Board Opts For Elections; Underwater Bridge Work; Yachats Man Arrested

Board To Follow Justice Department Suggestions

The Oregon Coast Humane Society will cease all board of Director’s meetings until such time as it can hold elections for board members.  After a tumultuous 2017 battle between members of the Oregon Coast Humane Society members and its board and a Department of Justice investigation, the board issued a release stating that it notified the Justice Department of its plan to cease meetings and focus on transitioning the organization back to member voting on Board members.  A plan for membership elections will have to be reviewed and approved by the Justice Department.  The release, signed by Board Vice President, Ed Gervais, said the mission of the Oregon Coast Humane Society continues to be the welfare of the animals.  Gervais told coast radio news that they hoped to hold elections by March.  On Thursday, the board met with their attorneys at which time newly appointed board member Greg Carlton tendered his resignation, but reports that the entire board had resigned is not accurate.  According to Gervais the rest of the board will await the new elections and carry on with the business of running the board until then.

Cabling Installed Underwater

The Siuslaw River Bridge is still about a year out from being finished with repairs.  This week crews will be installing submarine cables between the two pier houses.  The Oregon department of transportation is requesting caution when approaching the bridge by boat as diving operations will be ongoing for the next several weeks.  Underwater operations begin today and is expected to be completed by mid February.  On the topside work will continue that will at times mean some lane closures for traffic, ODOT encourages patience as the road will be down to one lane at times.

Blackberry Bushes Can’t Hide Yachats Man

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call on Friday after a call on a physical disturbance in Yachats.  When deputies arrived at the residence just north of the city they found a woman with injuries consistent with assault and strangulation.  Deputies dispatched their canine unit to search for the suspect.  After a short search they found 31 year old Matthew Paredo.  Paredo was cornered by deputy Carter and his canine partner Bonni.  Paredo tried to evade capture by jumping into nearby blackberry bushes but was ultimately apprehended by authorities.  Paredo was booked into the Lincoln county Jail on charges of Domestic Violence, Kidnapping, harassment, strangulation and DUII.  The 19 year old female victim is recovering from her injuries.