Coquille Sentinel - Articles - March 11

Fertilize Your Mind The “Dirt” on Backyard Gardening

no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EDT

The “Dirt” on Backyard Gardening 8th Annual Garden Seminar is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay. Fertilize Your Mind is a day-long seminar offering practical, hands-on learning for home gardeners. Whether you are an experienced or novice gardener, new to the area or have lived here for decades, you can find plenty of ideas to make gardening easier, more enjoyable, and more successful.

* Eleven experienced and practical speakers will present classes covering a wide range of horticultural interest. * Information-packed displays are available for study all day. Registration Fee: $25.00 (sponsorships available from the CCMGA). Includes keynote speech, lectures and snack at morning break. No lunch will be served. Applications are available at Eden Valley Natural.

Honor and loyalty in the Martial Arts - Tasha Napier places 2nd

no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EDT

By Karen Saxton
One student from Coquille Martial Arts traveled to the Battle of the Champions, in Salem, Oregon, Saturday, March 7th accompanied by instructors Jim and Karen Saxton. Tasha Napier, age 15, placed 2nd in traditional forms at the tournament hosted by Daves TKD.

The tournament offers high level competition, with competitors traveling from all over Oregon, Washington and Northern California. Tasha’s achievement is especially noteworthy, because unlike most of the competitors who attended the tournament, Tasha doesn’t attend 2-4 martial arts classes every week. Instead she travels to Coquille Martial Arts for a week or a weekend to train intensively and then returns home to Eugene to practice what she has learned, on her own.

This takes a lot of dedication, as she also is active in band and debate at North High in Eugene. Born and raised in Coos County, Tasha moved to Eugene 2 years ago with her mother who was returning to University of Oregon to finish her own studies. She was within a year of earning her Jr black belt or poom rank from Coquille Martial Arts when she moved to Eugene. For its size, Eugene has one of the widest varieties and best collections of martial arts schools on the west coast.

It seemed logical that Tasha would join a school in Eugene to continue her training. And she did. As is customary in many schools, she started over as a white belt, and tested very quickly, regaining the rank she had attained in Coquille in just a few months. Her instructor was very pleased with her and held her up as an exemplary student. Unfortunately, this caused her classmates, some of whom had trained as long as Tasha, to become jealous and feel that they too deserved to be moved up as quickly as Tasha had. They could not understand that there is more to martial arts training, than simply practicing hard and learning new techniques.

Seeing herself in the middle of what could become a disruption to her new instructor’s school, possibly even causing enough students to quit, that it might put the school out of business, she left the school and continued her training with Coquille Martial Arts. It was an extremely mature decision for someone her age. Our society doesn’t value the type of honor Tasha showed, but it was a case of doing what was best for everyone, not just for herself. By making this decision, she put off attaining her black belt or poom belt for over a year.

Many adults in the same situation could not have made the same decision. Yet, Tasha was following one of the oldest traditions in martial arts: honor your instructor and your art above your own goals. Some of the reason for this value on honor and loyalty is simple: in order for the martial arts to continue and improve, there has to be a certain continuity of tradition as well as growth and innovation. If an established school fails, its traditions and teachings are lost.

Thus, once they attain black belt, martial arts students instruct at their instructor’s school until such a time as their instructor retires, or in larger cities, asks them to start new schools of their own. In doing so, they learn the nuances of the art, and experiment with changes in a controlled atmosphere, under the watchful eye of the head instructor. This not only preserves the art, but also protects the other less experienced students and promotes desirable change and improvement. In many cases, the only changes to some martial arts have been to deal with the increased technology ie guns and other modern weapons of our modern society.

It is one of the reasons we have martial arts practiced today continued with only minor changes for over 5000 years ago. Had the early practitioners of the martial arts not followed these values of honor and loyalty, it is quite possible that many of the oldest and most effective martial arts would now be lost to mankind.

Theme for Gay 90’s “Life is Fine in 2009”

no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EDT

It is not too early to be thinking about Coquille’s Gay 90’s Celebration! This year the Coquille Chamber of Commerce is reinstating the Costume Contest. There will be two contests; one for the business owners and one for the general public.

The judging for the businesses will be held on Friday, June 5th and the contest for the public will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2009. Prizes will be awarded. To enter the contest, just pick up an entry form at the Chamber office. The costume must be in the style of the Gay 90’s era. You can make your own, shop at second hand stores, or go on line for ideas. Authenticity counts.

For more information, call the Chamber office at 396- 3414.

Coquille Chamber of Commerce

no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EDT

Coquille Chamber of Commerce

Motor Scooter Raffle

The Coquille Chamber of Commerce is raffling off a 2009 Roadrunner Scooter 50cc. It is a real gas saver at 102 miles per 1.5 gallon tank. Tickets are for sale at the Chamber Office and are $5 each, with no limit on how many you can buy! Winning ticket will be drawn at the Coquille Gay 90’s Button Drawing on June 6th, 2009. Ticket sales end June 6th and you need not be present to win!

Centennial Log

no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EDT

This photo of the Centennial Log was found in the
family scrap book of Coquille resident Barbara
Willis who was kind enough to share the photo with
the Sentinel and its readers. Pictured in the photo
are her husband Preston Willis, their son, Mike,
who was five-years-old at the time, and their 15
month-old daughter, Mary Jane (Starks).
Barbara points out that Preston was about 6’1’‘ at
the time that the photo was taken and the photo
shows just how enormous the log actually was! The
family had made a special trip to Fairview in
February of 1959 to see the log and we thank
Barbara for sharing her family photo.

Dog Park Goal Gay 90’s

no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EDT

Dog Park Goal Gay 90’s

Members of Coquille’s future Dog Park are working hard to have the “Opening- Ceremony” during Coquille’s Gay 90’s this June. They are selling Dog Plaques to help raise the money and need approximately $2,800 to be able to have the fence erected, water available, rules posted and disposal receptacles. They have raised over $4,500. Donor slips and plaque information are available at Sterling Bank in Coquille, Dog House Dog Wash Grooming Spa and Coquille’s Gentle Groomer.

Items such as raised dog dishes, sweaters, dog beds, blankets, home-made dog treats and other assorted products can be purchased at the Dog House Dog Wash Grooming Spa and Coquille’s Gentle Groomer in Coquille. Please make a donation or purchase one of the dog items we are selling. All the proceeds will go to fund Coquille’s future Dog Park. Your support in this project is greatly appreciated!

Dog Park Members and their beloved dogs: (L to R) - Raleen Shrum & Baby, Linda Short, Valorie Rose & Jayden, Jessie Alvarado-Wert & Luke, Seiya Nishi & Kodi, Janet Nishi & Fred, Dawn Nugen & Chewy, Mary Graham & Will, Dennis Graham & Freddy

Members of Coquille’s future Dog Park are working hard to have the “Opening- Ceremony” during Coquille’s Gay 90’s this June.

They are selling Dog Plaques to help raise the money and need approximately $2,800 to be able to have the fence erected, water available, rules posted and disposal receptacles. They have raised over $4,500. Donor slips and plaque information are available at Sterling Bank in Coquille, Dog House Dog Wash Grooming Spa and Coquille’s Gentle Groomer. Items such as raised dog dishes, sweaters, dog beds, blankets, home-made dog treats and other assorted products can be purchased at the Dog House Dog Wash Grooming Spa and Coquille’s Gentle Groomer in Coquille. Please make a donation or purchase one of the dog items we are selling. All the proceeds will go to fund Coquille’s future Dog Park.

Your support in this project is greatly appreciated!

Vetkos, Ferrer & Mikacevich Plead Guilty

no@spam.com (Sheriff's Department) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EDT

During a plea-change hearing at the Coos County Courthouse on Friday, 16- year-olds Anthony Vetkos and Francisco Luis Ferrer, along with 19-year-old Josh Mikacevich, pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery. Judge Richard Barron sentenced Vetkos to five years and 10 months in a juvenile detention center, followed by three years of post-prison supervision. Ferrer and Mikacevich are expected to receive similar punishments at their sentencing March 16. The teens’ attorneys cut a deal with the DA, agreeing to have their clients each plead guilty to seconddegree robbery — a class B felony and Measure 11 offense. In return, the court dropped all other charges. They also are required to testify if Bailey and Fry go to trial.

Ulmer Pleads Guilty

no@spam.com (Sheriff's Department) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EDT

Former Coquille Police Officer Randy Ulmer plead guilty to one count of firstdegree theft, a class C felony, Friday morning in Coos County Circuit Court. He will be sentenced Tuesday, March 17, for stealing money from the police department. In addition, Judge Jesse Margolis asked Ulmer to sign a stipulated order revoking his certification as a police officer

Coquille woman arrested in bank robbery

no@spam.com (Sheriff's Department) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EDT

On March 5th officers from the Coquille Police Department, Bandon Police Department, Roseburg Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Department, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations conducted a federal search warrant at 980 North Alder Street in Coquille.

FBI agents and the Coquille Police Department subsequently arrested Gwendolyn Nell Sherbondy, 46, for Theft I in connection with monies that were illegally taken from the Coquille High School Project Graduation program. Additionally, Sherbondy was taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigations for a Robbery which occurred on February 24th at the Wells Fargo Bank in Roseburg, in which she was dubbed the “Wrangler Bandit.”

The FBI is also investigating whether Sherbondy might be connected to other local bank robberies — one at the Bank of America Bandon branch occurring on June 11, 2007 and another at the Myrtle Point branch of Washington Mutual Bank on Oct. 29, 2007. I nvestigators believe that Sherbondy may also be connected to the Sept. 2, 2008 robbery of a Washington Federal Savings Bank in Lincoln City.

At press time Sherbondy has only been charged with one federal count of bank robbery for her alleged role in the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank branch in Roseburg. Further investigation will be conducted by the FBI to determine if she will be charged with any other crimes. Sherbondy is currently being held at the Lane County Jail where the FBI houses federal prisoners and she was scheduled to appear before a federal judge on Friday, March 6th. Approximately $11,000 was stolen from the senior class of 2009. The class is reaching out to the community for help in replacing the stolen funds.

A special account has been set up on their behalf at Sterling Savings Bank. You can go into any branch and make a deposit into the "Coquille High School Class of 2009 Project Graduation." Police are asking people who might have information about donations to Coquille High School’s Project Graduation or the bank robbery cases to contact the Coquille Police Department, 396-2114 or the FBI in Eugene at (541) 343-5222 during normal business hours or the FBI in Portland at (503)

COOS COUNTY SHERIIFF’’S DEPARTMENT LOG

no@spam.com (Sheriff's Department) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT

MARCH 2, 2009
2:20 a.m. Old Wagon Rd. Down line. Caller reports a power line down in front yard, nothing
is on fire. Power company advised reporter to leave it alone until they arrived.
2:21 a.m. E. 2nd. Equipment repair.
10:46 a.m. Hwy 101/Beaver hill. Report of a suspicious vehicle in the area.
11:37 a.m. E. 3rd St. Civil problem. Subject cut a tree down for the reporter, the tree was valued
at $5,000 and subject was to split the money with him and hasn’t. Was given information
regarding small claims.
3:12 p.m. Rosa Rd. Animal at large. Male cell caller reports two horses at large. They are out
in the road now. Response delayed, unable to locate when area was checked.
3:31 p.m. Whiting Ln. Threats. Caller reports that they were in coos Bay at a dance when a
subject threatened them. Stems from a civil matter.
3:55 p.m. Rosa Rd. Assist public. Male in lobby wants a restraining order against a subject
who assaulted him. Reporter does not have the subjects name, but will get it. Reporter
referred to courts, was advised that he does not qualify, now he wants a stalking order against
unknown subject whose name he does not have yet.
4:40 p.m. Snedden Ln. Caller reports theft of camera. .
4:42 p.m. Hollywood Ln. Suicidal subject. Report of a subject threatening suicide when
Foreclosure Company spoke to him on two occasions today. Subject appeared to be okay.
Will forward report to Senior & Disabled Services.
5:20 p.m. N. Main St. Assist outside agency. Possible dispute involving a firearm.
5:45 p.m. Meade St. Report of an assault.
6:04 p.m. School Rd. Suspicious conditions. Reporter has observed a subject climbing over
her fence, walks around all night. Reporter contacted by phone.
7:54 p.m. Wallace Rd. Vicious dog. Caller reports that the neighbors dog, both are large
brown mixed breed, just chased reporter’s son. Both dogs are still at large. Owners contacted
and warned regarding dogs at large, would be cited if it occurred again.
9:24 p.m. Fairview Rd. Shots fired. Caller reports that 15-20 shots coming from neighbors
property. subject is a known felon and not allowed to have weapons.

FEBRUARY 3, 2009
5:20 a.m. Sumner Rd. Traffic hazard. Large tree down in road and blocking both lanes of traffic.
Road Department advised.
11:51 a.m. E. 2nd St. Attempted suicide in Coos County Jail.
1:58 p.m. Devils Kitchen Restaurant. Assist agency. Out with Oregon State Police. Request
that photos be emailed to phone for identification. subject was giving his brothers name. Will
confirm warrant and missing person entry. Assistance rendered.
3:58 p.m. Wallace Rd. Animal at large. Neighbors dog is loose again and in her yard. Owner
returned home and secured the dogs.
4:03 p.m. Hwy 42 & Remote. Assist public. Report of a vehicle broken down near Remote.
Vehicle is a white full size Ford pickup with canopy. Clyde from Glide dispatched.
6:43 p.m. Fairview Rd. Assist public. Caller request assistance picking up his vehicle from
residence. Reporter contacted by phone, was given other possible methods of getting his
vehicle. Told to recall if need further assistance.
9:50 p.m. Bear Creek Rd. Juvenile problem. Caller reports that 11 year-old juvenile is out of
control, and is threatening self and others with knives. Subject calmed down for evening.

MARCH 4, 2009
1:34 p.m. E. 11th St. Family Four Rd. Assist outside agency. Caller request assistance with
pit bull. Owner is in custody.
2:!2 p.m. E. 11th St. Animal complaint. Dog impounded by animal control, transported to
animal shelter.
3:34 p.m. Old Wagon Rd. Sexual Abuse. Caller reports that neighbor lady had sex with her
15 year-old son. Paties contacted and investigation is continuing.
4:27 p.m. Whiting Ln. Reporter advised that subject is making threats towards the reporter
and his wife regarding being unhappy with resolution that occurred at Planning Department
this morning.
7:32 p.m. Weekly Creek Rd. Criminal mischief. Subject is in a vehicle on reporter’s property
tearing up fields and possibly hit a deer. Reporter stopped him and got driver & vehicle
information and will access damage to his property tomorrow during daylight hours.
8:58 p.m. Joe Ney Lane. Female caller reports a lot of yelling outside residence across
from hers. Contact made at residence.

MARCH 5, 2009
5:35 a.m. Fishtrap Rd. Suspicious conditions. Report of car parts in the road. Unknown if
accident occurred overnight or if it is just litter. Unable to locate car parts, just debris.
8:35 a.m. Fairview Rd. Driving complaint. Caller reports that a vehicle ran the lights of the
bus by four corners. Vehicle was coming the opposite direction. There were students outside
the bus attempting to cross the road.
8:59 a.m. N. Alder. Assisting Federal Marshalls.
11:51 a.m. Fat Elk Rd. Animal at large. Cows at large on property. Owner will have son
respond and move the cows.
2:36 p.m. Hwy 101. Child neglect. Infant left in vehicles. Spoke with father who will
advise his wife not to leave child in vehicle.
2:38 p.m. Hwy 101. Report of theft of goats.
3:07 p.m. Myrtle Creek Rd. Animal at large. Two cows on reporter’s property.
3:48 p.m. Hwy 42. Animal neglect. Anonymous female reports a dog tied to post in the
area. German Shepherd mix.