SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com
FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022
Brookings, Oregon
Missing man found dead after days of searching The Pilot After four days of searching, search and rescue members of the Curry County Sheriff's Office located the body of a man reported missing December 30. Sheriff John Ward reported around 1:45 p.m., January 2, the body of Jeffrey Scherbarth was located in heavy brush and timber off 220 Road about 20 miles
east of Gold Beach. It appeared he had died several days earlier. Ward reported the sheriff's office was notified December 30 that Scherbarth was missing after his dog was located on Agness Road near Nail Keg Creek. The last time anyone has seen Scherbarth was November 23. That night, search and rescue members responded and checked
over the banks of Agness Road near where the dog had been found. On New Year's Eve, search and rescue members returned to the area and walked from Lobster Creek to Agness, covering about 20 miles while searching for Scherbarth. Late that night, his vehicle was found on 220 Road. Scherbarth was not in the vehicle, but
an older dog was located and rescued. On New Year's Day, the search continued with members of Agness Fire and Rescue and Gold Beach Fire and Rescue joining in the search. Finally, on January 2, search and rescue members found Scherbarth's body. SAR members had to use chain saws to cut a path in the brush so his body
McKay’s inching closer to opening
could be carried out. The body was released to Redwood Memorial out of Brookings. "I couldn’t be prouder than I am with my SAR team, and the SAR coordinators," Ward said. "They gave up their New Years celebrations and spent the time away from their own family to bring closure to Scherbarth’s family. Our condolences to the family and friends."
Gold Beach receives perfect water score By Diana Bosetti The Pilot
Photo by Diana Bosetti/The Pilot
After months of delays, McKay's Market finally has the permits needed to revamp the store it is moving into in Brookings. A grand opening date could be announced in the coming weeks.
Grocery store hopes to announce opening date soon By Diana Bosetti The Pilot
McKay’s Market is inching closer to opening in the unincor-
porated community of Harbor, just south of Brookings. “We hope that by mid-January, we will be able to give an opening date,” said Kevin
Murray, chief operating officer at McKay’s. The market was slated to open last August, but delays in completing architectural drawings
slowed the process. According to Murray, they now have the necessary permits More McKay's, Page A2
Jarvis named pastor at Brookings Presbyterian By Diana Bosetti The Pilot
Out-of-state RV users to pay more
Bruce Jarvis recently accepted a calling to serve as pastor at Brookings Presbyterian Church. Jarvis, who along with his wife of 37-years, Leah, moved to Brookings a little over a year ago. “When we first came to this church, it felt like the first day as if we were family,” said Jarvis. Jarvis has served in other ministries, including in Pennsylvania and Southern California, and obtained a master of divinity degree at Westminster Seminary California, located in Escondido. According to Jarvis, there are about 90 official and unofficial “friends” who attend services at Brookings Presbyterian. “This year I’m looking forward to reinstituting social and fellowship programs,” Jarvis said. “Fellowship is very important. It’s in our DNA.”
By Diana Bosetti The Pilot
Pastor Bruce Jarvis
Realtors raise money for local food banks By Diana Bosetti The Pilot
Paying $200 for a plate of chocolate chip cookies is unusual, but at a recent installation dinner of the Curry County Board of Realtors, that and other
Gold Beach’s drinking water received an outstanding performance rating from the Oregon Health Authority, and was the only water system in Curry County to receive a perfect score. “The ‘Outstanding Performer’ designation that OHA awards to qualifying water systems is an honor to receive,” said Public Works Superintendent Will Newdall. This is Gold Beach’s second time to achieve the outstanding drinking water designation. The first time occurred in 2015. Most cities' water systems are reviewed by the OHA every three years, but Gold Beach's next review won’t occur until 2026 due to its high performance. According to Newdall, to qualify for this particular rating, a water system undergoes a comprehensive inspection by OHA Drinking Water Section staff encompassing all facets of water treatment, delivery, storage, security, testing and operation within the scope of the organization being reviewed. “Diligent efforts by the city of Gold Beach public works staff, city administration, city council and the budget committee have all contributed toward receiving this honor,” said Newdall.
auctioned items helped raise $6,000 in proceeds that have since been donated to three local food banks. “Realtors at the event really wanted to give back to the community,” said Jill Lange, the outgoing president of the Curry
County board. The proceeds were split according to the per-capita need amongst the Brookings-Harbor Food Bank, Christian Help Food Bank in Gold Beach and Common Good Food Bank in Port Orford.
Michael Lange, who will serve as president in 2022, said the annual event is held to induct the nonprofit trade association’s governing members, “but as an entity we wanted to step it up a
Looking back at top stories of 2021 2022 Curry County calendar released AT CURRYPILOT.COM
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More Realtors, Page A8
Out-of-state recreational vehicle users will pay more to use Oregon state parks this year. On January 1, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department began charging out-of-state residents 25% more at state-run RV sites. The increase applies to all sites that offer RV hookups. Including lodging tax, a typical RV site with sewer and electrical hookups will cost $30$50 per night for non-residents, compared to $24-$40 for Oregon residents. In Brookings, the fee increase will have a modest impact on city revenue. “Harris Beach State Park is within city limits, so if they have increased revenues from those that pay fees within state parks, from non-residents, there is potential that the TOT More RVs, Page A2
INDEX Crossword.................................... A8 Classifieds............................... A5 Crossword Answers................. A6
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