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Exhibit to open at Manley Art Center ........... A10

SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Brookings, Oregon

Doctor celebrates 50 years serving the community BY BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot

Many members of the Curry County community came together to celebrate the anniversary of Doctor Reg Williams, a medical doctor who has been providing patient care in Curry County for 50 years. There was a full house inside the Showcase Building at the Curry County Fairgrounds in Gold Beach during the event on Oct. 28 to recognize Dr. Williams’ contribution to the community. Williams was honored by medical staff and board members, past hospital board members, local government ofﬁcials, his family members, as well as longtime patients and community members. There were many accolades, a lot of laughs, and a couple of tears shed throughout the open house. For anyone attending the event, it quickly became clear that Williams has become a staple of the community he has served over many decades. Williams has been providing Please see DOCTOR Page A2

Photo by Breeana Laughlin

Doctor Reg Williams thanks the audience after many Curry County community members acknowledged him for 50 years of work as a physician in Curry County.

Raising funds to replace marching band uniforms Lieutenant

serves 25 years with Brookings PD

BY BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot

The Brookings-Harbor High School marching band has been showing up in a big way and holding their own in competitions against much larger schools in Oregon. They recently got third place in their division at a competition in Grants Pass. “The band has really improved over the past two years, and we have been competing against schools that are twice our size,” said Brookings-Harbor High School volunteer Rochelle Jenkins. Unfortunately, Jenkins said, there is still one major component of the marching band that needs improvement. “One of the major comments we’ve received is that our uniforms are very old,” she said. “It’s time for a polishing.” The uniforms are so old – in fact – that it’s possible that some of the marching band’s parents could have Please see BAND Page A3

BY BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot

Courtesy Photo

Brookings-Harbor High School students look sharp in their marching band uniforms and have taken good care of them over the years, but many of the 26-year-old uniforms are falling apart.

Brookings roller rink opens for family fun BY BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot

A pair of local entrepreneurs recently opened a brand new roller skating rink in the Brookings-Harbor Shopping Center. They transformed a large empty space into a family-friendly area with roller skaters of all ages circling the track, enjoying concession food and drinks and playing arcade games. Allison and Matt Bacus said the idea to open a roller rink came out randomly when they were touring the complex for their business, Coastline Curb Appeal Painting and Construction, which is being contracted to give the shopping complex a facelift. “When we ﬁrst got the contract we were walking through the complex with the owner and I just happened to mention ‘Wouldn’t this be cool if someone made this into a roller rink?’” said Allison Bacus. “I wasn’t thinking us,” she said with a laugh. But a couple of weeks later she said her husband Matt came up to Please see RINK Page A2

Photo by Breeana Laughlin/The Pilot

Crescent City family members Shellee, Tom, Ryan and Amara got festive for their skate session with Harbor Skate on Sunday, Oct. 30. Community members of all ages were already creating memories together during opening weekend – laughing, crashing and picking each other up – while they rolled around the rink.

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The month of October marked Brookings Lieutenant Donny Dotson’s 25th year of service working with the Brookings Police Department. He was recognized by Police Chief Kelby McCrae during a recent city council meeting. McCrae said although Dotson didn’t like being in the spotlight, he wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the occasion, “which anywhere is a huge accomplishment, let alone law enforcement.” “There are few people that are in law enforcement that can say they have been in it 25-years. I’ve had the pleasure working with him for 20-years now and the last four as chief,” McCrae said. “I very much value his insight and knowledge and the ease of which to work with him,” said the police chief about Dotson. “I think together we have been able to accomplish a lot together … and we work as a team very well.” Brookings Mayor Hedenskog said in the years he has been with the council, there have “been nothing but accolades throughout the town” for Lieutenant Dotson. Former law enforcement officer and current council member Brad Alcorn described Dotson as “one of the most well-rounded officers in the county.” Dotson thanked the council for helping to create an atmosphere where someone wants to raise a family and stay somewhere for 25-years. Dotson had multiple family members present with him during the ceremony. He credited his stickto-itiveness and persistence in his career to his parents. “Twenty five years sounds like a long time, until you are sitting in a room with your mother who recently retired after 50-years with the same employer,” he said. “My dad also worked here for thirty-three.” Dotson will continue to make sure the Brookings Police DepartPlease see 25 YEARS Page A2

Phone Number: 541-813-1717 • Address: 519 Chetco Ave, Ste 7, Brookings, 97415 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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