. Heidi Marie Keene, 49, of Portland was arrested on a warrant from Columbia County Court. Warrant service, 8 a.m. Sept. 17, 33200 block Sunset Beach Lane. Lewis M. Leech, 42, of Warrenton was arrested on a contempt of court warrant. ** Thefts and burglaries Shoplifting, 3:45 p.m. Sept. 19, Home Depot. Frank K. Nimz, 38, no known address, was cited for third-degree theft. Shoplifting, 4:07 p.m. Sept. 21, Fred Meyer. A (continued)
Education
Leah Schiewe, Sophomore, Volleyball The Warrior Volleyball team boasted a record of 3-0 in league play when Leah was selected. "Leah was a force at the net in our league opener against Taft," Coach Staci Miethe said. "She had six block kills and added seven more touches and had a career high 12 kills while attacking at 89 percent." Hordie Bodden Bodden, Sophomore, Football Hordie had a great week with four total touchdowns in the Warriors 63-13 win over Portland Christian. Hordie rushed the (continued)
Jacob Morrow, Senior, Football
Morrow, the team's primary quarterback, has done an outstanding job both offensively and defensively. in the game against Creswell, he was 7 for 13 passing, with two touchdowns. He nearly made an interception run-back for a touchdown, Coach Ian O'Brien said.
Avryee Miethe, Sophomore, Volleyball
Miethe was impressive in leadership, teamwork and enthusiasm in a trio of away games last week. (continued)
