Fishermen Rescued
The Coast Guard rescued two fishermen after their vessel was engulfed in flames 20 miles west of the Cape Blanco light near Coos Bay, on Saturday. A Coast Guard Search and Rescue Detachment Rogue River 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew met the fishermen, who had abandoned the 47-foot fishing vessel Beverly B into a life raft, and transported them and their raft to port in Gold Beach, Oregon. Watchstanders in North Bend received the report of the fishermen in distress from Station Coos Bay, who were notified by a volunteer light keeper at the Cape Blanco light, stating that a fishing vessel was on fire. A North Bend MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, were dispatched and arrived on scene to find the fishermen in their life raft, and lowered a rescue swimmer to assess the situation. The Motor Life Boat crew arrived on scene shortly thereafter. Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Halasz, said
“Luckily these fishermen had proper and working safety equipment which contributed to their lives being saved.”
The vessel was reported to be completely engulfed in flames and partially submerged. The cause of the vessel fire is unknown.
Man Acquitted of Weapon’s Charge
A man charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon for pointing a pistol at a Springfield resident at Archie Knowles Campground last summer has been acquitted. The jury deliberated about 30 minutes before returning the not guilty verdict for Josiah Winokur. Winokur had claimed self-defense when he pointed his weapon at Luis Estrada-Robles last August. He claimed that Estrada-Robles was the aggressor at the campground and that he felt threatened. The jury was also aware that Estrada-Robles faced his own set of charges that would bring prison time if convicted, but did not know what those chargers were, nor were the charges allowed to be brought up in court. Estrada-Robles currently faces charges of sexually abusing 3 children under the age of 14.
Fire Restrictions Eased
Fire restrictions in Western Lane County have eased a bit after cooler temperatures returned to the area. Grant Smith with the Oregon Department of Forestry says that cooler temperatures have made conditions more favorable. However, he says, that it will take some time for moisture levels to recover. Mowing and chainsaw use is allowed up until 10 am but the restrictions remain from 10 am on. Fire danger levels are now at high rather than extreme.
Fishing Regulations Adopted
The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted its 2018 sport fishing regulations Friday at its meeting in Salem. Updates to the regulations will not generally affect anglers and hunters in western Lane County, except for those who may travel to do some ice fishing. Anglers with two rod endorsements for the winter tradition will now be able to use 5 rods on the same endorsement. The Commission was also briefed on a draft updated Cougar Management Plan and heard public testimony about it. The Plan to guide management of cougars was last updated in 2006. The current draft Plan does not propose major management changes. It does incorporate more scientific literature and Oregon-specific research about cougars, including a genetics and habitat analysis. The updated Plan will continue to stress coexistence with Oregon’s more than 6,000 cougars. Grant funds were approved for nine Restoration and Enhancement Projects to improve angler access or facilities or enhance fisheries and appointed John Breese of Prineville, Ore. as the Landowner Representative to the Access and Habitat Board. The next meeting of the board is September 14th and 15th in Welches, Oregon.
