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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2022
Brookings, Oregon
Dam removal project presented to Brookings officials structure. A letter sent to Tony Baron, Brookings Public Works and Developmental Services Director, in June outlines an inspection of the dam from the Oregon Water Resources Department. In the document, the dam’s spillway, conduit and embankment are listed as deficient. Keith Mills, a dam safety engineer with the Oregon Water Resources Department states; “This dam has major dam safety issues and is in unsatisfactory condition.
By BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot
Two dam safety and project engineers attended a Brookings City Council workshop to discuss the Ferry Creek Dam located on city land. The engineers urged Brookings council members and staff to consider removing the dam, which is classified as a high hazard dam due to the potential hazard to people and property downstream of the
Please continue work to address the major dam safety issues.” The Ferry Creek Dam is located on a tributary of the Chetco River. The “earthen structure” is 45-feettall and holds a reservoir that has not been used in 30 years. The dam was designated as high hazard in 2015. Engineer Mills and Scott Wright of the River Design Group gave a presentation to council members and members of the city staff based on their field work and studies of
the Ferry Creek Dam on Monday, Oct. 3. River Design Group developed a dam removal plan, cost estimate and background documents for the council. They said the dam removal would use standard construction techniques and equipment that have been used routinely for similar projects. “It’s a pretty straightforward project,” Wright said. “If you said you wanted to remove it next summer there is a possibility that could
happen – but it could take longer to secure funding than to complete the project itself.” A previous study of the dam was developed by Dyer feasibility in 2018. The 271-page document explores five options. The options were no action, complete dam removal, realignment of ferry creek dam and a relocation of the spillway, and removing the dam and building a concrete dam in its place.
Wright, Rust face off in debate
Please see DAM Page A2
By DAVID RUPKALVIS The Pilot
Photo by Breeana Laughlin/The Pilot
While much of their work is done behind the scenes, Curry County Emergency Coordinator Monica Ward, Coos County emergency coordinator Debbie Mueller, along with Coos County Emergency Manager Don (Chip) Delyria want the public to know they are doing their best to prepare county staff, emergency responders and other community stakeholders to respond effectively in an emergency situation such as a tsunami or earthquake.
Coos, Curry counties prepare for worst-case disaster scenario By BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot
Coos and Curry County emergency managers teamed up to prepare for a worst-case natural disaster situation. Together, they completed a series of exercises designed to respond to an earthquake and tsunami caused from a rupture in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The series of exercises started
at the beginning of summer. Now, the emergency coordinators are strengthening their training efforts, solidifying management roles and educating themselves about incident command systems. They also want to get the word out to the public to be prepared in the event of an emergency situation. “Part of our job from the emergency management side is educating our community and making sure
it is clear for residents – and visitors to our area – that this is something they should be thinking about,” said Coos County Emergency Coordinator Debbie Mueller. While natural disasters and other potential hazards are not something people necessarily enjoy thinking about, emergency preparedness is an important aspect of living on the coast. “I think being in rural communi-
ties, our message to the public is it’s very important to prepare as best you can, and take self-action, because it’s going to be awhile before others are going to be able to get to us and help us,” Mueller said. Curry County Emergency Coordinator Monica Ward encourages community members to prepare what they can for supplies. Please see DISASTER Page A9
Brookings candy shop owners expand By BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot
Just a few short years since taking over the Whale's Tail Candy & Gifts at the Brookings Harbor, Amy and Andy Sale are opening another shop in Crescent City. The business owners are bringing their handmade fudge and chocolates, saltwater taffy, ice cream and more to their new location between Safeway and the movie theater in Crescent City. The couple says they are bringing a much needed niche to the community. “We saw the success we were having in Brookings and we wanted to extend it to a new community that didn’t have a lot of the products that we offer. So we started looking around,” said Amy Sale. “We decided this would be the best place to start.” Whale’s Tail Candy and Gifts in Crescent City features all of the goodies available at the Brookings store, and a little more. “It’s a little bit bigger store so we have more flavors of taffy - which puts us up to about 45 flavors of taffy,” Amy said. A new chocolate and fudge case is also set to arrive soon – so they Please see CANDY Page A2
Photo by Breeana Laughlin/The Pilot
Amy and Andy Sale bought Whale's Tail Candy & Gifts in Brookings in June 2020. They recently opened another location in the Crescent City.
INDEX
The two candidates vying for a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives faced off in a debate Monday, with Jerry Rust and Boomer Wright discussing a variety of topics important to the coastal district. The mostly-friendly contest had a few moments of true debate, where the men shared different views on abortion and Measure 113, which would allow the Legislature to punish lawmakers who walk out of session to stop bills from being enacted. The debate was hosted by the League of Women Voters in Lane and Coos counties as well as libraries in both counties. Judge Richard Brissenden served as moderator. In opening comments, the two men shared why they should be elected to serve the district. Rust, a Democrat who served 20 years as a Lane County commissioner and has a strong business background, said he is prepared to serve in the Legislature. "I think these life experiences have prepared me for this challenge," Rust said. "Today, I'm asking you to hire me. If you're a voter in the 9th District, I want to be your employee. People are tired of squabbling and intra-party fighting. They want to get things done. They want people to work together. There's a tremendous pent up desire to do something. Specifically, they want more housing, more affordable housing. I have a plan to get that done. Wright, the incumbent Republican, said he has accomplished a lot during his one term. He said he brought $16 million to the Port of Coos Bay along with funding in North Bend, Reedsport and much more. "My focus is always on family, faith and freedom," Wright said. "We've done a lot together and have been very successful. We advocate for a limited government. We believe all children deserve access to a quality education. Parental rights don't end at the school house door. We believe families and individuals have the sole responsibility and right to make their own healthcare decisions. All law abiding residents have the right to keep and bear arms." In questioning, the men outlined their priorities if elected to the Legislature. For Rust, those priorities would be seniors, veterans, children and women's healthcare. "Those are just generally across the board," Rust said. "I think older people haver worked all their lives. We need to keep seniors in their home. Veterans have paid a price. I think veterans deserve our support, I think women should be able to make their own decisions about their own healthcare choices and Please see DEBATE Page A4
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