http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel en-us N/A engageinlife@gmail.com Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:38:39 EDT 20 http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2164/1/River-Walk-Plans/Page1.html Committee says...  “Lets move forward.”

The railroad trestle is part of the walk that could be made usable with a little bit of volunteer labor.

A truckload of gravel has been donated to make access to the trestle safe but more is needed.

If you have spent time in Coquille you are aware of the River Walk project.  With spring comes a renewed effort to “make it happen.”  The committee had materials donated that would let them gravel the path along the river.  Volunteers are needed.  If you can spare a day or two, please leave your contact information at City Hall or The Sentinel office.  Honor bricks are still available.]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2164/1/River-Walk-Plans/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2161/1/January-20th-2010-Letters/Page1.html Dear reader,
We do not usually print a letter this long. In this case, it is evident the feelings expressed were from frustrations built up over a long period of time, and are deserving of our attention.  Outdoorsmen are, for the most part, men of few words so we appreciate this effort.
- Editor

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Letter to the Editor:

The reason I am writing this is because of the article in the paper about the study on our bait cure and the harm it does to fingerlings.  Another study so we get our tags and all pertinent hunting and fishing licenses hiked up again.  ODFW may be democratic in one way the governor is voted in and that's the last vote any tax payer gets to make on all the decisions on how our money is being spent.  The word has been tossed around lately, I think it is Socialism.  Our Federal government has had this said of the way they are doing business.  Also the number of clipped fish (only ones we can keep in Coquille) was reported at 3 hatchery fish to every native.  I believe I know where that information came from.  I have caught 9 Steelhead since late Dec. 09 up until now and 2 have been clipped.  Lots of hours and gas money and tag fees for two fish to eat.  Last year the first 25 Steelhead caught in my boat by myself and friends, only 4 were clipped.

We lost 9 miles of river to fish during Chinook season because of a lack of fish, and I was told by an ODFW employee that there were people snagging close to the forks, still In tidewater.  First, there was not a lack of fish in the coastal streams, they are still catching Chinook in the Sixes and Elk, and a few in the Coquille.  Simply amazing. I was also told by this employee that the main board of the ODFW said if our local office didn't close it down, they would.  I am not the only one having problems catching a clipped fish to eat.  Someone should ask the guides and fishermen about the ratio of 3 to 1.

I had a visit with a young man who is a kreel checker for ODFW late last summer at a fish ramp.  He said politely "I need to ask you a few questions on how your fishing went today on the river."  I, in return, said not quite so nicely, “I’m not telling you anything”, again he asked the question and said that I looked like a nice guy and that I help him, again, the same answer came from my mouth, with
the comment that if you guys would open the river back up above Coquille I would talk to him.  That brought the response; “Oh another one of those guys.”  Then he said that if a game warden were here he would give me a ticket (a ticket for not talking to someone about what you did on your own time in a free society) and I said, well if he were here I would tell him because he has a badge, next response was well you know we can give tickets too.  I stated, like the forest service I suppose?  It seems to me there are more Oregon revenuer's than people to ticket.

We talked briefly about the Coho's and being able to catch them. I know of a lot of people who fished the ocean and had to catch a lot of fish to find a clipped fish.  There are quite a few that die after the catch and release.  I was told by this young man that the kreel death was 13 or 14%.  To those of you who fished this fishery, maybe tell them the real number.  I had one last question for him, I asked him how many people who take courses to become a fish biologist and work for ODFW take snorkel and fin and mask classes?  He stated, Well none why?  Well, I state, hen Steelhead and buck steel head with adipose clipped fins swim up the rivers, lay and fertilize thousands of eggs each year.  I was wondering who clipped those fry when they come from the egg?  My answer from him was nobody does that.  I said, right, and if they make 2 or three return trips they can produce; lets be practical 100 new native steel head.  Thats after the trout, birds and strippers have had a go of them.  So you see the number of native fish, be it silvers, Steelhead or Chinook, continues to grow, not only by the native fish spawning but by the hatchery fish spawning native fish.  We are only given a certain amount of
fish each year to target (fin clipped).  So stop with the native/non native and let us catch a couple of fish to eat.

I just got a call from a fishing buddy, he and his fishing partner fished 7 hours today, had 12 hits and had 7 steelhead stay on the line and they had to return every one, all hatchery born native fish.  They had an adipose fin on them, 3 out of 4 clipped HA.  I see in the Director's message that they want to be sure to let the Portland people know of 50 places to fish within 60 miles of their homes.  Everything is based on three areas of the state Eugene, Salem and Portland.  Most of these people want to save everything and care less about the rest of the state.  I don't need to say which way the vote swings in these regions.

What is this study about cured salmon eggs? Spend our tag and license fees on something real.  I would like to know the total cost of this study, and if the 55 or so fingerlings were deducted from our yearly allowance.  I can't believe you would think that the fingerlings would gather around only cured fish eggs for a diet.  I believe when they are in that stage of life not too many people are using cured
eggs to fish because the season is closed.  I don't believe any baby fish or animal would take too kindly to 30 days of cured eggs and also have the chemical injected into their stomach's.  30% is really not bad considering the torture they went through; I believe they even injected the chemical into their stomachs.  Take the same 55 fish and put them in a hole you know has a good trout number and I know you will get a bigger mortality rate, so kill all the trout, birds etc.  In the wild there is no way this study can come anywhere near the findings.  I cure my own eggs as I have done for years and will continue to do so.  The only real harm will be to the company who makes the cure.  Maybe the one fish that died the first day couldn't pass the salmon egg.  You should be sorry for his demise.

One last thing... How does ODFW know when a fish has been spawned from a hatchery fish or native fish?  Is there a genetics test, they look the same except for the missing fin.  How does it hold up in court, I mean to prove it was not a hatchery born native fish?  Play on words boys but I am a Disabled Vietnam Vet, 101st Airborne, and an avid hunter and fisherman and retired logger, I can't keep quiet any longer.  I could take up a lot of space on how many creeks and draws I and my logging crews cleaned down to fir needles to have all the tax payers money used to put all the woody debris back in them, complete logs slabbed and bolted together with stainless bolts and bars and put in creeks.  Just sit down and think about it from our side, not the money making side and stop trying to protect California fish.  Oh and the famous fish radio transmitter in Steelhead's heads.  Netted, tagged, and followed up the river and back down with a couple of people in a nice government bought pickup with radios.  At the start of this study they were going to catch the fish with a pole but soon came out the net.  I lost Jim's cell phone over the side of the boat a couple of years ago and I was going to call fish and game and tell them if they wanted their fish to call in, there was a phone just above Argo boat ramp they could use and save gas and time.  The people who asked about the cured eggs were probably those who don't eat fish and use only fly's or artifical lures, with $300 poles and all the Cabelis gear money can buy.

Roderick Forty
Rink Creek lane

PS. Give us back our hatch boxes, they were not a dismal failure as one ODFW person stated at a Rotory meeting a few years ago.  I would like to get some more fish coming back into Rink Creek, so that the large family at the end of the road would have more fish to chase up and down the creek and take the spawned ones home for show and tell and the compost pile.  This is Oregon, we know about edible dandy lions and spawning salmon.  Study the salmon life cycle.  Walker Creek is bed rock and will not take to a spawning ground, hence, don't ask for taxpayers money to enhance with gravel that will wash away with high water.  I would clip my new fish also all 100% if I had a hatch box.  Maybe the commercial guys could make a few dollars in the summer.  Elk River hatchery only works at 30% and lots of hatcheries have been shut down.  With the higher prices on all our tags and licenses we should be able to open a few back up.  Oops, not our place to comment, we know nothing even if we have been doing these outdoor sports all of our lives.

Thank you.  We can't let them run over us like all government.  Would you ever in your wildest dreams think it would be mandatory to remove the female organs of a bear and send them in, also the head, teeth of your deer, ect. ect.

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To the Editor,

Recently I received a high gloss 'special election guide' in the mail which is very persuasive to vote yes for measures 66 & 67.  But examine the claims, starting with the huge headline 'vote yes to protect our schools, senior and children's services'.  Don't you get tired of being threatened that if we don't pay more taxes our services will get cut, and oh, the poor children.  Schools will crumble and seniors will be eating moldy bread.  I'm surprised it wasn't claimed that our police force would be slashed and wildfires might burn freely.

The truth is that state taxes are not specifically tied to any organization or service.  Legislators are able to budget our taxes however they see fit.  If there is a 'cut' to schools etc., it will actually just be less of an alloted increase.  And our state government shouldn't deceive the public about the need to raise taxes by concealing money already available to us in the reserve fund.

Secondly, it's claimed that less than 2.5% of business will be affected, and will just see a slight tax increase. Those would be the big, bad, large corporations - the ones that provide us jobs and services. Are they really making a huge profit in this economy?  Shouldn't they make a profit so they can maintain their business and perhaps even expand and provide more real jobs?  The largest percentage that will be taxed are small businesses.  All will be taxed on their gross income, not net income.  And to top it off, these measures are retroactive to January 1, 2009.  Who in the world would save up for a year's worth of taxes they had no warning would be coming?  The statement about a $10 corporate minimum tax increase is very misleading.  Research it.  If measure 67 passes our corporate minimum tax will be 5 times higher than our neighboring state of Washington.  No company that's not making a profit should be taxed, anyway.  Let's keep pushing businesses out of Oregon.

Next it is written that 'If your household makes less than $250,000 you won't pay a penny more'.  Should we penalize the people that are already paying most of our taxes because our wasteful government won't tighten it's belt like the rest of us but instead increases it's spending year after year?  And don't think you 'won't pay a penny more'.  The cost will trickle down, and you'll be paying more for your groceries, more for your gas, more more, more.  Limited government.  Free enterprise.  Individual freedom.  Traditional American values.  A strong defense.

Marsha Long
Coquille

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Hi --
I was as surprised to see that Jean Ivey's Sentinel printed my letter as I was surprised to see the M.P. Herald did not.

I would have expected the Herald to be ahead of the Sentinel.

Ronnie Herne
Fairview

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Editor’s note:
Well, now we are all surprised.  I am surprised that Ronnie would insult me, The Sentinel or The Herald for providing her with free space in which to voice an opinion to the public.
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2161/1/January-20th-2010-Letters/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2160/1/BLM-harvests-trees-at-Laverne-Park/Page1.html
Late in the year 2009, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) met with County Commissioners at Laverne Park to discuss limbing and removal of trees that have become dangerous to park users.

Residents of Fairview watching the removal are concerned that many of the trees being removed or marked to be removed are no danger to the public, and the removal, which is not staggered, will leave the park looking deforested and bare for campers.  Seedlings are on site for replanting but it will be many years before they will provide the shade visitors to Laverne have come to expect.
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2160/1/BLM-harvests-trees-at-Laverne-Park/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2159/1/Congratulations-Matt-Goodwin/Page1.html
Matt Goodwin from Coquille celebrated twenty years of part time employment at the Coos County Road Department on January 4th, 2010.  Matt helps out in the shop with equipment maintenance.  He is very dedicated to his job, and his work is very much appreciated by the staff.
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2159/1/Congratulations-Matt-Goodwin/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2158/1/Kiwanis-help-enlarge-dance-floor-at-Downtown-Studio/Page1.html
Jacki Pinkston, president of the Coquille Kiwanis Club and Corky Daniels, Kiwanis Club treasurer, present a $400.00 check to the Coquille Art and Education Enhancement Center (CAEEC) to help cover the cost of flooring suitable for the dance classes being held at the center.
The center holds dance classes in hip-hop, tap, belly dancing, and a very popular recent addition, ballroom dancing.  For more information on these classes and the other classes held at the center, call 541-824-0320 or go to thecoquilledowntownstudio.com.
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2158/1/Kiwanis-help-enlarge-dance-floor-at-Downtown-Studio/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2157/1/Funding-Committee-for-Library-makes-plans/Page1.html
First meeting of the newly formed Funding Committee for the Friends of the Coquille Library Foundation. (L to R) - Robin Goche, Tony Spenader, Anne Conner, President, Larry Close, Shawn Jennings and Karen Murphey.
If you have ideas or would like to volunteer please stop by the Library and introduce yourself.

]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2157/1/Funding-Committee-for-Library-makes-plans/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2156/1/Awards-presented-at-5th-Annual-Chocolate-Fantasy/Page1.html   
  Rotary President Bob Main presented a special award of “Thanks” to Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels for a year of innovative service to the community.

 
 High School Principal, Sharon Nelson, was surprised with the Chamber of Commerce “Positivity” award, presented by past President Bill Marino.


Area businesses joined with Hawks View Cellars and Arrow’s Delight Chocolates to bring Coquille “Visions in Chocolate,” the 5th Annual Chocolate Fantasy, in which local service groups give citizenship awards.

Rotary President Bob Main presented the Rotarian of the Year award to RICH FISH and a Special Award of Thanks to CHIEF DANNELS.

Tom Aiken presented The Lion of the Year award to ALDO MARCA.

Fire Chief Dave Waddington called ANDY PIBURN to the podium as the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Past Chamber President, Bill Marino, surprised LORETTA SPENADER, who is so deserving of the award for Citizen of the Year.   COQUILLE PRODUCE MARKET & DELI was named Business of the Year for all of their efforts during community events.  The Chamber Volunteer of the Year award went to KEN HEISTAND from Pacific Power and the Positivity award to SHARON NELSON.

Judge Martin Stone introduced Arlene Soto, Director of Southwestern Business Development Center, who talked about how her agency is geared to help small business prosper.

The Chamber gave a vote of thanks to Fran Capehart, Event Coordinator, for an enjoyable evening of wine and chocolate tasting.
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2156/1/Awards-presented-at-5th-Annual-Chocolate-Fantasy/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2155/1/The-Coquille-Valley-Elks-Lodge-Collects-Food-for-Holiday-Food-Baskets/Page1.html
These pictures show Elk members loading food into the pickups at the Lincoln Elementary School, which had over 1200 pounds for us. This is a program that we do every year at this time, and we certainly appreciate the involvement we get from the schools.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2155/1/The-Coquille-Valley-Elks-Lodge-Collects-Food-for-Holiday-Food-Baskets/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2151/1/Gary-Dean-Wellbaum-June-1-1953--December-16-2009/Page1.html

A Celebration of Life for Gary Dean Wellbaum, 56, of Arago, will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Arago Community Church. Pastor Tom Morris will officiate. Gary was born on June 1, 1953 in Oregon City. He died December 16, 2009 in Arago. He attended Southern Oregon University and received his Master’s Degree in Education. Gary was in the U.S. Air Force for three years, being stationed in Taiwan and at Edwards A.F.B. He married Penny Mitchell on May 2, 1981. A few years later, he began his teaching career in Special Education.

He taught in Gresham, Central Point, Gold Hill, Bandon, and Myrtle Point and was currently teaching at the Harding Learning Center in Coos Bay. Gary was a very passionate teacher. He and his students worked very closely with the O. D. F. & W and the Noble Creek Fish Hatchery in impacting the Oregon Fisheries. He was also very active in Northwest Youth Corps in sponsoring youth to attend summer work programs.

 He was just recently named Educator of the Year from S.O.L.V. In his spare time, he loved to go fishing, camping and playing golf with his family and friends. Gary is survived by his wife Penny of Arago; son Keith of Salem and his children Kaiana and MaKenna; son Kevin and his wife Amber of Talent and their children Nash and Kemper; parents Irv and Dorothy Brunner of Talent; brothers, Robbie Wellbaum and his wife Shannon of Colorado, Kevin Wellbaum and wife Maki of Seattle, and Jim Brunner and his wife Jen of Bend; sister Tracy Burns and her husband Vern of Eagle Point; best friend, Doug Litwiller of Medford; he also has many surrogate sons and daughters, and numerous other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by two sons, Sean and Jeremy, and his grandparents.

 The family suggests memorial contributions to Northwest Youth Corps, 2621 Augusta, Eugene, OR 97403 or to Noble Creek Fish Hatchery, 93638 Green Acres Lane, Coos Bay, OR 97420. Arrangements are under the direction of Amling/Schroeder Funeral Service – Coquille Chapel, 396-3846.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2151/1/Gary-Dean-Wellbaum-June-1-1953--December-16-2009/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2150/1/Roy-Dale-Dimmitt-December-30-1940---December-12-2009/Page1.html
A memorial service will be held for Roy Dale Dimmitt, 68, of Coquille at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday the 23rd of December at the Bible Baptist Church in Coquille. Roy was born in Sargent, Nebraska on December 30, 1940 to Hazel and Hobart Dimmitt and died at his home in Coquille on December 12, 2009.

Roy graduated from Sargent High School in 1960 and married his wife Betty on December 24, 1969. He has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He worked 16 years for Earl M. Jorgenson Steel in Seattle, WA and moved to Coquille in 2001. Roy loved watching football and wrestling, and growing his own tomatoes and going to Senior Meals.

Roy was very strong in his faith and will be remembered by many in his neighborhood as the “oxygen waving man on 10th Street.” Roy is survived by his wife, Betty Dimmitt of Coquille; a son, Derick Stone of Carson City, Nevada; daughters, Stacy Patrick and family of Elmira, OR, Shannon (Dimmitt) Harlow of Eagle River, Alaska and Stephanie (Dimmitt) Bohn and family of Coquille; son-inlaw, Jason Bohn of Coquille; and grandsons, Tim Patrick, Jr. and Allen Dale Dimmitt, both of Coquille. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Rd., Coos Bay, OR 97420. Services are under the direction of Myrtle Grove Funeral Service, 396-3158.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2150/1/Roy-Dale-Dimmitt-December-30-1940---December-12-2009/Page1.html