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No new COVID restrictions expected locally By DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
Both the Centers for Disease Control and the Oregon Health Authority are recommending people put masks back on to combat the threat of COVID-19. But in Coos County, that is not
likely to lead to renewed mandates against the disease. Dr. Eric Gleason, deputy director of Coos Health and Wellness, said the county is seeing an increase in cases, with almost all of the cases among those who have not been vaccinated. As of Tuesday morning,
there were 60 active cases in Coos County. The good news is the cases seem to be mild with no one in the hospital due to COVID. “I think we kind of anticipated this was going to happen,” Gleason said. “We haven’t seen any outbreaks in the county. We
have seen sporadic cases. It has just been a steady trickle.” Gleason said in Coos County and the state, around 95% of new cases are among those who have not been vaccinated. Even though there have been some “breakthrough” cases among those fully vaccinated, Gleason
said the vaccine remains effective. “There’s no reason not to be vaccinated, honestly,” Gleason said. “You can trip into a vaccine clinic right now.” On Tuesday, the Centers for Please see COVID, Page A3
A new rodeo star emerges at county fair Working to keep young salmon alive By DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
While the crowds that came to the Coos County Fair were drawn to the festivities for things like concerts, the rodeo and a carnival, one the biggest stars during the event was a 4-yearold from Coos Bay. During the mutton busting competition, little Daisy Garduno climbed up on a sheep for the first time and boldly said she wanted to do a solo ride. As the sheep took off, Daisy held on tightly, riding all the way to the end of the arena. When she was finished, the entire crowd was applauding the young and unexpected star. Daisy even got a high-five from one of the cowboys running the competition as she walked off a champion. For more photos from the county fair, see Page B5.
Photos by David Rupkalvis/The World
Standing against American imperialism By DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
A small group of demonstrators took to the street Saturday to urge the United States to end the decades-long embargo against Cuba. At noon, four people lined up on the Coos Bay Boardwalk holding signs against the U.S. action they say has led to unnecessary suffering. Xavier Krabel was representing the Movement for People’s Democracy, and he said he wasn’t standing up to support the Communist regime in Cuba, Please see Standing, Page A3
Photo by David Rupkalvis/The World
Deep in the forest outside Coquille, a small creek may hold the answer to the declining fish populations along the coast. Woodward Creek meanders through the forest and provides a home for juvenile salmon, steelhead, trout and more as it slowly makes its way to the Coquille River. The decline in fishing opportunities in the region is not new, but the problem has escalated rapidly in recent years. This year, the state announced no salmon fishing would be allowed in the Coquille River due to the declining number of fish. A partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, Coquille Watershed Association and private landowners is working to make improvements by giving the young fish a better chance at survival. For several years, the BLM and the association have been working to improve conditions on Woodward Creek, and more work will continue over the next few years. Last week, a contractor placed large Douglas firs into the creek to create a safe space for the juvenile fish. “Fish like places like this because it can provide hiding areas from predators,” said Rushal Sedlemyer, a project manager with the Coquille Watershed Association. “The log placements will help to create deep pools, which are important habitat features for young fish.” But that’s just the beginning of the benefits. “One of the biggest things is water quality,” said Jeff Jackson, a fish biologist with the Bureau of Land Management. “Structures like this retain sediment that would otherwise move downstream. Fine sediment can clog fish gills and limit feeding opportunities.” The sediment can also cover fish nests, killing eggs before they hatch, and cleaning up the sediment improves water conditions downstream in the Coquille River, where Myrtle Point gets its drinking water. The area around Woodward Creek has a history of problems with people using offroad vehicles to travel through the forest on private timber
From left, Xavier Krabel, Kamryn Stringfield and Ezra Huebner hold signs during a demonstration against the ongoing embargo the United States has on Cuba.
Photo gallery: Livestock take center stage at fair Photo gallery: Bandon Museum opens again AT THEWORLDLINK.COM • Serving Oregon’s South Coast since 1878 • A Country Media Newspaper • Copyright 2015
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