First published in the May 7 print edition
A good fish market? Check. Grocery stores? Check. Enough jobs for the skilled and unskilled? Maybe. But what about a cozy sit-down brewpub or a trendy little doughnut shop? There certainly are economic opportunities in the city of Warrenton. And the state is going to help the city find them. “Economic growth is a bit like the weather – while we never know what will happen for sure, knowing the forecast helps us plan for the most likely situation,” says the Department of Land Conservation (continued)
Oregon became the No. 1 state in the nation for new COVID-19 cases during the past week, with an increase of 58 percent. The more contagious B.1.1.7 variant is now the dominant strain in Oregon, which is fueling a fourth surge of coronavirus cases despite four out of every 10 Oregonians having received at least one dose of vaccine, according to health officials. “You may be wondering why cases have been on the rise recently, especially as we see an increase in vaccination across the state,” (continued)
An Oregon scientist was appointed by President Joe Biden as undersecretary for science in the Department of Energy. Geraldine Richmond, who is chair of the science department at the University of Oregon is one of 16 people recently nominated for positions in the Biden administration. Her nomination requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate. The undersecretary for science oversees the Energy Department’s Office of Science, advises the secretary of energy on energy and technology issues, (continued)
A new computer application released in part by the state provides a custom map showing the quickest escape route during in an impending tsunami. The NANOOS app, which stands for Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, was a joint effort of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and the University of Oregon. “Knowing the specific path you need to take to reach high ground quickly will help coastal residents and visitors plan well in advance, before an (continued)
A couple from Sweet Home have donated $250,000 to the effort to raise funds for the Astoria Nordic Heritage Park. The donation from Tony Larson and Shelly Tack, gives them naming rights for the entry ramp and stairs and moves the park foundation within $200,000 of its goal of $1.4 million. Construction is expected to begin in the fall. The couple’s great-grandparents emigrated from Denmark and Sweden. Larson’s great-grandmother was a clerk at the Scandinavian Bank of Astoria in the early (continued)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has delisted Bradshaw’s lomatium, also known as Bradshaw’s desert parsley, from the Endangered Species Act. When initially listed as endangered in 1988, there were only 11 populations of Bradshaw’s lomatium and fewer than 30,000 plants. Due to native prairie restoration, habitat management, reduction of threats by private and public partners and the discovery of new populations, the species is now flourishing, with more than 24 populations and more than (continued)
The Warrenton boys baseball team dominated Woodburn's Bulldogs in last Saturday's afternoon home contest. Then on Tuesday, the team barely squeaked out a 7-6 win at Taft. But last weekend, the Warriors’ win was never in jeopardy. Dawson Little pitched the entire seven innings, having four strikeouts, allowing only three hits, and giving up one run. Dawson contributed two hits to the Warrior offense, pounding in two runs. Mikey Ulness went two for three and tossed in a couple more runs for the (continued)
Running for director, Zone 2, Position 2
** Patrick C Preston** Age: 69 Residence: Astoria Occupation: Disabled veterans outreach program specialist with Oregon Employment Department Education: Bachelor of science in management of human resources from George Fox College and completion of the Command and General Staff College through the U.S. Army. Community involvement: Chairman of the Transportation Advisory Committee for Sunset Empire Transportation District for six years. Support all veterans organizations. What will you bring to (continued)
Running for director, Zone 2, Position 2
** Sara Meyer ** Age: 76 Residence: Astoria Occupation: Retired; I co-owned with my husband, Chuck, and worked at The Compleat Photographer for 31 years. Before that, I had worked with Job Corps and Community Action programs. Education: Attended Riddle High School, bachelor’s degree from University of Oregon. Community involvement: We birthed three and raised four boys. During their school years in Astoria, I was active in PTA, Scouts, and soccer. Through work I helped form the Downtown (continued)
Running for director, Zone 2, Position 3
** Robert Duehmig ** Age: 56 Residence: Astoria Occupation: Interim director, Oregon Office of Rural Health Education: Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. Community involvement: Clatsop Community College Board member for five years How have you contributed to the board? I work with rural communities all across Oregon. I understand the importance of the college to our North Coast communities and the advantages we have over communities that don’t have access to continuing education and (continued)
Running for director, Zone 2, Position 3
** Trudy Van Dusen Citovic ** Age: 42 Residence: Astoria Occupation: Business owner, Van Dusen Beverages Education: Astoria High School valedictorian; bachelor’s degree with honors in international relations and Spanish, Stanford University Community involvement: Friends of Astoria Column; board member/founder Fire Station Yoga (free community yoga). What will you bring to the college board? I am deeply rooted in Clatsop County and a sixth generation Astorian. I’m co-owner of Oregon’s (continued)
Running for director, Zone 3, Position 6
** Suzanne Iverson ** Age: 73 Residence: Astoria Occupation: Retired community education/workforce training coordinator at Clatsop Community College for 18 years Education: Medford High School graduate, Northwestern Business College in Portland, Portland State University certificate in Workforce Training Community involvement: Owner of a small business, Iverson Farms; Pacific Woods Special Olympics board member; Astoria-Warrenton Chamber board member; 4-H programs in Clatsop County. What will (continued)
Running for director, Zone 3, Position 6
** Dave Zunkel ** Age: 73 Residence: Warrenton, since 2013 Occupation: Retired physician, diagnostic radiology, specializing in ultrasound, practicing in the Navy at Bremerton, Wash., 1977-1979, and Everett, Wash., 1980-2013 Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; medical degree, University of Colorado, Denver; diagnostic radiology board certification, Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego; fellowship, ultrasound/CT, University of Colorado. (continued)
First published in the April 30 print edition
City leaders took a tougher stand against marijuana businesses, making it harder for them to locate in the only area of town they’re allowed – the industrial zones on the east side of Highway 101. Formerly, any marijuana business wanting to locate there would have been allowed. But Tuesday night’s City Commission action made the businesses “conditional” instead of “permitted” uses, meaning each would require a public hearing and approval from the City Commission or Planning (continued)
First published in the April 30 print edition
Homeowners who need some good news may want to check their home’s value on Zillow or other home sales websites. Value has risen substantially in the past year and especially in the past few months. “The global pandemic hammered many industries and led to massive unemployment, but homeowners are coming away with a big win,” according to Erik Knoder, a state economist for Oregon’s Northwest region. “Home prices not only continued to rise in many cities across the nation, but they (continued)
Columnists & Other Opinions
Mother’s Day is nearly here. As an adult, you can fully appreciate all your mother has done for you, so, on this occasion, you may be happy to give Mom flowers, candy, jewelry or something similar. But Mother’s Day is here and then it’s gone. Is there a longer-term gift that can make a real difference in your mother’s life? Actually, there is – the gift of knowledge about her financial future. Specifically, there are two key areas in which you may be able to provide valuable help t (continued)
I listened to the League Of Oregon Cities conference call on Friday (April 23), and noticed something unusual. Our Democrat governor’s representative asked for the two same exact “pivotal” actions that the Alaska Republican governor has asked of his state in our battle against CV19: One -- the need for people to wear masks, and Two -- the need for people be fully vaccinated. Please do your part to help things return to normal; we certainly need to be ready for the employment, and money, (continued)
As most of us are aware, Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9. I wish all us mothers and daughters a special time of memories this year and real joy anticipating the year ahead. We were not able to do much celebrating last year due to the pandemic, but now it appears we can kick up our heels and have a picnic or other outdoor celebration. Someone once asked, "What is a mother?" The answer I liked best was "Housekeeper. Cook. Teacher. Nurse. Coach. Taxi driver. Storyteller. Planner. Organizer. (continued)
As many know, I was away for three weeks in Florida for my day job (not city related) recently. While staying at Eglin Air Force Base, I managed to travel to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama on the weekends. Why do I mention this? Because I am always trying to walk through other cities to see how they developed their town, what kinds of businesses are located where and how busy they are, how they landscaped the town and the layout of their parks and how well they are used. In short, I’m (continued)
I’m sure many seniors remember the evening of March 27, 1964, if they lived here then. That was when the most destructive tsunami to ever hit the United States hit our coast. It formed off the Alaskan Coast following the worst earthquake in North American history. There is a review of the book, “This is Chance!” by Jon Mooallem in the May Reader’s Digest, in the “Drama in Real Life” section. Mooallem tells the story of reporter Genie Chance, who spent more than 30 hours of nonstop (continued)
Events
An international film festival dealing with fly fishing begins this month in Oregon and Washington. Admission to the virtual Fly-Fishing Film Festival is $25 and includes 10 films from around the world showcasing the past time’s passion, lifestyle and culture. In addition to films, there will be product giveaways and other promotions. One attendee will be selected to win a grand prize worth thousands of dollars in fly-fishing gear provided by sponsors. The event is sponsored by Coastal (continued)
Hearing birds sing each spring is one of the happiest sounds for many people. How birds produce their songs and calls, and how birds use the vocalizations in different settings is the subject of this month’s Nature Matters presentation. Bird expert David Lukas will lead the talk in a Facebook Live presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, on the Fort George Brewery’s Facebook page. Lukas has written many books and articles about birds. His most recent book, “Language Making Nature,” (continued)
Warrenton High School’s drama class will present “All Shook Up” for three nights this month.
The play is a 2004 “jukebox musical,” in which most of the music will be familiar to the audience. “All Shook Up” includes the music of Elvis Presley.
Performances are at 7 p.m. May 12, 14, and 15 in the gym at the high school, 1700 S. Main Ave.
For tickets, call the school office at 503-861-3317. (continued)
A review of the Labor Day fires of 2020, which devastated some parts of Oregon, is the focus of a May 13 lecture sponsored by the Lower Nehalem Watershed Council. Dan Donato, who holds a doctorate in forest sciences from Oregon State University, will lead the discussion, set for 7 p.m. via Zoom. The event is free. Donato teaches at the University of Washington School of Forestry and has studied Pacific Northwest forest fires for years, with his first publication on the topic in 2006. Sinc (continued)
Clatsop County Master Gardener Association is holding its spring plant sale online through May 20. A virtual plant store is available on their website, clatsopmastergardeners.org, where shoppers will find a variety of tomato, herb and other vegetables that can be purchased online. All plants are organic and have been selected by the Master Gardeners for their suitability to the Pacific Northwest coast. Purchases will be available for pickup from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Fernhi (continued)
Three watercolor artists – Gheri Fouts, Linda Gebhart, and Linda Wyss -- are featured through May at Trails End Gallery, 656 A St., Gearhart. A reception for the artists is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the gallery. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 30. Fouts was raised in Chicago. After teaching science and math, she found the opportunity to pursue her passion for art. She has shown her paintings at Trail’s End, Astoria Visual Art (continued)
Clatsop County Historical Society’s Heritage Museum is the first stop on a traveling exhibit, “Away from Home: Native American Boarding School Stories.” The exhibit can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through May 25 at the museum, 1618 Exchange St., Astoria. Admission is $5. Astoria is the only location on the West Coast for the traveling exhibit, which was made possible by NEH on the Road, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Beginning in the 1870s, the U.S. (continued)
An art show focusing on Clatsop Community College’s art faculty opened Thursday, April 8, and runs through May 13 in the Royal Nebeker Gallery, 1799 Lexington Ave., Astoria. Faculty members whose works are featured are Lucien Swerdloff, Richard Rowland, David Homer, Miki’ala Souza, Ben Rosenberg, and Kristin Shauck. Two invited practicing artists also featured are Deanna Antony, the current Astoria Visual Arts artist in residence, and Modou Dieng, a multidisciplinary artist based i (continued)
Police and Public Safety
** Thefts and burglaries ** Stolen catalytic converter, 1:50 p.m. April 27, Fred Meyer parking lot. The owner of a 2007 Toyota Prius reported the theft occurred between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Value: $2,000. Multiple vehicle break-ins, 7:57 a.m. April 28, auto repair shop, 1000 block Alternate Highway 101. Taken was a wallet, laser level, backpack of tools, gas can and air hose valued at $1,400. Stolen trailer, 1:40 p.m. April 30, Southeast 12th Place. An Astoria man reported his trailer was taken (continued)
** Warrants ** Warrant service, 3:53 p.m. April 21, Fred Meyer bus stop. Joshua Henry Marshall, 36, no known address, was arrested on four warrants. He was booked at Clatsop County Jail. People sleeping in running vehicle, 2:12 p.m. April 24. Jorge Perez Munoz, 23, of Estacada was arrested on a felony warrant from Clackamas County. Warrant service, 10:27 p.m. April 25, Fred Meyer. Heidi E. Hughes, 46, of Winlock, Wash., was arrested on a warrant out of Curry County. Warrant service, 6:20 p.m. (continued)
Education
Five local students have been named to the dean’s list for winter term at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
Qualifying students must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing a minimum of 12 hours of coursework.
Astoria students named to the list are Amanda Adams, Richard Bennett, Krista Heinzman and Trenton Shaw.
Warrenton resident Clark Miner also was named to the list. (continued)
