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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 29, 2017)
‘Distracted’ drivers face tougher penalties beginning Sunday Oregon’s new “distracted driving” law goes into effect Oct. 1, specifically targeting those using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. A distracted driver crash occurs every 2 1/2 hours in Oregon, according to the Or- egon Department of Trans- portation. From 2011-15 there were 917 crashes resulting in 14 fatalities and 1,330 inju- ries, caused by drivers re- ported to have been using a cell phone at the time of the crash, according to the Na- tional Highway Transporta- tion Safety Administration. During those same years, there were 110 crashes, resulting in 166 injuries caused by drivers aged 16 to 18 who were reported to have been using a cell phone at the time of the crash. Oregon House Bill 2597 makes it illegal to drive while holding or using an electron- ic device such as a cell phone, tablet, GPS or laptop. There are some exceptions – such as calling 9-1-1 to re- port an emergency – but drivers may need to prove this to the court if ticketed. September 29, 2017 T he C olumbia P ress 8 The new law does not apply to use of hands-free or built- in devices for those 18 or old- er; using the phone to sum- mon medical help when no one else is available to make the call; emergency respond- ers using a device in the scope of their employment. It is not legal to use the device when stopped at a stop light, stop sign or stuck in traffic. Violations and fines associat- ed with the new law have been increased: a first offense that doesn’t contribute to a crash is a Class B Violation with a maximum fine of $1000. A second offense (or if the first offense contributes to a crash) is a Class A violation with a maximum fine of $2,500. A third offense within 10 years is a Class B misdemeanor and could result in a $6,250 fine and up to one year in jail. For a first offense that does not contribute to a crash, the court may suspend the fine* if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance class, and shows proof to the court, within four months. Only the fine is suspended -- the violation will still be recorded on the offender’s driving record. This Weekend Plant workshop provides help with tools, dahlias A plant workshop provid- ing tips on winterizing your garden at 10 a.m. Satur- day, Sept. 30, at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria. Ad- mission is free, although donations to the Clatsop County Food Bank will be accepted. The event includes a plant sale, home and garden trea- sures sale, a plant division demonstration, soil pH testing, garden tool sharp- ening, crafts and garden fun for children and advice from master gardeners. Food will be available at the concession stands. Workshops and speakers: • Fall/Winter Garden Prep and Growing Winter Veggies, 10:30 a.m. by Teresa Retzlaff. • Dahlia Care and Winter Protection Methods, 12:30 p.m. by Joanie Chapel. • Cleaning, Sharpening and Storing Garden Tools, 2 p.m. by Chuck Meyers. Clatsop County beaches reopen Sunday to razor clamming Razor clamming on Clatsop County beaches reopens Oct. 1 after a 16-month closure. Clamming had been closed since July 2016 due to high levels of biotoxins found in the clams and an annual closure to protect newly set young clams that runs from July 15-Sept. 30 each year. While other parts of the state’s coast have been open to clamming, Clatsop Coun- ty beaches are the most pop- ular spot and account for 90 percent of Oregon’s harvest. Oregon Department of Ag- riculture tests shellfish tox- ins twice per month, as tides permit, to determine if ra- (Sept. 8 and 22) show clams are safe. In summer 2016, the last time folks could go clam- ming, collectors had a re- cord year, with most reach- ing their daily bag limit of 15 in a short time. Clammers will find different condi- tions now; ODFW’s annual survey found significant- ly lower numbers of razor clams since surveys began in 2004. Razor clam populations are cyclical and the pop- ulation appears to be in a zor clams and other shellfish low-abundance period, fol- are safe to eat. Results from lowing a very high-abun- ODA’s two most recent tests dance period in 2015-16. News in Brief Low-cost flu shots available at clinic Coastal Family Health Cen- ter is offering several flu shot clinics for the public with no appointments necessary. Flu vaccines cause antibod- ies to develop in the body about two weeks after vacci- nation. These antibodies pro- vide protection against infec- tion. Getting the vaccine now is recommended. Cost is $20. Clinics are 3 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 4, 11 and 18. Coastal Family Health Cen- ter is at 2158 Exchange St., Suite 304, Astoria. High school GED classes offered An orientation for GED, or general education devel- opment, classes is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in Columbia Hall room 114 at Clatstop Community College. The classes are open to stu- dents ages 16 and older who wish to earn a high school credential. Fall classes started Sept. 25. Those younger than 18 must provide a “Release from Compulsory Education” form from your high school before attending classes or taking the GED tests. GED classes are offered in English or Spanish, and Clat- sop Community College also offers ESL classes and tutor- ing. There is no cost for enroll- ment and study materials are provided. Class offerings are available in Astoria, Clatskanie and Seaside. Students attend an orientation before starting class and will enroll at the first class. For more information, con- tact Allison deFreese at 503- 338-2347. Auditions set for local ‘Scrooged’ Astor Street Opry Compa- ny holds open auditions at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9 for the hol- iday production of “Scrooged in Astoria.” Written by Judith Niland with music by Philip Morill, it will be directed by Bill Carr and choreographed by Chris- Lynn Taylor. Performances are weekends, Dec. 1 through 23. The play is stylized as a 1960s holiday TV special and is loosely based on the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.” No previous theater or mu- sic experience is necessary for any of the small or large parts for over 26 actors and actresses age 12 and older. Auditions are at the play- house, 129 W. Bond St., Astoria.
