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Case counts soar as freeze begins ZACK DEMARS The World
As Oregonians being a twoweek "freeze" on some business and recreational activities under new state regulations, public health officials across the state are continuing to report record high cases rates. The state broke new records this week, reporting 1,225 on Thursday alone, yet another new daily case record. Oregon also passed 800 deaths from the virus, less than three weeks after it reported its 700th death. Since the pandemic began, more than 60,800 Oregonians
have gotten the virus, and 808 have died. “These are family, friends, neighbors and we note their deaths with sadness and a renewed determination to suppress the spread of the virus,” Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen wrote in a press release Thursday. “I have heard frequently from those who have refused to believe this pandemic is serious if we aren’t seeing hospitalizations and deaths. Those hospitalizations and deaths are here and are only likely to go up." The state's test positivity rate also rose to 12.5% this week,
Former chief sues Powers
OHA reported. Unlike previous periods of the pandemic, the South Coast has been no exception to statewide case increases. Coos County saw 40 new cases of the virus since Nov. 13, bringing it to 360 total cases of the virus. Nov. 14 set a record, with 14 new cases representing the county's highest one-day case total since the pandemic began. The Coos Bay-Charleston ZIP code saw the county's largest increase in cases, with 26 between Nov. 12 and Nov. 18, according to the state's ZIP code data. North Bend-Lakeside saw
11 new cases during the same period. Curry County hit a somber COVID-19 milestone this week, too, announcing its 100th case of the virus on Thursday. The county's seen 19 new cases of the virus since Nov. 13, and 27 are considered "active," according to the county's health department. The Reedsport area's case count more than doubled last week, with 17 new cases reported between Nov. 12 and Nov. 18. The 97467 ZIP code has seen a total of 29 COVID-19 cases, according to state data. According to Coos Health & Wellness, half of the attendees
at a 50-person Douglas County Halloween party last month have now reported cases of COVID-19. A portion of those cases were brought back to Coos County, assistant director Eric Gleason said. "It really can spread through these groups, these group gatherings, and we need to really be mindful of what that means for the people in our lives," Gleason said. "We as individuals can affect a significant number of people by our actions and the things that we do and the choices we make." Please see COVID, Page A8
Dreaming big during the pandemic
Robert Baker alleges age descrimination and defamation ZACK DEMARS The World
POWERS — A former police chief for the city of Powers filed a lawsuit last week alleging his 2019 termination was improper. In the suit, Robert Baker, who'd been the department's chief and only officer, accuses the city of whistleblower retaliation, age discrimination and defamation for the steps it allegedly took leading up to his removal. Please see Powers, Page A8
California suspect arrested in North Bend
David Rupkalvis, The World
Shaun Liggett-Torres stands in front of the some of the antique and vintage wares she has for sale at Past to Present Emporium.
The World A California man wanted for allegedly using an axe and machete to attack people in California was arrested Wednesday after being spotted in North Bend. North Bend Police Chief Robert Kappelman issues a press release that said a North Bend city employee noticed a suspicious vehicle near Simpson Park on Wednesday. The city worker notified the police who went to the scene and gathered information that the vehicle might belong to Dustin Arlis White, 31, of Sacramento, Calif., who had a warrant for his arrest on charges of assault with a deadly weapon or instrument with a prior offense. The information revealed White had allegedly used a machete and axe to attack victims in the Sacramento area. Please see Arrest, Page A8
Coos Bay woman opens antique store
DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
Shawn Liggett-Torres has known for several years she was going to one day open an antique store. What she didn’t know until recently is she would open it in 2020 during the middle of a global pandemic. Despite the odds stacked against her due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Liggett-Torres recently made her dream come true when she opened Past to Present Emporium next to the historic Tioga Building on North Broadway. “This was something I always wanted to do, but I always thought it would be later in life,” Liggett-Torres said. “But it was
the right time.” After selling antiques and collectibles at Leaf’s Treehouse for the last few years, Liggett-Torres said a variety of things made it the right time to open her own business. So earlier this month, she made the plunge. Inside Past to Present Emporium, guests can see a variety of wares for sale. Ranging from large cabinets, tables and even an 1890 bed to collectibles and dishes, there looks to be something for everyone at prices ranging from $5 to close to $1,000. Liggett-Torres said she got into antiquing because of her personal interest. She said she enjoyed going to yard sales and swap meets and was always looking for something old.
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“I like old stuff, especially anything that’s feminine,” Liggett-Torres said. “Some of my furniture is very feminine.” Like many antique hobbyists, Liggett-Torres said her passion soon grew to an obsession. When her house became too full, she started dabbling in selling. And with each item sold, there was another one to buy. She said she continues to work closely with Leaf’s Treehouse and Old World Antiques. She said working with, rather than against, other businesses in town can benefit them all. “With all of us together, it creates this destination shopping experience,” Liggett-Torres said. “I’m definitely learning. I do appreciate Old World Antiques.
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They have been a great resource. When it comes to antiques, the more the better.” Liggett-Torres said her store has a variety of options for shoppers. “I do a focus on antiques and vintage, but I also focus on local art,” she said. “Every artist I have in here is from here.” Liggett-Torres said she loves her location next to the Tioga because it is ideal for tourists in the warmer months and easy to find for local residents. She said the improvements on the Tioga will turn the apartments into more of an upper-class housing, which could drive sales at her store. Please see Store, Page A8
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