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Hazardous Pacific Northwest bar conditions highlighted by Coast Guard

News Release
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Hazardous Pacific Northwest bar conditions highlighted by Coast Guard

The Coast Guard advises all mariners of the dangers related to crossing hazardous bars in the Pacific Northwest.

Recent incidents have highlighted the challenges of attempting to cross waterway bars in heavy weather and at night. The marine casualty of a commercial fishing vessel on the Coos Bay bar resulted in the loss of a vessel, but miraculously all three crew members were saved. Unfortunately, in a similar incident on the Yaquina Bay bar, both the crew and the vessel were tragically lost.

The Coast Guard previously established regulated navigation areas for specific locations on the Oregon and Washington coasts and created guidance for these locations. When conditions become hazardous, the Captain of the Port (COTP) for the Coast Guard, having jurisdiction over a particular area, will either restrict or close the bar. See Title 33 CFR Part 165.1325 for additional information.

Bar closure – As determined by the COTP, when the environmental conditions exceed the operational limitations of the relevant Coast Guard search and rescue resources, the bar will be closed and no vessels can cross the bar unless specifically exempted by the COTP.

Restricted bar – The COTP will restrict a bar for vessels of a specified length as follows:

  • Recreational vessels. Vessels of the prescribed length or less cannot cross the bar.
  • Uninspected passenger vessels. Vessels of the prescribed length or less cannot cross the bar.

Night-time bar operations – The Coast Guard typically reports bar conditions from first light to last light, meaning bar reports become outdated as conditions change during the night. Vessel operators should exercise extreme caution when transiting a restricted bar between sunset to sunrise. If there is any doubt as to conditions on the bar, vessel masters should consider staying outside in deep water until updated conditions can be determined. When the bar is restricted to vessels of a specified length,  masters of commercial fishing vessels up to and including that length, shall contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A prior to crossing the bar and report the vessel’s name, location or position, the number of persons aboard and destination.

Rough bar escorts – At times, the Coast Guard may determine that the safest option is to escort vessels across a hazardous bar. While the variability of each bar and given conditions require flexibility in how the Coast Guard will undertake an escort, typically two Coast Guard Motor Life Boats will be on scene. Guidance from the on-scene Coast Guard units is always advisory in nature, and at no time are vessel masters relieved of their responsibility for the safe operation and navigation of their vessel.

Bar reporting and guidance – The Coast Guard has released guidance on the following regulated navigation areas. You can access these guidance documents at http://www.fishsafewest.info/Regs.asp then open the “Bar Crossing Guidance” folder.

Outreach – Vessel masters unfamiliar with local bar conditions, bar reporting methods or Coast Guard escort techniques are strongly encouraged to contact their local Coast Guard station. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge of local stations can provide an overview of their bar reporting areas and discuss in detail how their unit will conduct rough bar escorts.

You can view the daily bar status at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/marine/Bar/Obs.php.

BAR CAMS

For more information on this marine safety information bulletin, contact Mr. Dan Hardin at 206-220-7226.

Lincoln County Commissioner Hall files for reelection

News Release
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Lincoln County Commissioner Hall files for reelection

Claire Hall County Commissioner

Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall — the senior member of the board of commissioners — has filed to run for re-election for the fourth time.

“When I first ran for this job, I said it was the county’s responsibility to make our communities safer, healthier and more prosperous, and I continue to make those goals my priority,” she said. “I’m running on a record of solid achievements, as well as a vision to carry the county into the future.”

Hall cited her leadership on housing and homeless issues on the local and state levels, which helped fund construction of a 110-unit apartment complex opening later this summer in Newport, a 21-unit complex in Yachats, and nearly tripled funding for emergency housing assistance statewide.

Commissioner Hall is a member of the Oregon Housing Stability Council, the main state body setting housing policy and advising the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department.

During her more than 15 years in office, Hall has represented the county on a number of regional, state and national boards and committees. “I was proud to be president of the Oregon Association of Counties in 2017. AOC is an organization that represents elected officials across the political spectrum, and I appreciated their vote of confidence in my fairness and even-handedness.”

Hall says she will continue to improve services for people with mental illness and substance abuse issues who are involved in the criminal justice system. “We know the present approach doesn’t work—it’s clogging the justice system with people who would do better in treatment and not helping them toward recovery.”

A three-year, $745,000 federal grant to help launch expanded services was the first major accomplishment in this effort, Hall said. “But even more important is the new culture of cooperation we’ve created between justice, health, hospital, private treatment providers and community agencies. This will be the foundation for new collaborations for years to come.”

Hall added: “I’m proud of my ability to bring people together to find solutions to some of our most significant problems. It’s difficult work, and things don’t happen overnight, but seeing us build a stronger community together is very satisfying.”

Hall is a native Oregonian and has lived in Lincoln County since 1987. She worked in print and broadcast journalism before being elected to county office.

NWS: ‘High wind watch’ issued for Oregon Coast

Justin Werner
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NWS: ‘High wind watch’ issued for Oregon Coast

high wind watch lincoln cityNational Weather Service Portland (NWS) issued a “high wind watch” Tuesday, calling for southeast winds 30-35 mph for the central and northern Oregon coast with gusts up to 60 mph starting noon Wednesday until 6 p.m.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and knock down tree limbs, causing scattered power outages.

NWS said strong winds during the early to mid-afternoon hours was possible, but it appears the strongest winds will happen in the evening.

Lincoln City’s local NWS forecast has a high for Wednesday at 44 degrees with a chance for snow/rain before 10 a.m. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. The snow level will sit at 2200 feet with a 100 percent chance of precipitation Wednesday night.

Canadian Sailor Stirling pleads guilty to possessing 196 gallons of liquid meth

Justin Werner
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Canadian Sailor Stirling pleads guilty to possessing 196 gallons of liquid meth

CG Alert

Canadian national John Philip Sterling, 65, pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after Coast Guard personnel found 196 gallons of liquid meth aboard his vessel off the coast of Newport.

Under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, Stirling faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Under the plea agreement, the U.S. government will recommend Stirling serve 87 months in prison at an Apr. 20 sentencing hearing.

Sterling’s vessel, Mandalay, was boarded by U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert, 225 nautical miles off the coast of Newport on Apr. 9, 2019, where 28 seven-gallon jugs of liquid methamphetamine were discovered.

Coast Guard personnel had attempted to contact the Mandalay while on routine patrol and Stirling went below deck and would only respond via radio. Coast Guard officials determined the Mandalay was in U.S. jurisdiction and boarded the boat, finding Stirling alone and suffering from a drug overdose. Medical aid was provided to Stirling and he was evacuated by helicopter to Astoria. He was later transported to Adventist Health in Portland for further treatment.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and Homeland Security Investigations.

As part of the plea agreement, Stirling has agreed to forfeit the Mandalay.

Previous coverage:

Canadian citizen caught at sea with alleged intent to distribute meth

NWS: Sneaker waves possible Sunday

Justin Werner
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NWS: Sneaker waves possible Sunday

National Weather Service issued a “beach hazards statement” Sunday for the north and central Oregon coast calling for sneaker waves lasting until 4 p.m.

Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off their feet and pull them into the ocean which may lead to drowning or serious injury.

NWS warns against going near the surf zone and reminds people to keep pets and kids out of harm’s way.

If you see someone swept into the sea do not follow them in. Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.

VIDEO: Pacific Ocean shows why it’s ‘King’

Justin Werner
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VIDEO: Pacific Ocean shows why it’s ‘King’

The Pacific Ocean snuck its way from Nelscott Beach onto SW 35th Street Saturday, as a crowd of storm watchers witnessed concrete benches and logs displaced by the raw fury of the sea during King Tide.

Joe the Sea Lion seemed unimpressed that his benches were moved or that he was hit in the head by a log. Joe did not appear to be harmed by the incident.

A storm watcher who felt the full force of the Pacific sent us this video:

The power of the ocean was also felt at Lincoln City’s D River Wayside, where wave after wave ran up the “world’s shortest river,” rushing underneath Kyllos Restaurant and making its way under Highway 101.

The Pacific Ocean surging under Highway 101 on the D River

Many turned out to D River State Recreation Area to view high surf from behind yellow tape put up by park officials.

Most heeded the warnings but a few younger people went into the surf behind the Sea Gypsy. The group of five were hit by a big surge, sending some tumbling in the surf. That didn’t deter one of the individuals, who proceeded to do a handstand as another wave washed in.

Logs and debris were scattered all over beaches and access points, including the one caught on this video. It’s a somber reminder of just how fast logs can move and that people have been injured by them in the past.

Some storm watchers commented that it “looks like Christmas” because of all the sea foam, and “Here’s our snow,” could be heard as well.

National Weather Service Portland predicted the large breakers and said beach erosion and damage to buildings was possible. A “high surf warning” remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.

Sadly, it has been reported the Coast Guard is searching for a child swept out to sea near Falcon Cove Saturday.

Stay tuned to National Weather Service for alerts, never turn your back on the ocean and stay safe.

Surf’s up: NWS issues high surf warning, 40 foot breakers

Justin Werner
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Surf’s up: NWS issues high surf warning, 40 foot breakers

UPDATE: National Weather Service Portland issued a “coastal flood warning” early Saturday morning calling for major flooding through 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon and increased the expected wave height to 40 feet.

Low-lying areas near bays, sloughs and the lower reaches of coastal rivers could see major flooding up to one foot above ground level during high tides.

Large debris and logs will likely be moved far onshore. Structures near the surf zone will likely be inundated by waves.

Previous coverage:

National Weather Service Portland (NWS) issued a “high surf warning” Friday for central and north Oregon coasts, predicting waves up to 35 feet, from 1 a.m. -4 p.m. Saturday.

Large waves and dangerous surf conditions are expected to hit the coast Saturday, causing higher than normal run-up on beaches and low-lying shoreline.

According to the NWS warning, severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Homepage reported on the Sea Gypsy and Kyllo’s damage in January, 2018, where six sliding glass doors were destroyed and an evacuation of the first floor was necessary. Adjacent restaurant Kyllo’s had a gas line rupture from the same waves.

NWS said very high tides late Saturday morning to early afternoon will result in even higher wave run-up.

Sneaker waves are expected to accompany the high surf and beachgoers are advised to stay off beaches, rocks, logs and jetties as they can be caught unsuspecting and swept into the frigid ocean.

People should follow all instructions from local authorities, including, police, fire, Coast Guard and department of transportation.

Cold weather is still expected for the beginning of next week.

County grant will support locals seeking contractor licenses

News Release
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County grant will support locals seeking contractor licenses

ccb license

Thanks to a grant from the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County and the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, the Oregon Coast Community College Small Business Development Center will soon be improving its services to Lincoln County residents seeking their CCB licenses.

Many builders, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople find themselves needing a license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Frequently, these folks have to register for online courses and do weeks of independent study, only to then be forced to drive to a city in the Valley to take the CCB test.

Thanks to an innovative program created by the Clackamas Community College SBDC and delivered via live video to the OCCC SBDC, Coast residents can participate live in a two-day session that includes all the studying and prep, along with the actual testing itself, all collapsed into one two-day period.  The next such class is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6, at OCCC in Lincoln City.

“It would be great if we could offer this class on different days and at different times,” said SBDC Director Dave Price. “This grant, for more than $6,000, will make it possible for us to create an in-house program using expert presenters and top-notch content, so that the program can be offered more frequently at the North and Central OCCC campus locations. We thank the county commissioners and the EDALC board for this support, and salute them for their support of Lincoln County’s future contractors and builders.

Price said the SBDC plans to record and produce the CCB test this spring or fall. The precise dates will depend not only on the Oregon Coast SBDC’s schedule but also that of its partners at Clackamas Community College.

“We know Lincoln County wants more supports for the trades,” Price said, adding that the improved CCB license program and OCCC’s new welding program are just two pieces of that larger effort, which has been identified as a priority for the College by President Birgitte Ryslinge.

Watch the SBDC’s website, oregoncoastcc.org/sbdc, for more details, and to learn more about the March 2020 CCB license test, which still had space available as of the time of this release. Call 541-994-4166 for additional information.

The Small Business Development Center at OCCC provides no-cost business advising to any business in Lincoln County, as well as to anyone even considering one day launching their own business. The SBDC also offers free and low-cost workshops and classes – find the complete class schedule, along with easy online registration, at oregoncoastcc.org/sbdc.

Tiger colored water at Taft High 7-12

Justin Werner
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Tiger colored water at Taft High 7-12

UPDATE: Water has been restored to normal.

A release from the City of Lincoln City said crews performed maintenance on the high school’s water meter, causing sediment to be stirred up in a bypass line used to divert the water so repairs could be made. The meter has been repaired and water has been routed back to the main line.

According to the City of Lincoln City, the repair did not affect Taft Elementary.

Previous coverage:

Reports on Facebook and tips sent to Homepage Friday concern orange colored water coming out of school faucets at Taft High 7-12 with students being warned not to drink or wash their hands with the water.

A release from the Lincoln County School District (LCSD) posted on Taft’s website mentioned an issue with water pipes.

Students are free to use the restroom as normal and LCSD worked with the City of Lincoln City to rectify the issue.

Hand sanitizer and bottled water were provided to students until the water returned to normal.

NWS issues flood advisory; Sheriff issues tips for storm damage

Justin Werner
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NWS issues flood advisory; Sheriff issues tips for storm damage

National Weather Service Portland issued a “coastal flood advisory” Thursday for the northern and central Oregon coast calling for minor tidal overflow 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday.

Flooding up to one foot above ground level during high tides is expected in low lying areas such as, bays, sloughs and lower reaches of coastal rivers.

Residents in the warned areas should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office offers these tips on how to prepare your home to minimize risk of severe weather damage:

1. Remove Dead Wood.  Trimming your trees regularly will help fewer branches fall in heavy wind or other severe weather. For particularly tall trees, experts can do the trimming for you and can also tell you when trees are at risk of being blown over in a storm so they can be removed.

2. Secure Outdoor Items.  Loose items like grills, picnic tables, and lawn furniture should be brought inside to avoid becoming projectiles in storms with high winds. Decorations, even when they are securely attached to the home, could also cause damage or be destroyed in the storm.

3. Deal with Drainage Problems.  Having the gutters cleaned once leaves have fallen should be a given, but there can be other drainage problems around your home, including areas where water can drain onto the foundation and cause damage. Landscaping professionals can help you identify the problems and find solutions so that you don’t have issues when the storms come.

4. Inspect the Roof Periodically.  A brand-new roof should withstand most severe weather, but if your roof is 5-10 years old or older, it should be checked for loose shingles, nails and sheathing. Not only can shingles blow off in a storm, but loose nails and sheathing can cause chunks of roofing to be dislodged or create openings for rain and ice to penetrate.

If an inspection does turn up any possible leaks, getting them fixed right away will protect your home from damage in severe weather. Roofs that are over 15 years old risk sudden deterioration or failure in storm situations even if no problems are apparent.

5. Consider Impact-Rated Windows. You may be able to protect your windows from damage by installing hurricane shutters, or just boarding up the windows if a severe storm is imminent. The fact is, though, that any new windows are likely to be more airtight and impervious to leaks and damage than older windows.  In areas where severe weather is frequent, such as our coastal areas, it’s worth considering windows that are specially made to withstand storm-level air pressure and impact.

For more information and tips, visit www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Facebook.

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