Unseasonably cold temperatures have put pressure on the region’s electricity system, the Bonneville Power Administration announced. The cold, plus low stream flows that limit hydropower production, and constraints on transmission imports has caused the provider to take steps to increase power supplies and reduce consumer demand. “It’s always a good idea to use electricity wisely, and it’s even more important when supplies are tight,” said Elliot Mainzer, BPA administrator. As (continued)
Volunteers are being sought for the Oregon Money Management Program, which assists individuals in their own homes with budgeting, organizing financial paperwork, sorting mail and filling out applications. Clients are low-income seniors and people with disabilities and others who may be vulnerable to fraud and financial exploitation. Volunteers enjoy a lot of flexibility, said Suzanne Bjaranson, community programs supervisor for the Northwest Senior and Disability Services. In as little as 2 (continued)
The top downtown projects that should be completed using special tax money include placing power lines underground, building a parking lot, and renovating the public pier at Warrenton Marina. Those were the top three choices selected Wednesday afternoon by members of the Warrenton Urban Renewal Advisory Committee. The seven-member panel advises the city’s Urban Renewal Agency, which currently is made up of the five city commissioners. The agency is tasked with spending money raised within the (continued)
The University of Oregon will receive more than $400,000 in federal funds for research into improving earthquake early warning systems, U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced. “A state-of-the-art early warning system for earthquakes and tsunamis in Oregon and the entire West Coast is a must to save lives if and when disaster strikes,” Wyden said. “I am gratified that the University of Oregon has earned these awards to continue building on its pioneering research to improve this (continued)
A statewide rent-control bill, which was passed by the legislature a week ago, limits the amount landlords can raise tenant rent. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services’ Office of Economic Analysis calculated the percentage of increase allowed this year as 10.3 percent. Senate Bill 608 requires the agency to calculate and post to its website by Sept. 30 of each year, the maximum annual rent increase allowed by statute for the following calendar year. Because the bill has taken (continued)
Potential homeowners can consider using an Oregon First-time Homebuyers Savings Account to help save for a new home and possibly reduce their taxes. In 2018, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4007, which allows Oregonians to deduct up to $5,000 ($10,000 if filing jointly) per year from their taxable income for deposits and earnings in a FTHSA. Eligible Oregon residents are those who haven’t purchased or owned a single-family home, either individually or jointly, in the three years (continued)
Astoria Co-op Grocery is among the 13 solar projects across Oregon, Washington and California to receive funding from Pacific Power customers who participate in the Blue Sky Block renewable energy program. Blue Sky grants will fund up to $1.2 million in renewable energy projects in 2019, bringing more than 1,055 kilowatts of new solar-powered energy online. Since 2006, Pacific Power Blue Sky Block option program participants have helped fund the installation of 113 community-based projects. (continued)
Summer Spell of Seaside was named to the dean’s list at Azusa Pacific University. Spell, a global studies major, was honored for fall semester 2018 and had an academic standing of 3.5 or better. Azusa Pacific is a Christian university in Southern California. (continued)
In September 2017, Veterans of Foreign Wars Fort Stevens Post 10580 began seeking citizens in Warrenton who were displaying the American flag on their homes and businesses. Since then, the post has awarded Patriotic Citizen Awards thanking them for their efforts. To date, we have issued 51 awards. The weather limits our ability to fly our flag in the appropriate manner 24-7. So I want to take this time to thank each of you for your strong feelings for your country and community. We will (continued)
Renewable energy and the impact it could have on your business, home or nonprofit group is the topic of a seminar from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Fort George Brewery, 1483 Duane St., Astoria. The event is sponsored by Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce and Sunbridge Solar. Attendees will receive light appetizers and a drink ticket. (continued)
Clatsop Economic Development Resources, the county’s economic development organization, seeks nominations for its annual awards celebration of business success. Last year, nine businesses were honored. The deadline to receive award nominations is Friday, March 29. The awards are for for-profit businesses that demonstrate customer service, economic impact, entrepreneurship, job creation, manufacturing or technological advancement and community service. Businesses of all sizes are eligible and (continued)
The 14 stations of the cross, which focuses on the crucifixion of Christ, will be recited at 3 p.m. Friday, March 22, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 867 Fifth Ave., Hammond. The sacrament of penance and reconciliation will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23. (continued)
The local chapter of American Association of University Women has set an April 5 deadline for applying for a $2,000 scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a female resident from northwestern Oregon or southwestern Washington who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a degree program. The candidate must have been out of high school five or more years. The application is available at seaside-or.aauw.net under “Foundation.” The Seaside AAUW branch was established in 1943. (continued)
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has released its schedule for stocking local lakes. Smith Lake will be stocked March 18-22 and April 22-26. Cullaby Lake will be stocked March 18-22. Vernonia Lake will be stocked March 18-22, April 1-5, and April 29-May 3. Sunset Lake will be stocked April 1-5, April 22-26, and Sept. 16-20. Coffenbury Lake will be stocked March 18-22, April 1-5, April 22-26, May 27-31, and Sept. 16-20. (continued)
North Coast Symphonic Band returns to the Liberty Theatre for its 38th season in October. The community band, with Dave Becker as conductor and musical director, is a self-supporting nonprofit group with 50 volunteer musicians. The group provides two of its four annual concerts for free. The first concert of the season is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. “Dances of Enchantment” will feature a collaboration between the North Coast Symphonic Band and 3 Leg Torso, a well-known ethnic folk band from (continued)
** Warrants Warrant service, 5:47 p.m. March 7, Dolphin Avenue near Lum’s. Wayne Thomas Brooks, 49, of Seaside was arrested on five active warrants that included unlawful possession of heroin, three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, post-prison supervision violation and failure to appear in court. He was booked at Clatsop County Jail. Warrant service, 2:15 p.m. March 7, Warrenton Police Department. Keith Allen Greenawald, 43, of Seaside was arrested on a contempt of court (continued)
A new Clatsop County Citizens Police Academy is scheduled to start in April. Residents will have an opportunity to meet local police officers and deputies, learn about different aspects of law enforcement and find out how to volunteer. Applications are available at police departments and at the sheriff’s office. The 10-week academy is from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning April 16 at various locations with an added firearms training on Saturday, May 18. It’s the second year the academy has (continued)
Clatsop County Sheriff’s Deputy Jasper Devereaux recently graduated from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Parole and Probation Officer Class. The agency operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy, which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs. (continued)
** Thefts and burglaries Shoplifting, noon Feb. 26, Walmart. Tara Lynn Jones, 32, of Astoria was arrested on suspicion of third-degree theft and criminal mischief after she allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for $88 in food and clothes. Shoplifting, 5:40 p.m. Feb. 26, Walmart. Sarai Eduardo-Davis, 35, of Astoria was arrested on suspicion of third-degree theft after she allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for $59 in clothes and spray paint. Burglary, 11:07 (continued)
Local teams have been getting ready for regional competitions of Oregon Battle of the Books. Warrenton Grade School in the third through fifth grades traveled to St. Helens last weekend for a regional competition. The middle school competition will be Saturday, March 16, at Warrenton Grade School.The top teams in each division move on to compete at the OBOB state finals April 6 at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. In Battle of the Books competitions, teams participate in a round robin, quiz (continued)
