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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022
Man arrested for murder of teen By BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot
A man is in custody on charges of murder in the second degree of a 16-year-old male who was shot and killed in Brookings on July 11. Francisco Villegas-Lopez, 18, was taken into custody on Thursday, July 28 without incident and lodged in the Curry County Jail. The Brookings Police De-
partment and the Curry County District Attorney’s Office applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for Villegas-Lopez. He was located while walking on 5th street in Brookings at 7:46 p.m. The arrest stemmed after weeks of intensive investigation. Police discovered the body of the deceased victim after receiving a 911 call in the early morning of Monday, July 11, on Hemlock near Fern Street. The major
crimes team was then activated. The Brookings Police Department is thanking the many community members who assisted in this apprehension. “Our homicide investigation continues to be the greatest focus of our resources with a significant number of hours spent by nearly every officer in this department conducting followup interviews and furthering evidence collection,” reported
Brookings Chief of Police Kelby McCrae in a recent update to the Brookings City Council. The police chief said further information regarding the homicide case would be released to the public as it comes available. This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has further information regarding this homicide, contact the Brookings Police Department at 541-469-3118.
Rogue River serves as law enforcement training grounds
Brookings, Oregon
Candidates face-off in gubernatorial debate in Welches By HERB SWETT Country Media
The candidates for governor of Oregon debated state issues Friday in a forum before the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association in Welches". Debating were Democrat Tina Kotek, former speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives; Republican Christine Drazan, former minority leader of the Oregon House; and independent Betsy Johnson, a former state senator. Four Oregon newspaper executives questioned the three. Here are their paraphrased statements.
Opening remarks Drazan: I am originally from Klamath Falls. My family was less stable than they would have liked, too dependent on natural resources. They talked about politicians leaving people behind.
Law enforcement trainees learn boat handling exercises in whitewater conditions.
By BREEANA LAUGHLIN The Pilot
A long line of law enforcement boats jetted up and down Rogue River last week. Participants in the Oregon State Marine Board jet boat operations training learn how to shallow dive off of their boats into the water.
Clackamas Firefighter Sandor Pongracz operates a jet boat under the supervision of instructor Nate Thompson.
The jet boat drivers maneuvered their crafts into small channels and through strong currents, performing emergency stops and securing their boats to rocks along the river shores. The boat drivers, and their instructors, were taking part in a weeklong training designed to teach law enforcement, fish and wildlife and fire personnel the skills to safely operate their watercraft in emergency river scenarios. The jet boat operations training was hosted by the Oregon State Marine Board on July 25 to 29. “This is critical training for marine law enforcement and first
Photos by Breeana Laughlin/The Pilot
responders,” said Ed Persichetti, the training coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board Boating Safety Program. The marine board contracts officers to uphold the law on waterways and the keep the waters safe, said Persichetti. Those who complete the training become the qualified boat jet operators tasked with carrying out these duties. Curry County’s wild and scenic Rogue River is a prime spot for the yearly safety training for a number of reasons. “We have the support of the sheriff’s office – which is always a bonus. And the support of the community – which is always a bonus,” said Persichetti. Plus there is plenty of water to maneuver and work around in the Rogue River. “It is such a dynamic waterway. We have 42 miles to stretch our legs – if you will – and train individuals,” he said. Last week’s training included more than 40 participants (including instructors and trainees) Please see TRAINING Page A2
Thousands flock to county fair
Kotek: I began public service at the Oregon Food Bank. I have focused on having a positive impact on people’s lives. Families are worried about making ends meet Johnson: I believe we’re losing the Oregon that we love. I call for common-sense change. My allegiance is to Oregonians, not to any party or vested interest. Responses to panelists’ questions Q: The timber industry is declining. What steps would you take? Kotek: When all parts of our state are successful, we’re all successful. I’d work with the communities to make sure we could use timber products. Drazan: My dad worked in a veneer plant that went away. We’re grateful that the tech industry stepped in, but it must become more productive. Support the state as a whole. Johnson: I visited the Elgin Veneer Plant and worked to save jobs when the Department of Environmental Quality wanted to shut them down. We must manage forests so they don’t burn down. __________________________ Q: We hear of homelessness as a crisis. What would you do? Kotek: I have a five-point plan on my website for shelter for homeless. We have increased shelters quickly. Johnson: I reject the notion that Tina is the only one working on homelessness. I made Wapato Jail a place of healing and hope. We’re getting more tent cities. Drazan: As a freshman representative, I focused on youth homelessness. I passed second-home legislation, and more than 70% finished high school because of it. _________________________ Q: How did Wapato work?
There was plenty for fair-goers to see and do at the “Gold Pans and Cattle Brands” themed Curry County fair this year. More than 7,000 people took part in the fair, which was held from July 27 to 30, in Gold
Beach. The fair featured a new carnival, bull riding, live music, magician shows, livestock shows and auction, a chance to see exotic animals and more. “Community members were so happy and supportive,” said event
center manager Kaitlyn Coleman. “It was a really successful event.” Violet Peterson, 6, right, of Nesika Beach, enjoys an ice cream cone after getting her face painted at the Curry County Fair on Saturday, July 30.
Johnson: We have a track record of success. We have to stop fighting over what is best. Kotek: I was glad my bill to streamline efforts worked. We need more housing. Photos by Breeana Laughlin/The Pilot
Please see DEBATE Page A2
INDEX
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Calendar of Events............................. A3 Police Blotter..................................... A4 Crossword.......................................... A4 Classifieds.......................................... A6 Crossword Answers............................ A9
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