WEEKEND EDITION FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020
SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946
www.currypilot.com
Brookings, Oregon
ELECTION
Herzog, Gold top two in primary Pair headed for runoff in November general election THE PILOT GOLD BEACH — Based on unofficial returns in the Oregon primary Tuesday, challenger John Herzog and incumbent Sue Gold were the top two vote-getters in the Curry County Commissioner, Position 2 race.
Herzog (37.82 percent) leads Gold (37.68) by 10 votes. Herzog has 2,863 votes. Shelia Megson (24.11 percent) is third with 1,825 votes. Herzog’s lead was 18 votes when the first round of results was posted shortly after polls closed. If no candidate in the com-
missioner’s race gets more than 50 percent of the votes, the top two vote-getters will face each other in the November general election. Nearly every other local race on the ballot featured candidates running unopposed — Curry County Commissioner, Position 3 Court
Boice (incumbent); Curry County Assessor Jim Kolen (incumbent); Curry County District Attorney Joshua Spansail; and Judge of the Circuit Court, 15th District, Position 6 Cynthia Beaman. Boice (83.35 percent) received 5,341 votes with 1,067 votes (16.65 percent)
HERZOG
GOLD
going to write-ins. Dennis Triglia mounted a write-in campaign against Boice. It was not known how many of the write-in votes were
PHASE I OF REOPENING
for Triglia. Voter turnout in Curry County was at 46.77 percent with 8,548 votes received. The county has 18,277 eligible voters. Statewide voter turnout was 45.88 percent. In the race for State Representative, 1st District Calla Felicity ran unopposed on the Democrat’s
See Primary, Page A5
COVID-19
Schools outline graduation ceremonies Gold Beach is on June 5; Brookings is on June 13 BRIAN WILLIAMS The Pilot
Photos Brian Williams, The Pilot
Fat Irish Kitchen and Pub server Josh Hart carries food to people sitting on the patio on Friday, May 15, the first day of Phase I for Curry County.
Back to business People enjoy eating at their favorite spots again
BRIAN WILLIAMS The Pilot
HARBOR — Fat Irish Kitchen and Pub server Josh Hart waved to customers seated at tables or waiting for a table as if he was seeing old friends. “Hi, how are you doing,” Hart said Friday through his black and white checkerboard mask. “We’ve missed you.” Dine-in eating was stopped by Gov. Kate Brown on March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing restaurants to offer take-out, curbside or temporarily close. Much of the state’s
People take advantage of the sunny weather and eat outside at Fat Irish Kitchen and Pub on May 15. economy was stalled when on March 23. Brown issued stay-home orders Curry County was one of 31
counties in the state to receive approval from the Governor’s Office and Oregon Health Authority to enter Phase I on Friday, May 15. Many restaurants opened May 15 and reported being busy. Jay and Mary Trost, owners of the popular Harbor eatery, greeted customers and worked with staff to ensure Phase I reopening guidelines were being followed — six feet of social distancing; a limit of groups to parties of 10 or fewer; food and drink consumption must end by 10 p.m.; and workers are reSee Phase I, Page A5
Brookings-Harbor and Gold Beach high schools have put together graduation ceremonies that involve social distancing, vehicles, parades and live streaming. GBHS has scheduled its Graduation Parade and Socially Distanced Commencement Ceremony for 7 p.m. on June 5. BHHS is having its event for 2 p.m. on June 13. Letters have been sent out to graduating seniors of the high schools outlining what will be happening. “We know this has been a challenging time and our hearts go out to you and your families for the special experiences that you have lost,” wrote BHHS Principal DeAnne Varitek. “We have done our best to plan some memorable events that will demonstrate how important you are to us and to invite the community to join with us in honoring the Class of 2020.” On May 29, Brookings-Harbor High School will hold a cap and gown drive-thru pick-up party from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. On that day, students or parents can drive by the front of the school and a BHHS staffer will deliver caps and gowns, graduation cords, yearbooks, and senior announcements to the senior’s car. See Schools, Page A5
COVID-19
Port set to reopen Beachfront RV Park next week BRIAN WILLIAMS The Pilot
HARBOR — The Port of Brookings Harbor is targeting May 26 to reopen Beachfront RV Park. Port Commissioners unanimously approved the date during a special meeting on May 14. Curry County received approval from Gov. Kate Brown’s
Index Classifieds....................B1-4 Comics.............................A4 Crosswords.....................A4 Obituaries...........A6 and A9 Weather............................A8
office and Oregon Health Authority to enter Phase I of reopening Oregon on May 15. The previous week, Curry County Board of Commissioners approved reopening transient lodging to short-term stays in the county as did the cities of Brookings and Gold Beach. Port Commissioners temporarily closed the RV
Weather HIGH LOW
Thurs 58 45
park but kept open access to Sporthaven Beach, the boat launch and boat docks on March 24 after Gov. Kate Brown announced her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive orders on March 23. Brown declared a statewide state of emergency due to the virus on March 8 and issued multiple executive orders, including the closure of all schools, non
Tues 62 48
See Port, Page A5
Brian Williams, The Pilot
Beachfront RV Park has been closed since late March due to COVID-19 restrictions. Port of Brookings Harbor Commissioners voted to reopen the park on May 26.
Sunrise/Sunset
Past four days
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-essential businesses and a ban on dine-in service at restaurants and bars. On March 23, Oregon State Parks System closed its campgrounds and extended the closure through May 25. Beachfront RV Park will be following the OHA’s guidelines related to outdoor recreation for Phase I:
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RISE SET
Fri 5:48 8:39
Sat 5:48 8:39
Sun 5:47 8:40
Mon 5:46 8:41
$1.50
5-day forecast, tides and complete weather: Page A8
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