SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022
Brookings, Oregon
COVID deaths rise in Curry County By DAVID RUPKALVIS The Pilot
While COVID cases remain low in Curry County, the potential devastation of the virus continues to be felt. Over the last two weeks, five new COVID-related deaths have been reported in Curry County, bringing the total number of people who have died after contracting the virus to 51. The latest death was a 73-year-old man
who tested positive January 30 and died February 10 at Curry General Hospital. The state is still investigating whether the man had underlying conditions. Some of the recent deaths in all counties have been delayed as the Oregon Health Authority investigates the cause of death. In some cases, the state is using COVID on the death certificate to determine in COVID was a factor. In the same report Monday, Curry County had eight new COVID cases
reported. While that count is low, it was higher than Coos County, which reported one case, and almost equal to Douglas County, which reported nine new cases. Statewide, there were 541 new COVID cases reported Monday with 39 new deaths. The recent increase in deaths has pushed Curry County into the top 10 in the state as far as deaths per capita when it comes to COVID. According to data released from the state, Curry County ranked seventh in per capita deaths.
While most preventative measures have been lifted, medical experts urge local residents to remain aware of the potential danger of COVID-19 and to continue to follow guidelines for safety. That includes wearing a mask if you are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions, social distancing when possible, washing hands frequently and, most importantly, if you are sick, stay home.
Tiernan confident in crowded governor's race
Contributed photo
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Tiernan talks to a crowd while visiting Brookings and Coos Bay last week. The former legislator and chair of the Republican party is convinced he can win the race for governor.
By DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
Bob Tiernan is convinced Oregon is ready for a change in the governor's mansion. As a Republican candidate, he thinks voters are ready to elect a Republican, but not just any Republican. "This is the year somebody who can get something done will win," Tiernan said after visiting Brookings and Coos Bay during a stop along the South Coast. "I do think a Republican can win. I don't think it's going to be so much of the label that's on you. I think if you can show I have the experience and the skills to get things done, that's what will matter." And Tiernan believes her has the experience, the skills and the history of success
that will give him an edge. Tiernan does have a ton of experience, both in business and in politics. After growing up in Southern California and earning a masters degree in law from Georgetown, Tiernan began a law career but quickly realized he didn't love it. So he turned to business. He was hired as the interim president of Grocery Outlet when the chain was struggling to survive, and in those 90 days, he turned the company around. He was offered and accepted a four-year contract as company president, during which the company built 30 new stores and set alltime sales records. He later held the same job with a different grocery chain, before returning to law. During all of that, Tiernan served 28
years in the Navy as a special intelligence officer, retiring as a commander. In the '90s, he ventured into politics, serving in the Legislature from 1992 to 1997. He also served as chair of the state Republican party. "I was effective," Tiernan said, pointing to a number of public-safety laws he spearheaded. "I helped make Oregon a safer place. It was my passion." Through all of it, Tiernan said he earned a reputation as a problem solver. In politics, he said having someone who can solve problems is key. "I've been very successful in business. What I do in business is I solve problems," Tiernan said. "In the Navy, I was on 17 assignments in every corner of the Earth. In the military, you take
Spending bill returning millions to the South Coast By DAVID RUPKALVIS The Pilot
The omnibus spending bill recently signed into law by Pres. Joe Biden will deliver tens of millions of dollars to the South Coast, benefitting communities in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties. Many of the projects were spearheaded by Congressman Peter DeFazio and U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, who all voted in favor of the spending bill. The biggest funding element is $6.8 million for repairs to the Coos Bay North Jetty. After years of decline, the jetty has lost close to 200 feet, but a contract has already been approved to extend and stabilize the jetty. "The North Jetty, which maintains the safety of the Coos Bay bar crossing for mariners, has receded nearly 1,000 feet from its original build design,” said John Burns, CEO of the Port of Coos Bay. “Senators Merkley and Wyden have championed funding to extend the jetty by approximately 150 to 200 feet and stabilize the head, trunk, and root system. This is truly critical maritime infrastructure to maintain safety within the harbor, and to promote future commerce and economic development for the region and state. We are extremely grateful to Senators Merkley and Wyden for their ongoing efforts." Some other projects in Coos County include $231,000 for the Coos County emergency radio system, $1.3 million to the city of North Bend to upgrade the city's water and wastewater system and $850,000 to Coast Community Health Center, which has offices in Bandon and Port Orford. The gift to Coast Community Health was roundly applauded.
these special assignments and you don't scratch your head and say I can't solve this problem. You solve problems. We have an opportunity this year to put someone in office that can solve problems. Our No. 1 problem is we don't have any leadership. We have a lot of self proclaimed leaders and that's not what makes you a leader." Years after he fought for criminal justice reform in the Legislature, Tiernan said he remains passionate about the issue. He said people in Oregon no longer feel safe, and it is past time for the state to do something about it. "Our criminal justice system has basically fallen apart," he said. "We've let out 1,400 people from correctional facilities, felons. Portland has basically turned into a More Tiernan, Page A2
After two-year break, live theater returns tonight
“We are honored to receive such a wonderful award in support of our continued expansion of services in Curry County,” said Linda Maxon, chief executive officer, Coast Community Health Center.
More Spending Bill, Page A3
Contributed photo
Twelve Dancing Princesses with a cast of Curry County children will kick off tonight at Chetco Grange Hall.
The Pilot File photo
Senator Ron Wyden, above, and Senator Jeff Merkley worked to include funding for several Southern Oregon projects in the 2022 spending bill recently signed by President Joe Biden.
Join an all-youth cast and crew at the Chetco Grange Hall as they tell the tale of the Brothers Grimm story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses beginning April 1. The play, adapted by director Teryn Van Maren, takes you once
upon a time to the kingdom of Evanere, ruled by King Evermore (Nate Evanow). There, concealed from the world in their room, live the 12 princesses, Dalia (Morgan Ferris), Rosebud (Claudia Prumatico), More Theater, Page A3
INDEX
Latest news can be found online at www.currypilot.com Call us: 541-813-1717 Fax: 541-813-1931
Crossword................................................ A8 Classifieds.......................................... A5 Crossword Answers............................ A7
$1.50 Online: www.currypilot.com