CCP44

Who We Are

K9 officers save lifes, make a big difference

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Specialized training for police dogs is part of the regular routine for the Brookings Police K9 units.

Such training was scheduled for March 31 at Azalea Park.

K9 Officers Patrick Smith with K9 Duke and Jason Barrigar with K9 Nova were set to conduct training for a “suspect search” and a property search, which involves the retrieval of a handcuff key lost in the bushes.

“The highly trained dogs save lives and are incredibly successful in mitigating stressful criminal activity and community protective events, like finding lost folks,” Smith said.

Brookings Police Chief Kelby McCrae told The Pilot that the Brookings Police Department has had K-9 teams for more than 25 years.

“These teams of dogs and officers are a great asset to our greater community because they enhance our ability to find and apprehend criminal suspects more safely, find lost people, as well as locate illegal narcotics,” he said.

McCrae added that currently, BPD has two K-9 teams that offer such specialties, which allow officers to be better prepared for all ranges of calls.

“Our K-9 teams are also active as ambassadors for our department,” he said. “They can be seen at community events and frequently visit our schools to build relationships with students and staff, not for enforcement. We are fortunate and thankful for the generosity the Brookings and Harbor communities have shown in supporting this donorfunded program.”

Training to be a K9

K9 Nova joined the force in 2019 following extensive training as a narcotics detecting dog.

The training starts with a good foundation of toy drive and reinforcement, with baby steps in getting the K9 to recognize an odor and beginning to build on that, John McKinney, a retired reserve K9 handler with the police department, told The Pilot in a published interview in 2019.

“A basic bare-bones concept of training for a dope dog is that you have a dog that learns an odor, and when they smell that odor, they get their toy,” McKinney said. “It’s that simple, and not any more complicated than that.”

K9 Nova is a 3-year-old yellow Labrador that came from the central coast of California. Her previous owner obtained her to

be a hunting dog, but ill health forced him to give up bird hunting.

K9 Nova lives with Barrigar and interacts like any other dog at home. On the streets, she’s not exactly off-limits like other service dogs can be.

“She’s super friendly. There are no issues with people coming up, as long as they don’t blindside her - unless we’re in the middle of a search or something like that,” Barrigar said in the Pilot’s 2019 published report.

“We always advocate with kids that they ask permission first when we do our demonstrations or when we are around,” McKinney added. Nova cost the department approximately $13,000, which included her medical background and five weeks of training for both the dog and handler.

The K9 units are not funded from the police department’s budget, but from donations

See OFFICER, Page 6

County Media, Inc

Right: Brookings Police K9 Nova.

Brooking’s City Manager issues public apology

ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Brookings City Manager Janell Howard has proffered an apology for her theft violation, last December.

In a barely audible voice, Howard delivered her act of contrition before a standing-room only audience at the Brookings City Council meeting, Monday evening, March 27.

“I am sorry for the impact my personal matters have had on the residents of Brookings and city employees,” Howard stated. “Unfortunately, these matters have significantly disrupted important city business. I know this has eroded the

communities trust and I am fully committed to earning that trust back. I take my role as City Manager very seriously and I hope we can turn the page today on working together to improve this great place we call home.”

Upon her apology statement, about one-half of the audience walked out of the chamber. Several in that unidentified group were observed muttering, “It (her apology) doesn’t matter. It’s too late.”

Prior to Howard’s statement, eight members of the public addressed councilors during the council’s public comments period. Seven of those who spoke opposed the City Manager’s reappointment. Some asked Howard to

I am sorry for the impact my personal matters have had on the residents of Brookings and city employees.

Janell Howard, Brookings City Manager

step down from her city position.

A few speakers expressed disappointment with the council for rehiring Howard after her No Contest plea to Theft 3, a violation after shoplifting from the Fred Meyer store, July 4, 2022.

“I ran for City Council because I wanted someone on the council

who would advocate for small businesses and be a strong supporter of public safety, fire protection and law enforcement, City Councilor Andy Martin said at the conclusion of the public meeting. “Looking back at that decision the council made, I realize it has caused the council to lose the support and trust of public safety employees

because they do not have confidence or trust in the city manager. There have been numerous claims that are not accurate, but it is obvious the community and public safety employees have no confidence in the city manager or the city council. I told Janell she should resign, and if she doesn’t, the council should consider its own action.”

Council President Ed Schreiber spoke for the Brookings City Council. Schreiber offered an apology for the delay in addressing the issues surrounding Howard and the public concerns expressed at previous city council meetings. “We should have communicated with city employees and the public,”

he said. “We are sorry. We understood our decision to reinstate would not come without question and some criticism.”

Schreiber spoke about the arduous process of evaluating what was best for city residents and employees and the multiple options advised by the city’s legal counsel.

Schreiber said three key factors in reinstating Janell Howard were considered: Howard has the right skills for her job. Howard has as an admirable history of budget and resource management. Howard has a proven track record of success and under her tenure has worked tirelessly to enact

See APOLOGY, Page 6

Oregon will distribute $170M in food benefits

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) was to begin issuing $170 million in Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits to 434,000 students and young children in Oregon beginning this week.

A P-EBT card containing $391 in food benefits, which is different from a regular electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, will be sent by mail to each eligible child. Cards are being sent in batches from late March to the end of May 2023.

“We are grateful to be able to provide these food benefits to eligible students and families with young children in Oregon,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Interim Director Claire

Seguin said. “We encourage anyone who is struggling to meet their basic needs to contact our partners at 211, the Oregon Food Bank and their local Community Action Agency.”

Who is eligible for P-EBT

food benefits

Children are eligible for Summer 2022 P-EBT if they:

• Were eligible to receive free or reduced-price National School Lunch Program meals during school year 2021-2022 or attended a Community Eligibility Provision school.

• Were under the age of 6 and enrolled in SNAP during the summer 2022 months.

Between March and May 2023, each eligible child will receive two pieces of mail ad-

dressed to them:

• A letter notifying them they are eligible to receive P-EBT benefits.

• A separate envelope with their P-EBT card that has $391 of food benefits on it.

Households with multiple eligible children will receive individual letters and cards for each eligible child. Households will start receiving notification letters at the end of March and P-EBT cards will begin arriving in April.

These additional food benefits are part of the P-EBT program, a temporary COVID-19 response program meant to provide additional food support for children whose access to food received through school programs may have been impacted by COVID-19.

Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information about the P-EBT program.

Families with specific questions about their child’s eligibility or P-EBT card can contact the P-EBT Call Center at (844) ORE-PEBT or (844) 673-7328.

The P-EBT Call Center is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somalian, Mandarin and Cantonese.

P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered and families are encouraged to continue to participate in meal programs in their schools and communities.

P-EBT food benefits are issued in addition to regular SNAP benefits. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test.

Resources to help meet needs

• Find food resources: needfood.oregon.gov

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org

• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www. adrcoforegon.org

• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info. org

• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/

• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

The hunt is on

East Egg Hunt set for April 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Submissions for events can be sent by email to: pilotofficemgr@ countrymedia.net

Daily: Chetco Activity Center, 550 Chetco Lane

Daily Meal, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• ‘50s – ‘70s European sports car club membership drive.

If interested contact Chuck at the Del Norte Triplicate 707-460-6726.

Wednesday, April 5

• Chetco Activity Center, T’ai Chi: 9 – 10:30 a.m.

• Line dance lessons, Elks Lodge. Membership not required. $1 donation.

Beginner lessons Noon – 1 p.m. Intermediate lessons 1 – 2 p.m.

• The Walking Group, 10 a.m.,Azalea Park

Meet by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541-412-8664

Intermediate lessons 1 – 2 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11

• Chetco Activity Center, Bridge, 11:45 a.m.

• Advanced Line Dancing, 6 – 8 p.m., 97895 Shopping Center Ave.

• Brookings-Harbor Garden Club, Botanical Garden, 10 – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

Wednesday, April 12

• Chetco Activity Center, T’ai Chi, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

• Line dance lessons, Elks Lodge. Membership not required. $1 donation.

Beginner lessons Noon – 1 p.m. Intermediate lessons 1 – 2 p.m.

• The Walking Group, 10 a.m.,Azalea Park

Meet by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541-412-8664

Metro Creative Connection

The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. April 9

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The Loyal Order of the Gold Beach Moose Lodge 2101 announces the return of the organization’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. April 9 at Buffington Park in Gold Beach. The hunt will be categorized into five different age groups, 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. Cooked eggs and plastic eggs will be available for the youngsters to find.

Previous egg hunts had been cancelled since the COVID pandemic.

Children are encourage to wear boots because the park grass will be likely be wet on the day of the hunt.

McKay’s Markets, Ray’s Food Place, Double D’s restaurant, Indian Creek Cafe, Nesika Market, Porthole Cafe, Spinners, Turner’s Shell Mini Market, Sunset Pizza and Coos Curry Electric Co-op are sponsoring this year’s egg hunt.

“Without their generosity we would not be able to put this community Easter Egg Hunt together,” a release from the organizer’s states. We also want to khank our

• Midweek Lent service, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 6 p.m., 401 Fir St, Brookings

• Kindergarten Round-Up DriveThru Packet pick-up for the 20232024 School year, 2 – 6 p.m., Kalmiopsis Elementary School Gym, 650 Easy Street

volunteers who pick up the eggs, cook the eggs, color the eggs, and hide the eggs for our little tots to find.”

The Gold Beach Moose Lodge will have a members and qualified guests only potluck dinner starting at 5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge at 4th and Leith Road. Those attending are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to help round out the meal.

For more information about the Moose Lodge, the egg hunt or the potluck, contact Randy Waters at 541-373-0259 or at cowboy97444@gmail.com

New Brookings Finance Director appointed

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Anella (Lu) Ehlers has been appointed the City of Brookings Finance Director.

The appointment of was announced by Brookings City Manager Janell Howard. Ehlers has been the acting Finance Director since July 2022.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this new capacity,” Ehlers said. “And I am excited to continue working with a great team of people.

Ehlers has worked for the City of Brookings since 2011 as the Human Resources/Accounting Man-

ager before being promoted to Deputy Finance Director in 2018. Prior to joining the city, Ehlers worked as a staff accountant at Musser Accounting in Brookings. A native of Brookings, Ehlers has spent 35 years in the accounting field, of which 19 are in governmental accounting, including the Air Force, Alaska Housing, and the City of

Thursday, April 6

• Chetco Activity Center, Bridge, 11:45 a.m.

• Widows and Widowers Coffee Clique,10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Community Center, Airport Way, Gold Beach

Friday, April 7

• Chetco Activity Center, T’ai Chi, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

• The Walking Group, 10 a.m.,Azalea Park

Meet at Azalea Park by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541-412-8664

Monday, April 10

To register students must be age 5 by Sept. 1st (2018 birth year or earlier). Have your online registration and your paper packet completed by April 28th. For information call 541-469-7417.

Thursday, April 13

• Chetco Activity Center, Bridge, 11:45 a.m.

• Widows and Widowers Coffee Clique,10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Community Center, Airport Way, Gold Beach

Friday, April 14

• Chetco Activity Center, T’ai Chi: 9 – 10:30 a.m.

• The Walking Group, 10 a.m.,Azalea Park

Brookings.

After graduating from Brookings-Harbor High School, Ehlers received an associate degree in accounting technology from the Oregon Institute of Technology. She also received the Professional Finance Officers Certification in 2022.

“We are happy to promote Lu from within the organization,” Howard said. “She has worked very hard to prepare for her new role, and we are looking forward to a long-term relationship given her experience with the community.”

To reach the Brookings Finance Department, call 541-469-2163.

• Line dance lessons, Elks Lodge. Membership not required. $1 donation.

Beginner lessons Noon – 1 p.m.

Meet by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541412-8664

Ziemer appointed to new city post

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Brookings Public Works Director Tony Baron has announced the appointment of Lauri Ziemer as Deputy Public Works and Development Services Director.

“I’m happy to continue working for the city in this new capacity,” Ziemer said.

Ziemer has been with the City of Brookings

since 2005. She has held positions in both the City Manager’s office and Public Works and Development Department and has filled in at the finance department when needed.

She has spent over 40 years working for government entities, including district attorney’s offices, community colleges, and cities, all of which provided diverse work experiences,

according to a release from the City of Brookings. Ziemer has agreed to take on this new role, which was vacated by Jay Trost following his appointed as Curry County Commissioner in February. “Lauri has always done a fantastic job managing Public Works contracts, the Building Department permit process, navigating the municipal code, and has a great feel for customer service,” Baron said.

at Buffington Park in Gold Beach.

We are happy to promote Luly from within the organization.

Janell Howard, Brookings City Manager

Coast Moment Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.

After a rainstorm at Harris Beach in Brookings. See more Coast Moment photos at currypilot.com.

Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solution now law

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Gov. Tina Kotek has signed House Bills 5019 and 2001 into law during her first ceremonial bill signing as Governor after both bills passed with bipartisan support last week.

The legislation will help address Oregon’s housing and homelessness crisis and includes the urgent funding Governor Kotek proposed in response to the homelessness state of emergency that she declared on her first full day in office. The funding is dedicated to homelessness prevention programs, more shelter capacity, rehousing

services and more.

What House Bill 2001 and House Bill 5019 will do:

• Fund the governor’s homelessness state of emergency to allow for a statewide and coordinated response to homelessness ($130 million)

• Extend homelessness support to rural and coastal Oregon ($27 million)

• Provide support for homeless youth by connecting them with rental assistance, shelter, culturally specific services, and health care ($25 million)

• Increase production of affordable modular housing in Oregon ($20 million)

• Improve on-site workforce housing for farmworkers ($5 million)

• Grant renters faced with eviction for non-payment more time to access

Gov.

Courtesy photo

Kotek holds the signed Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solution bills following the ceremony in Salem.

rental assistance and other services

• Make affordable housing production the state’s top planning priority and ensure the state will work with local partners to identify effective strate-

gies and tools to increase production

“On my first full day in office, I honored my commitment to all Oregonians by declaring a homelessness state of emergency,” Kotek said. “I said at the

POLICE BLOTTER

were reported on Marine Drive

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Chetco Avenue

• An intoxicated person was reported on Oak Street

March 30

• Suspicious conditions were reported on Zia Court

time that the declaration needed to be followed by a comprehensive housing and homelessness package this legislative session. These two bills are the down payment on this session’s efforts.”

Court Street

March 21

• Criminal trespassing was reported on Chetco Avenue

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Chetco Avenue

• A public assist was requested on Park Avenue

• A juvenile problem was reported on Ransom Avenue

“Faced with a statewide housing and homelessness crisis, legislators worked across the aisle and with the Governor to put Oregon on a path toward a future where housing is available and affordable for everyone,” Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said.

“Today demonstrates that we can deliver on the biggest, most important issues facing Oregonians,” House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) said. “Both chambers, both parties, came together with the Governor to tackle our big challenges head on. And we did it in an unprecedented timeframe.”

Kotek was joined by lawmakers and advocates at the signing ceremony in her capitol building office in Salem Wednesday, March 29.

milepost 346

Brooking Police Department

March 19

• Suspicious conditions

Safety will start its 25th year and will be taking application at Kindergarten Roundup April 12th. Applications are also available in the foyer at Brookings Police Department on and after April 12th.

The 2023 schedule is as follows:

Week 1 – June 26 Week 2 – July 10th

As always this is a free program to all children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2023. children can be public school, private school or home schooled.

Sign up early to make sure your child gets the week they want.

This is our 25th year. We are inviting any and all who attended safety city in the past to come to graduation on July 1st 2023.

If you have questions please contact:

Dan Palicki, 541-469-5253

• A loud noise was reported on Highway 101

• Theft was reported on Truman Street

• A burglary was reported on Easy Street

• A fire was reported on Chetco River Road

March 22

• Disorderly conduct was reported on South Highway 101

• A collision was reported on Oak Street

• A fight was reported on

• An intoxicated person was reported on Fifth Street

• A fire was reported on Marine Drive

• A theft was reported on Wharf Street

March 23

• A collision was reported on Fifth Street

• Criminal mischief was reported on Chetco Avenue

• A collision was reported on Highway 101 at milepost 340

• A fight was reported on Titus Lane

• Stalking was reported on Highway 101 North

• Telephone harassment was reported on Chetco Avenue

• A collision was reported on Mill Beach and Highway 101

• A collision was reported on Fourth Street

March 24

• A collision was reported on Highway 101 at

• A juvenile problem was reported on Pacific Avenue

• Criminal trespassing was reported on Fifth Street

• A public assist was requested on Cedar Street

• A fight was reported on Chetco Avenue

March 25

• A fire was reported on Shopping Center Avenue

• A fight was reported on Railroad Street

• Criminal mischief was reported on Chetco Avenue

March 26

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Benham Lane

• A theft was reported on Fifth Street

• A collision was reported on Highway 101 and Benham Lane

• Unlawful entry of a motor vehicle was reported on Highway 101 near milepost 349

• A loud noise was reported on Collis Lane

Chetco Activity Center

Invites you to Join Us this week for a Delicious, Nutritious Hot Lunch 550 Chetco Lane, Brookings 541-469-6822

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 34567

Chicken Cordon Bleu, Turmeric Rice, Peas & Carrots

Beef Stroganoff, Mashed Potatoes, Chuck Wagon Blend

Vegetarian Rigatoni, Garlic Bread, Italian Blend

Sloppy Joes, Pork & Beans, Creamed Corn Herb Baked Fish, Potatoes, Capri Vegetable Blend

Beef Ravioli, Garlic Bread, Italian Blend Chili Mac, Succotash, Capri Vegetable Blend

BBQ Chicken, Lemon Baked Fish, Baked Potatoes, Kyoto Edamame Chili with Beef, Corn Bread, Chuck Wagon Blend

Oven Fried Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Peas

Vegetarian Rigatoni, Garlic Bread, Italian Blend

Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, Italian Blend

TURKEY DAY Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Veggies

Meat Loaf, Baked Beans, Capri Vegetable Blend

1011 12 1314 17 18192021 2425262728 Menu is subject to change without notice. Meals include Drinks (Coffee, Tea (hot or iced), Milk, or Water) Salad, and Dessert Suggested Donation: $6.00

Lemon Fish, Garlic Potatoes, Kyoto Edamame

Taco Salad, Refried Beans, Baja Corn Herb Baked Fish, Tater Barrels, Scandinavian Blend Kielbasa & Sauerkraut, Parsley Potatoes, Peas & Carrots

The police blotter is an excerpt of a public record of incidents as reported by law-enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty. The information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

Opinion & Letters VIEWPOINTS

More Oregon families now claim the EITC

Tyler Mac Innis Pilot Guest Column

Oregon no longer dwells in the bottom when it comes to ensuring families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claim it. In fact, according to the most recently available data for the 2019 tax year, Oregon now finds itself a tick above the national average.

That means thousands more Oregon families are now getting extra resources to help make ends meet.

In 2019, Oregon made a huge leap forward. That year, nearly 80 percent of Oregonians eligible for the EITC claimed it, the highest figure for Oregon on record dating back to 2012, when the IRS began publishing data on EITC uptake. By comparison, only about 73 percent of eligible households claimed the credit in 2018.

For years, Oregon ranked among the bottom of the list in EITC participation, falling as low as 50th among all states and the District of Columbia for tax years 2017 and 2018. But in 2019, Oregon jumped to the middle of the pack at 29th on the list, and slightly above the national average of 79.3 percent. While there is still room for improvement, the jump in the rankings deserves attention.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most effective tools for helping working families meet their basic needs and improve their lives. In 2019, households claiming the refundable portion of the credit received nearly $2,100 on average. That figure was higher for tax filers with children. Had Oregon’s EITC uptake rate remained at 2018 levels, 22,000 fewer households would have claimed the credit, making it that much more difficult for those families to make ends meet.

While it is difficult to say for certain what has led to the increase in EITC claims, several factors may be at play. In 2017, Oregon lawmakers passed SB 398 which directed the Bureau of Labor and Industries to adopt rules requiring employers to send information about the EITC to employees alongside their W-2s. These notices aim to give better information on how to claim the credit to workers who may be eligible.

The pandemic stimulus payments may also have

played a role. In order to be eligible for the first Economic Impact Payment issued in April of 2020, a person needed to have filed their taxes for either 2018 or 2019. Efforts to ensure more Oregonians received federal stimulus payments likely brought some eligible non-filers into the fold, resulting in their receiving the EITC in 2019. Still, tens of thousands Oregonians remain eligible for the EITC but do not claim it. Fortunately, Oregon lawmakers have not lost sight of the need to improve Oregon’s EITC uptake rate.

In 2022, Oregon created the Tax Infrastructure grant program at the Oregon Department of Human Services. The Tax Infrastructure grant program can continue to improve Oregon’s EITC uptake by expanding taxpayer assistance for individuals who historically have not filed their taxes. The program not only supports a network of culturally specific, culturally responsive, and rural providers of taxpayer assistance, but also funds innovations in the tax filing system that respond to the needs of communities, especially those that have the most barriers to filing their taxes.

Another approach for ensuring Oregon families qualifying for the EITC get this vital tax credit is for the state and federal governments to enact a free tax filing system. The reality is that both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue often have in their possession all of the information that goes into a family’s tax return. In a free tax filing system, the IRS and the department would send everyone a pre-filled tax form. People would have the option of submitting it “as is,” correcting it, or rejecting it and preparing a tax return from scratch. A pre-filled tax return would not only relieve many Oregon families of the cost and hassle of preparing a tax return, it would increase the share of qualifying families who claim the earned income tax credit.

Today we can celebrate the progress Oregon has made in ensuring the more families claim the tax credit that can help them make ends meet. And we can vow to continue fighting for the policies that can ensure that all the families that qualify for the EITC actually get it.

Tyler Mac Innis is a policy analysist at the Oregon Center for Public Policy. To reach the Center call 971279-4732.

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY

Are we a co-op?

Did you receive another notification from Beacon Broadband, informing you that they have contracted Key Line Construction to“build a fiber optic network”?

In the same “notification,” Beacon is claiming to be, “a wholly owned subsidiary of CCEC?” You may seriously question exactly who owns CCEC.

• Who made the decisions to encumber the membership/owners with TWO $60 million dollar loans?

• Who knows what the total loan costs are projected to be (interest rates, term of loans, penalties, etc.)?

• Who decides how and when capital credits are distributed (currently, 25% of 2021 “allocation” and 100% of “allocation” from 1995), as well as how much?

• Who calculates the “allocations” and “net margin” of providing electric service: defined as excess “revenues over the costs of providing electric service in a year”? There is NO mention of capital credits being utilized, allocated, or approved for “wholly owned subsidiaries” and/or their subcontractors.

• Who has documentation of a comprehensive business plan which would ensure the CCEC owner/ members that funding/subsidies are insured and guaranteed with appropriate interest and penalties for delays/defaults?

It is clear to me that the CCEC Board of Directors is gambling with our money and are not held account-

able or liable: just like the most recent bank failures. Take a good look. Critical decisions are needed, particularly with the upcoming CCEC Board election.

date (this year).

Mailing: PO Box 700

OR

STAFF

Publisher: David ornberry

Executive Editor: Jeremy Ruark . .

Regional Editor Emeritus: Dave Rupkalvis

Associate Editor: Roger Gitlin

Manager: Shawn Hedgecorth

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will review income eligibility for approximately 1.5 million Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) members starting April 1, after federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) protections for continuous eligibility will end.

State health officials urge OHP members to review any notices they receive from OHA about their health benefits and respond promptly with any requested information.

State administrators need updated information to determine whether a member remains eligible for coverage for OHP and other Medicaid-funded services and supports.

During the federally-declared COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) extended coverage for all Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members. This extension was set to end March 31.

When the pandemic began, the federal government

Catherine

Wiley CCEC member for over 30 years

Wants answers

As a member/owner (all members are owners) of Coos Curry Electric Co-op, I hope the concerns of many of us will soon be addressed by the current Board. We are trying to understand the Beacon Broadband project and the impact on CCEC members. It is frequently highlighted in glowing terms in the Ruralite, but many questions are not addressed. The CCEC Board initially authorized a $60 million loan for the Beacon project with a 2-year completion time frame. CCEC officially broke ground on April 15, 2021. Now, the majority of the Board has authorized an additional $60 million loan for the project with a completion date of four years from now. In May of last year, management provided, at the request of a member, figures for a Beacon spreadsheet that included an expected customer base of 12002400 and an estimated operating cost of $8 million.

A very recent press release proudly states that there are now 500 customers; noticeably less than the projected 1200-2400 ... and no mention of the original completion

As I understand it; the Board has committed to $120 million in loans and an extended projected completion date of 4 years from now, instead of the initial 2023. The math is concerning. Thank you for your time.

Gayle Wilcox

35-year resident Port Orford

Owner Sea Breeze Florist 34 years Board member of Port Orford Cemetery Maintenance District Retired firefighter/Fire Chief Port Orford Volunteer Fire Department Retired Volunteer EMT Intermediate and Board member Port Orford Community Ambulance

Chetco Avenue Street Study

We haul lime to farmers south of town from Salem and deal with this situation daily from June to August. I have got to the point that we use the inside lane because of the parking, cars park and not close enough to the curb and it squeezes use with cars in the passing lane, also they open doors without checking traffic. We’ve been fortunate not to have an accident.

I knew this was coming but wondered how it would be done without removing buildings. Thanks for the time.

Gene Ferschweiler Gervais

Health care coverage eligibility to be reviewed

allowed states to keep people on Medicaid once they became eligible. During an historic health emergency, OHP grew to nearly 1.5 million people, or one in three Oregonians.

March 31 marked an end to the federally enhanced Medicaid coverage. While most people will continue to qualify for existing benefits, OHA is required to review eligibility for all OHP members by mid-2024. Oregon will begin to notify OHP members starting in mid-April.

“We want to do everything we can to make sure Oregon Health Plan members stay covered as long as they are eligible,” OHA Medicaid Director Dana Hittle said. “It’s important for OHP members to keep their address up to date with us and for people to respond to any notices they receive. We know this process can be stressful for many members. We don’t want anyone to lose health coverage because of a missed notice.”

All OHP households will receive a renewal notice over the next ten months. It is very important that people understand that

everyone will receive a notice and receiving a notice does not mean that action is required, according to the OHA. The notice will tell members what they need to do, or if they don’t need to do anything at all.

If someone is determined to be no longer eligible for OHP, they will have 60 days before their OHP benefits will end. State officials will work to connect people who lose eligibility for OHP to the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace to find other health coverage.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) will be sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits and advising of potential coverage options and financial help through the Marketplace. People who do not enroll through the Marketplace will receive a second notice 30 days before their Oregon Health Plan benefits end.

The Marketplace Transition Help Center will be available starting April 13 to help people understand their options, how to transition to the Marketplace,

and to find help from local health coverage experts.

“We are committed to helping eligible Oregon Health Plan members maintain their coverage,” Hittle said. “We don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks. We want to protect and expand health coverage so more children and adults have access to the health care they need.”

Extending health coverage

Oregon plans to allow children to stay on Medicaid until age six and allow everyone else up to two years of eligibility regardless of changes in income and without having to reapply. No other state provides more than one year of guaranteed eligibility.

The state has also created a safety net for those who through redetermination no longer qualify for Medicaid but have an annual income below 200% of the federal poverty level, which amounts to about $29,000 for individuals. This safety net will allow someone to keep the coverage they have.

Tyler Mac Innis

OBITUARIES

Jill Aardappel

On Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, Jill Golden Aardappel, a beloved mother, passed away due to complications of cancer. She was born to the parents Howard and Lucille Golden, February 3rd, 1945, in Pittsburg, PA, and was raised in the Los Angeles area. Jill is survived by her daughter, Jamie Comer of Carlsbad, CA, son-in-law Chris Comer, her Granddaughter Kayden Comer and her Granddogs, Amelia, and Mia. She is also survived by her two nieces, Whitney Moss-Currier and Xan DeVoss, her best friend and soul mate, Heidi English, and the abandoned cat, Little Miss, who is now in Heidi’s loving care. Along with so many friends whom she loved like family. Jill was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Lucille and her sisters, Judy DeVoss and Jackie Moss.

Jill spent time in Manassas Park, VA, Big Sur, CA and Carmel, CA before making her final move to Brookings, OR, where she loved living in the redwood forest with a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Living in Carmel, CA, she focused on her one love, photography, making friends with the sea otters she often photographed as well. Upon moving to Oregon, she was the campground host for the US Forrest Service at the Ludlum House in Brookings, OR for over 10 years and received several outstanding service awards. Everyone who met her there became an instant friend and just raved about her bubbly happy personality and willingness to go the extra mile. “For many guests who return to the Ludlum House every year, the enchantment is due as much to Jill’s warm, inviting attitude as it is to the beauty of the mossy, trillium-laden forest.”

Quoted out of the Curry Coastal Pilot by Kurt Madar (2008). Before and during her time as a host, she was well known on the Mushroom picking circuit

Employment rising in Curry, Coos counties

JERMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

Curry County payroll employment gained 60 jobs in February.

Construction had the largest increase, up by 20 jobs. Small gains in service-related industries accounted for the other jobs added.

Over the past year, Curry County payroll employment was unchanged.

Losses were estimated in leisure and hospitality (-70), financial activities (-30), and manufacturing (-20). A few industries added jobs since February 2022 including other services (+40), retail trade (+30), and health care (+30).

The Oregon Employment Department reports the February 6.2% unemployment rate reflects 8,303 employed and 545 unem-

ployed in Curry County.

Coos County Coos County total payroll employment rose by 270 jobs in February, according to the latest report from the Oregon Employment Department.

Job gains

Most of the increase was due to a seasonally typical gain of 250 jobs in local government education. Other industries adding jobs were professional and business services (+40) and leisure and hospitality (+30). A few industries posted small declines including retail trade (-20) and food manufacturing (-20).

Payroll employment

Coos County payroll employment rose by 350 jobs

See JOBS, Page 6

where she met even more friends as she could be found at the buy station off Hwy 101.

Jill will soon be swimming with her favorite animal, the Dolphin, near Catalina Island. Donations can be made, in her name to the South Coast Humane Society by check SCHS PO Box 7833, Brookings, OR 97415 or online https:// www.

Frank Edward Hageman Jr.

Brookings resident, Frank Edward Hageman Jr., passed away on March 18, 2023 at 90 years of age. At his request, no services will be held. Redwood Memorial Chapel assisted the family.

Phyllis Ann Kerr

Phyllis Ann Kerr, 88, of Brookings, Oregon passed

away on March 15, 2023. Phyllis was born June 19, 1934, to John Dillon Darger and Agnes Catherine (Schons) Darger in Tracy, Minnesota. She was joined by siblings Joanne, Marge, and John. John and Agnes left Minnesota with Phyllis when she was two. After living in Santa Rosa and Chehalis and finding no work, they settled in Brookings in 1939 where Phyllis was raised with her three siblings.

Phyllis was on the 1951 Azalea Court and graduated valedictorian from Brookings-Harbor High School in 1951.

Robert Kerr caught the eye of Phyllis, and they were married in Brookings September 28, 1952. They became parents to four children: Tom, Linda, Gary, and Steve. Their love story continued for 70 years.

Phyllis delighted in her life

as a homemaker, wife, and mother. She loved to bake, sew, knit, and have family gatherings with plenty of delicious home cooking. She enjoyed sewing special dresses and outfits for her children and grandchildren.

Bob and Phyllis enjoyed following their grandchildren in sports, dance, and other activities. Phyllis had a great love for children.

Phyllis was active in Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years, giving many hours of community service. She was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts for 7 years, 4-H leader, and SMART volunteer.

Bob and Phyllis were Grand Marshalls of the Azalea Parade and Pioneer Citizens.

Phyllis and Bob camped with their children up the Chetco River in their growing years and later owned property to park their RV at the river’s edge. For several decades they traveled for weeks at a time in their motor home to destinations such as Arizona, Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Texas and

Minnesota.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Robert; her children: Tom (Joye) Kerr of Brookings, Linda (Rich) Kehr of Coeur d’Alene, Gary (Karen) Kerr of Grants Pass, and Steve (Martha) Kerr of Brookings; her grandchildren Amy, Christine, Kimberly, Chris, Brad, Alissa, Ashley, Kristin, Christel, Jill, and Stephanie, and 16 great-grandchildren. Her siblings: Joanne (Mike) Wildman of Bend, Marge (Ed) Gran of Brookings and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her brother and wife Jack and Randi Darger.

A private service is being held at Azalea Park in Brookings.

Donations in her name can be made to the Chetco Community Public Library or SMART reading in Brookings-Harbor School District.mysouthcoasthumane.org/donate as her love for animals, especially those in need, were dear to her heart.

p.m.

Wednesday Mass...........5:15 p.m.

Friday Mass....................5:15 p.m.

Saturday Mass................4:30 p.m.

Saturday Spanish Mass....6:30 p.m.

Sunday Mass..................8:30 a.m.

First Friday every month Adoration 4 p.m. & Mass 6 p.m. First Saturday every month Mass 9 a.m. https://staroftheseastcharles.org/

For local Baha’i info, please call 541-251-2436 • 541-469-6556

OSU research leads to better batteries

Pilot Guest Article

Scientists led by an Oregon State University researcher have developed a new electrolyte that raises the efficiency of the zinc metal anode in zinc batteries to nearly 100%, a breakthrough on the way to an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage.

The research is part of an ongoing global quest for new battery chemistries able to store renewable solar and wind energy on the electric grid for use when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

Xiulei “David” Ji of the OSU College of Science and a collaboration that included HP Inc. and GROTTHUSS INC., an Oregon State spinout company, reported their findings in Nature Sustainability.

“The breakthrough represents a significant advancement toward making zinc metal batteries more accessible to consumers,”

Ji said. “These batteries are essential for the installation of additional solar and wind farms. In addition, they offer a secure and efficient solution for home energy storage, as well as energy storage modules for communities that are vulnerable to natural disasters.”

How batteries work

A battery stores electricity in the form of chemical energy and through reac-

Officer

Continued from Page 1 and fundraisers.

County Sheriff’s K9s

In an additional Pilot interview published in 2019, then Curry County Sheriff’s Reserve Officer and K9 Unit Supervisor

Brad Alcorn said the K9 officers are critical in helping to ease area crime.

“The flow of illegal drugs into and out of the county is directly related to many of the local crimes. “There is clearly evidence between criminal behavior

Apology

Continued from Page 1 positive change and progress for the community.

Financial impact on city taxpayers

The city’s new contract with Howard is designed to significantly protect the public with safeguards not noted on Howard‘s 2018 contract. Those safeguards include: Off- duty behavior

Jobs

Continued from Page 5 over the past year.

Gains were posted in professional and business services (+100); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+50); and leisure and hospitality (+40). Industries with estimated job losses over the year were construction (-90), retail trade (-30), other services (-20), and mining and logging (-20). Government employment climbed by 260 jobs with gains in local government excluding edu-

tions converts it to electrical energy. There are many different types of batteries, but most of them work the same basic way and contain the same basic components.

Every battery has two electrodes – the anode, from which electrons flow out into an external circuit, and the cathode, which acquires electrons from the external circuit – and the electrolyte, the chemical medium that separates the electrodes and allows the flow of ions between them.

Relying on a metal that’s safe and abundant, zincbased batteries are energy dense and seen as a possible alternative for grid energy storage to widely

and drug trafficking,” he said. “Now, we have a resource in place that can have a direct impact on narcotics trafficking and that is huge to other crimes, such as property crimes, violent crimes. So, as the K9 units bear down on the drug trafficking, other crimes will be solved and that will result in more criminal-suspect arrests.”

The Sheriff’s K9 officers also said the K9s are critical in helping with rescues during a tsunami, a flood, or a building collapse.

A few years back K9

standards.

Limited two-year renewable contract, subject to review.

More supervision.

The inclusion of reduced benefits with or without cause for termination.

In a special meeting in late January, the city council voted 4-1 reinstating Howard as Brookings City Manager. The council deleted her

cation and tribal (+150) and Indian tribal (+90).

February’s 5.5% unemployment rate in Coos

20

used lithium-ion batteries, whose production relies on shrinking supplies of rare metals such as cobalt and nickel. Cobalt and nickel are also toxic and can contaminate ecosystems and water sources if they leach out of landfills.

Additionally, electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are commonly dissolved in flammable organic solvents that often decompose at high operation voltages. Other safety concerns include dendrites, which resemble tiny trees growing inside a battery. They can pierce the separator like thistles growing through cracks in a driveway, leading to unwanted and some-

community supporter Judy Schaeffer with the help of Kalmiopsis Elementary school students successfully raise $1,500 to purchase a bulletproof vest for K9 Hulk. Who We Are is a frequent presentation by The Pilot highlighting community members making a positive difference in the lives of others. Roger Gitlin contributed to this report.

times unsafe chemical reactions.

“Zinc metal batteries are one of the leading candidate technologies for largescale energy storage,” Ji said. “Our new hybrid electrolyte uses water and an ordinary battery solvent, which is non-flammable, cost-effective and of low environmental impact. The electrolyte is made of a dissolved mixture of inexpensive chloride salts, with the primary one being zinc chloride.”

The cost of electricity delivered by a storage facility consisting of zinc batteries can only be competitive with fossil-fuel-produced electricity if the battery has

a long cycle life of thousands of cycles, Ji said. To date, however, cycle life has been limited by the poor reversibility performance of the zinc anode.

During charging, Ji explains, zinc cations in the electrolyte gain electrons and get plated on the anode surface. During discharge, the plated anode gives up electrons for the workload by being dissolved into the electrolyte.

“This zinc plating and dissolution process is often woefully irreversible,” Ji said. “Namely, some electrons used in plating cannot be recouped during discharge. This is a problem in an area known as Coulombic efficiency.”

Coulombic efficiency, or CE, is a measure of how well electrons are transferred in batteries, the ratio of the total charge extracted from the battery to the charge put in the over a full cycle. Lithium-ion batteries can have a CE in excess of 99%.

The new electrolyte developed by Ji and collaborators including scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Penn State and the University of California, Riverside, enabled a CE of 99.95%.

Passivation layer

“The primary challenge with zinc batteries is that zinc reacts with water in the electrolyte to generate hydrogen gas in what is called a hydrogen evolution

reaction,” Ji said. “This parasitic reaction causes a short cycle life and is also a potential safety hazard.”

The new electrolyte, however, restricts water’s reactivity and nearly shuts down the hydrogen evolution reaction by forming a “passivation layer” on the surface of the anode. A similar passivation layer is what enabled the initial commercialization of lithium-ion batteries in the 1990s.

Ji credits OSU chemistry colleague Chong Fang for uncovering the electrolyte’s atomic structure by using femtosecond Raman spectroscopy and Alex Greaney at UC Riverside for determining the passivation mechanism.

“Also, it is worth noting that the efficiency we measured is under harsh conditions that do not mask any damage caused by the hydrogen evolution reaction,” Ji added. “The breakthrough reported here heralds the near-future commercialization of the zinc metal batteries for large-scale grid storage.”

OSU’s Kyriakos Stylianou also took part in this research, which was supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve. lundeberg@oregonstate. edu

duties as finance director. The lone, dissenting vote came from Councilor Isaac Hodges.

The Brookings City Council meets again, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Brookings City Hall, 898 Elk Drive.

Roger Gitlin / Country Media, Inc.

Right: The Brookings City Council meeting drew a packed house.

County reflects 24,907 employed and 1,456 unemployed.

10

Courtesy photo from Brookings Police Brookings Police Officer Patrick Smith and K9 Duke.

Courtesy photo from OSU

Researchers said wind and solar power sources would greatly benefit from the new, improved battery technologies.

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Employment Opps 515

The City of Brookings is now accepting applications for the position of PWDS Admin Assistant, Full Time. This position is open until filled, with a first review date of April 6, 2023.

Salary range is $2,881$3,861/month. Application packets are available at the City of Brookings Finance Department, 898 Elk Drive, Brookings OR 97415, (541) 469-1105. Hours 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday or at www. brookings.or.us. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City of Brookings application form.

Part / full-time LEGAL ASSISTANT. Will train if computer proficient. Send resume & cover letter to Love Law, LLC, PO Box 510, Gold Beach, OR 97444, or e-mail LoveLawLLC@icloud.com

The City of Brookings is now accepting applications for positions of Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor for the 2023 swim season.

This is a seasonal, part time position starting at $12.50/hr. Application packets are available at the City of Brookings Finance Department, 898 Elk Drive, Brookings OR 97415, (541) 469-1105. Hours 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday or at www. brookings.or.us. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City of Brookings application form.

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Wanted Autos 690

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Apts Unfurnished 804

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Houses Furnished 806

Furnished Vacation rental in Smith River $1700/mo + 1st & last. No animals. All utils except power. Short/longterm rental. 707-460-1385

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE at 5:30 PM, on Thursday, April 20, 2023, the City of Crescent City’s Planning Commission will be holding a Public Hearing, during the special scheduled monthly meeting, located at the Waste Water Treatment Plant (210 Battery Street) on the following application:

AGENDA ITEM IV.A:

VAR23-01/AR23-04 - LNL Design and Construction

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation is Hiring

Apply Today!

Fiscal Analyst - Full Time ($58,017.02-$92,020.36)

This position will coordinate and perform professional and technical responsibilities related to the tribes financial operation; assist in maintaining control over fiscal information system by monitoring and analyzing financial records, budgeting, accounting, grants, and managerial-financial reporting, recommending accounting procedures and controls, preparing and interpreting monthly and annual financial reports and assuring that the Tribe and the Tribe’s component units comply with Tribal, State, and Federal policies, procedures and regulations, as well as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements..

Download application or apply: www.tolowa-nsn.gov/jobs

Email applications and questions to: HR@tolowa.com Fax applications to: 1-888-468-0134

POLICE RECRUIT (POLICE ACADEMY PROGRAM) - POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF CRESCENT CITY. Fulltime with great benefits, $18.56 hourly salary PLUS great benefit package. Job announcement and application packet available at www.crescentcity.org or at, City Hall 377 J Street, Crescent City, CA 95531. Contact HR Manager Sunny Valero for questions at (707) 464-7483, ext. 233. Position closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Boats & Motors 602

Wanted!! 28 ft Long X 10 ft wide boat trailer. In Brookings. 702-275-6041

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Misc/Trade 700

Custom moving dolly for heavy furniture. Pneumatic tires, ramp included. $99. 707-464-4862

Fish Tank - 20 Gallon. All accessories +. Extra filter sys, deco rocks, and more. You haul $60. 541-254-0438

Queen sized wooden headboard w/ side panel storage and mirror in the middle. $29. 707-218-6543 707-487-6027

RYOBI 2300 Generator, brand new, zerohours. #RYI2322VNM. Asking $500. 707-487-2173

Garage Sales 702

170 China Creek Ct. (off Vipond), CC. Sat, Apr 8 only 8am-2pm. Furniture, Pie safe, and misc. household items.

Stereo, TV & Video 713

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Duplexes 810

2 br 1 ba, small garage, W/D, water, internet, and trash included. $1250/mo + deposit. 707-464-4646

RV Space for Rent 819

RV Space for Rent in 55 or older park. $440/mo. Call: Ralph (541) 251-3334

Commercial Space 832

Barber shop 20 Years Hwy 101 $4500 541-294-2871

Storage 860

Inside 12X30 Storage. $150/mo. Not suitable for household items. 541-661-1570

Public Notices 999

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: The Kobold’s Lair, LLC 436 Lauff Avenue Crescent City, CA 95531

This Business is conducted by: a limited liability company

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed on: n/a

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to this section that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Signed:/s/ John Degler, Owner, The Kobold’s Lair, LLC

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Del Norte County on: 2/16/2023

Alissia D. Northrup County Clerk-Recorder B. McCune-Sokoloski, Deputy File No. 20230022

Published: March 17, 24, 31, and April 5, 2023

Del Norte Triplicate T360377

LNL Design and Construction submitted a Variance Permit & Site Plan / Architectural Design Review Application (VAR23-01/ AR23-04) to request a 2-ft rear-yard setback, a reduction from the required 10-ft, for a proposed expansion on an existing commercial building within the C-2 Zoning (General Commercial District) located at 1348 Front Street (APN 118080-017). The proposed project is determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15332 (In-Fill Development Projects).

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION is invited by the following methods:

1) In-Person:

3-minute public comment at the podium will be allowed;

2) Virtually: via Zoom, additional information and instructions will be posted the City’s website www. crescentcity.org; 3) In-Writing: prior to 12:00 PM the day of the meeting, via publiccomment@crescentcity.org or by filing with the City Clerk at 377 J Street, Crescent City, CA, 95531. Written public comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission, posted on the website, and will not be read aloud during the meeting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION including general questions regarding the Planning Commission, the permit process, submission of materials, and other information not specific to this project may be directed to the City’s Planning Consultant (elawton@shn-engr. com/707-633-9031).

Published: April 5, 2023 Del Norte Triplicate

T361370

Notice of Public Meeting

The Harbor Sanitary District Board of Directors will hold a Regular Meeting April 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Harbor Sanitary District Building 16408 Lower Harbor Rd. Brookings OR. Subjects to be considered:

1. Approval of the Budget Calendar.

2. Appointment to the Budget Committee

3. Appoint Budget Officer

4. Review for Approval Agreement for Engineering Service with Civil West Engineering To connect via Zoom 480281-2429 Passcode 3QcCvM

/S/Anthony Burkett, Board Chairman

Published: April 5, 2023 Curry Coastal Pilot P361373

State issues caution about self-directed IRAs

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

As more people look for alternative ways to save for retirement, self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have become increasingly popular.

While self-directed IRAs offer investors greater control over their investments, they also come with potential risks and financial losses, according to a consumer alert issued by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (ODFR).

ODFR is urging investors to exercise caution when considering self-directed IRAs. While self-directed IRAs may offer the potential for higher returns, they also come with increased risks, including the possibility of fraudulent schemes,

high fees, and volatile performance that can result in financial loss. Self-directed IRAs allow investors to hold alternative assets, such as real estate, precious metals, private equity, and cryptocurrency within their retirement accounts. This flexibility can be appealing, but it also creates the potential for investors to be exposed to risks they may not fully understand, the ODFR states in a release. Self-directed IRA custodians do not evaluate the quality or legitimacy of any investment in the self-directed IRA or its promotors; instead, that responsibility falls solely on the investor. With a self-directed IRA, investors have soleresponsibility for evaluating and understanding the

investments in the account. Due to federal laws and regulatory rules related to selling investment products or providing investment advice, most custodians for other types of IRAs limit the holdings in IRA accounts to firm-approved stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and certificates of deposit. However, these limitations do not apply to self-directed IRAs.

Self-directed IRA custodians:

• Do not sell investment products or provide investment advice

• Do not evaluate the quality or legitimacy of any investment in the self-directed IRA or its promoters

• Do not verify the accuracy of any financial information that is provided for an investment in the account

Self-directed IRA custodians are responsible only for holding and administering the assets in the account. Furthermore, most custodial agreements between a self-directed IRA custodian and an investor explicitly state that the self-directed IRA custodian has no responsibility for investment performance.

One of the biggest risks of investing through self-directed IRAs is the increased possibility of fraudulent schemes. These schemes can take many forms, from Ponzi schemes, in which newly invested funds are used to pay other investors in order to hide that the investment is not profitable, to bogus investments in nonexistent assets.

Unfortunately, the lack of regulatory oversight in the self-directed IRA space, and

lack of vetting performed by the self-directed IRA custodian, can make it difficult for investors to protect themselves from fraudsters, the release states.

In addition to the risk of fraud, self-directed IRAs can also come with high fees. These fees can be associated with the alternative assets themselves or with the custodians who hold the assets. Investors should carefully review all fees associated with a selfdirected IRA before deciding to invest.

The performance of alternative assets can be volatile, leading to financial loss. Unlike traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, alternative assets may not have a wellestablished market, making it difficult to determine

their true value. As a result, investors may be left holding assets that are difficult to sell or that have lost value over time.

“Self-directed IRAs can be a useful tool for certain investors, but it’s important to understand the risks involved,” ODFR Administrator TK Keen said. “Investors should thoroughly research any alternative assets they plan to hold within their IRA and carefully review all fees associated with their account.”

Investors who are considering a self-directed IRA should consult with a licensed financial advisor to help them evaluate the risks and potential rewards. By taking a careful and informed approach to investing, investors can help protect themselves from potential financial losses.

How woodpeckers help in forest management

STEVE LUNDEBERG Pilot Guest Article

You might see them in forests surrounding Brookings and Gold Beach. A species of woodpecker once thought to limit itself to recently burned areas can breed successfully in the unburned parts of fireprone landscapes too.

That is the finding of a study by Oregon State University scientists that holds key implications for

Wild RiversCoast

Public Notice

Harbor Water People’s Utility District (HWPUD, or District) will hold a public meeting at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 13, 2023, to discuss the development of a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the District. The meeting will be held in the Administration Building at 98069 W. Benham Lane in Harbor, Oregon. The HWPUD will be addressing any additional public comments and adopting the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. The Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan describes the risks of natural hazards in the District and vulnerability of the drinking water collection and distribution systems. The draft plan also identifies mitigation action items to reduce these risks and protect life safety, reduce damage, and shorten the recovery period from future disasters.

Published: March 31, April

5, and 12, 2023

Curry Coastal Pilot P360561

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Cape Ferrelo Rural Fire Protection District of Curry County, in the State of OR. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, will be held at the Fire Hall at 96349 Cape Ferrelo Rd, Brookings, OR. on April 12th at 5:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes of a respectful presentation. A copy of the budget document may be viewed on or after April 7th in the covered entry to the Fire Hall.

Published: March 24 and April 5, 2023

Curry Coastal Pilot P360480

improved conservation and forest management efforts.

The research led by doctoral student Mark Kerstens and Jim Rivers, a faculty member in the OSU College of Forestry, sheds new light on the blackbacked woodpecker, which lives throughout northern North America.

Because woodpecker populations are sensitive to large-scale forest disturbances, they serve as an indicator for guiding

management decisions, the researchers note.

Woodpeckers exert strong influence on the surrounding ecological community by creating nesting sites that benefit a range of vertebrates and other organisms. The black-backed woodpecker has become a species of conservation concern because of habitat loss resulting from postfire management of burned areas as wildfires have

grown in size and intensity in recent decades, the scientists say. The bird’s range covers much of Canada and also parts of Alaska and upper portions of the contiguous United States, including the Pacific Northwest, and the woodpecker’s black and gray coloring makes for ideal camouflage in an environment of charred trees.

See BIRD, Page 10

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF DEL NORTE

450 H Street Crescent City, CA 95531

Petition of: Hannah Brown CASE NO. CVPT-20231064

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Hannah Brown filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present name: Isabelle Ruby Hagedorn to Proposed name: Isabelle Ruby Brown THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at

least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: April 28, 2023

Time: 10:00 am Dept.: 1

The address of the court is same as noted above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Del Norte Triplicate

Date: March 10, 2023 /s/ William H Follett Judge of the Superior Court

Published: March 17, 24, 31, and April 5, 2023 Del Norte Triplicate T360486

Puzzle Answers

PORT OF BROOKINGS HARBOR IS SEEKING PROPOSALS

Courtesy from OSU

Because woodpecker populations are sensitive to largescale forest disturbances, they serve as an indicator for guiding management decisions, according to the researchers.

Blue whale skeleton to be reassembled, displayed

MICHELLE KLAMPE Pilot Guest Article

The skeleton of a rare 70foot blue whale that washed up on the Oregon Coast several years ago has been sent to Alberta, Canada so a team of preservation and restoration specialists can prepare it for public display at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Oregon State’s Marine Mammal Institute has contracted with Alberta, Canada-based Dinosaur Valley Studios to complete the cleaning and preservation of the bones and build a permanent display for them.

Extraordinary educational opportunity

“The skeleton of this whale presents an extraordinary educational opportunity for students and researchers and an awe-inspiring experience for all visitors to the Oregon Coast,” said Lisa T. Ballance, director of the Marine Mammal Institute, which is part of OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “We are thrilled to begin this next phase of the preservation and display process.”

The Marine Mammal Institute’s effort to preserve the whale skeleton began in 2015, when the carcass

Bird

Continued from Page 9

Rivers and Kerstens studied black-backed woodpeckers in a 165,000-hectare area in southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin in stands characterized as lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer and mixed pine.

“It had long been thought that black-backed woodpeckers only nested in conifer forests that had recently experienced highseverity fire,” said Rivers, an assistant professor of wildlife ecology. “Although

washed ashore near Gold Beach, Oregon. The event was so rare in Oregon that the last known beached blue whale was more than 200 years ago.

Researchers from the Marine Mammal Institute saw the carcass as an opportunity for study and education. After examining and dismantling the carcass, researchers bundled the remains of the skeleton in huge nets and submerged them in Yaquina Bay, where seawater and marine invertebrates cleaned the r.

The skeleton was in the water for more than three years before being removed in November 2019. The original plan to clean and restore the skeleton was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but work is now resuming.

Representatives from Dinosaur Valley Studios, which specializes in skeletal reconstruction of very large animals, have been in Newport this week preparing the bones for transport to their studio in East Coulee, where they will complete the restoration.

Timeline

The project is expected to take several months or more, depending on how much additional cleaning is needed, said Frank Hadfield, president of

burned areas provide important habitat for this species, recent studies noted them occupying large areas of unburned forest in the western part of their range during breeding season, prompting the question of whether the green areas can support viable nesting populations.”

For three breeding seasons, 2018, 2019 and 2021, the scientists collected data to evaluate whether important population metrics differed between woodpeckers nesting in green and burned

Dinosaur Valley Studios. Any remaining connective tissue, marine debris and oil will be removed and the bones will be disinfected.

The team will preserve the bones and build a steel display structure to hold the articulated skeleton. The design uses an external cradle system and requires no drilling, leaving the bones intact and available for study by researchers, Hadfield said.

One of the project’s challenges is the animal’s sheer size: a blue whale skeleton contains 365 bones ranging in size from tiny to enormous. For example, the mandibles, or jaw bones, are 18 feet long. Some of the phalanges, which are fingers from the flipper, are just a couple of inches long.

Hadfield and his team have preserved other whale skeletons and the 24-foot skull of a blue whale, but this will be the group’s first complete blue whale skeleton. Dinosaur Valley got its start, and its name, through its work rebuilding dinosaurs. The company is located adjacent to Drumheller, Alberta, which is known for its extensive deposits of dinosaur bones.

“This is the largest project we’ve ever done,” Hadfield said this week. “The good news is the integrity of these bones is beautiful – they are in really great condition. Most of the

forests.

“We kept track of 91 nests, 34 in green forest and 57 in burned forest,” Kerstens said. “We found that neither daily nest survival rate nor reproductive output – the number of fledglings per successful nest – differed between green and burned forest nests; we also found that nestling body condition was a bit better in green forest.”

In addition, the scientists monitored survival of recently fledged birds with VHF radio telemetry tags

residual oils have already been purged, which will make our job easier.”

The project has received enthusiastic support from the public since the idea was first introduced, Ballance said. The institute has raised $250,000 for the project and is seeking an additional $150,000 in donations to complete the restoration and display. For more information on the campaign, “Help us build a whale,” visit: beav.es/ bones.

“We are deeply grateful for the public’s support of this project,” Ballance said. “It is an unforgettable experience to engage with a blue whale and this display will make that possible for so many.”

Michelle Klampe is a writer-news researcher at Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. She may be reached at michelle.klampe@ oregonstate.edu or at 541737-0784.

Courtesy photos from OSU

Top:The whale beached along the near Gold Beach in 2015.

Center: Crews have spent hours cleaning the whale’s remains. Bottom: The whale’s bones have been carefully inventoried.

and determined that the survival rate of birds in green forest was similar to those in burned forest, with most mortalities happening within four weeks of fledging.

“Although densities of nesting pairs in green forest were lower than those in burned forest, our research shows that certain types of green forest, particularly mature lodgepole pine, can support viable populations of the black-backed woodpecker in the western portion of the bird’s range,” Rivers said. “These

findings have conservation implications because green areas are more stable in the resources they provide, they occupy much of the forested landscape in the region, and they are often adjacent to areas subjected to high-severity fire.”

That means, the researchers say, that practices that help build “pyrodiversity” –landscape-level time and space variability in fire effects – will likely provide the greatest conservation benefit for the blackbacked woodpecker.

Also beneficial will be management that provides for habitat elements the species needs, such as medium- to large-diameter trees, and connectivity between green and burned forest.

The study was published in Ornithological Applications.

Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve. lundeberg @oregonstate. edu