Briefs for March 5, 2026

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Clatsop County Commissioner Board Chair Mark Kujala has been appointed by Governor Tina Kotek to serve on the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA). (The Astorian file photo)

Highway 30: Fatal crash last Thursday

Oregon State Police reported a three-vehicle crash on Highway 30, near milepost 64, in Columbia County. The crash happened on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 5:39 p.m
The crash involved an eastbound Indian Chieftan motorcycle, operated by Nick Anthony Verne, 32, of Kalama, Washington, a Toyota Rav4, operated by Kenneth Upward Uphoff, 73, of Ocean Park, Washington, and a Toyota 4Runner, driven by Elliette Michelle Vasaquez, 32, of Astoria.

The preliminary investigation reported that Verne was negotiating a sweeping right hand turn when his motorcycle crossed the centerline into the westbound lane and sideswiped Uphoff’s westbound Toyota Rav4, before running head-on into Vasquez’s westbound Toyota 4Runner.

Verne was declared deceased at the scene.

Vasquez and a passenger, Michael Evaristo Vasquez, 60, also of Astoria, reportedly suffered minor injuries and were transported to an area medical center. Uphoff was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for about four hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Rainier Police Department, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

Vote for Astoria

Astoria is once again one of the nominees in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as a contender in two categories: for one of the best small towns in the West and for one of the most historic small towns in the West. The city was also nominated in 2025. The nominations came from travel experts and USA Today editors.

Voting has just begun and is open to the public on the USA Today website through March 30. People can vote daily.

For “Best Historic Small Town,” Astoria is currently ranked at No. 6 out of a field of 20, including towns such as Abilene, Kansas; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Yorktown, Virginia.

For “Best Small Town in the West,” Astoria is currently ranked No. 3 out of 20, including Breckinridge, Colorado; and two other Oregon towns: Silverton and Cannon Beach.

To vote, visit: 10best.usatoday.

Voting ends at 11:59 EDT on Monday, March 30.

Gov. Kotek appoints local official to Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority

According to a press release from the governor’s office, Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Kujala has been appointed by Governor Tina Kotek to serve on the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA).

The IFA plays a key role in supporting Oregon communities by providing financial assistance for essential infrastructure projects, including water systems, wastewater facilities, transportation improvements, and other critical public works that strengthen local economies and public health.

Kujala’s term begins March 1, 2026, and runs through Feb. 28, 2030.