Salem-News.com Oregon Coast articles Page 22

Why the Navy Wants to Conduct Operations Off Oregon

Drawing a line between the fate of the El Toro Marine air base and the proposal to conduct Naval operations on Oregon's coastline.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I think Sherlock Holmes would be a good consultant on this one; but in his absence I'll take a stab at delivering my theory on why the Navy suddenly wants to bring a military presence to the Oregon coast.

Our regular readers know Salem-News.com has been covering the toxic contamination of the old El Toro Marine base in Southern California since just before last summer.

Police Seek Person Who Dropped Box of Deer Heads in Newport Parking Lot

Public's help sought in OSP Fish & Wildlife investigation of deer heads Left in Newport parking lot.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person responsible for dumping a cardboard box Wednesday morning containing deer heads in a Newport-area parking lot.

Sergeant Todd Thompson with the OSP Fish & Wildlife Division in Newport, says it was discovered Wednesday at approximately 11:45 a.m.

Oregon Leaders Welcome Navy Decision to Hold Public Meeting on Its Plans for Coast

“Given the potential ramifications for our fisheries and marine wildlife, the public must be heard on any issue that could impact the Oregon coast” - U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley, along with Oregon Congressmen Kurt Schrader, David Wu, Peter DeFazio, and Earl Blumenauer, welcomed the Navy’s decision today to hold a public meeting on February 26, 2009, in Tillamook, Oregon so that the public can respond to its environmental impact statement regarding future Navy operations along the Northwest coast.

The meeting will take place at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds Auditorium at 4603 E. 3rd Street in Tillamook. The Navy’s decision comes after the Oregon members requested an extension of the public comment period and a public meeting earlier this month.

Police Plan DUII Saturation Patrols

The annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is being held in Newport during the weekend, and Highway 20 has historically had a lot of traffic.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - On Friday, February 20, 2009, and Saturday, February 21, 2009, the Benton County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Oregon State Police, will participate in a DUII saturation patrol.

The focus will be on Highway 20, between Corvallis and the Lincoln County line.

Critical Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 20 near Toledo (PHOTO SERIES)

Highway 20 was closed for about three hours with a detour established before being opened to one lane. All lanes were opened about 2:45 p.m.

(TOLEDO, Ore.) - A Lincoln City-area woman was critically injured and three others received minor injuries Tuesday morning when her vehicle collided with a commercial truck on Highway 20 near Toledo.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Justin McGladrey, Tuesday at approximately 5:32 a.m. a 2005 Jeep Cherokee driven by 62-year old Michael F. Meyer of Lincoln City, was eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 9 when it lost control on the icy highway.

Semi Truck Crash Spares Driver`s Life But Closes Coastal Highway (PHOTO SERIES)

Investigators do not believe the driver was using safety restraints at the time of the crash. OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

(OTIS, Ore.) - Police say a Klamath Falls-area man received non-life threatening injuries Thursday morning when he lost control of his commercial vehicle and crashed on Highway 18 east of Lincoln City.

Highway 18 was closed at the crash location and re-opened by mid-afternoon. It's nothing new on this winding Oregon coast highway; and they often lock traffic and routes around Lincoln City down tight.

"Speed is a possible contributing factor," an Oregon State Police investigator said.

Crash Closes Oregon Highway 18 at Otis

ODOT crews say they have established a detour on local streets, but motorists should expect delays or use alternate routes.

(OTIS, Ore.) - Highway officials say a semi-truck crash on Oregon 18, the Salmon River Highway, has closed the highway just east of Lincoln City.

The Oregon Department of Transportation reports that Highway 18 will remain closed while emergency service personnel respond and as needed to clear the scene.

"A minimal fuel leak appears to be contained at this point," officials report.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium Brings the Shore to Your Door

Look for the Aquarium education van in Marion County schools February 10th-12th.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - Oregon Coast Aquarium educators will travel to Marion County in their colorful education van, bringing marine science to schools from February 10th-12th.

Navy Plans to Take Over Oregon Coast Airspace for Military Operations

The Navy needs to rethink and abandon large parts of this entire proposal. The potential effects of new and increased military activity off the coast of Oregon could result in a general degradation of the environment, be fatal to wildlife and detrimental to the human quality of life.

(DEPOE BAY, Ore.) - I went to the US Navy’s hearing last Friday night in Newport. What an "eye opener"!!!

I was told by one of the Navy’s representatives that the Navy wants to take over the two training areas currently used by the Oregon Air National Guard. This includes the entire coastal air space and coastal waters of Oregon.

Sailboat Runs Aground on Oregon Coast (PHOTOS)

There is approximately 50 gallons of fuel still onboard the sailing vessel.

(SEATTLE) - The Coast Guard will issue an Administrative Order to the owner of the 40-foot sailing vessel Gwalchavad that ran aground on Sand Island, Oregon, January 13th. The order directs the owner to remove the vessel.

The Gwalchavad was discovered aground Thursday by personnel from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Washington.

The Coast Guard says the owner of the vessel declined Coast Guard assistance and stated he would find an alternate way to remove the vessel.