W031224

Area chess teams compete at state championships

CPD announces upcoming Cars and Cops Car Show

VCB semi-annual report

Records show that visitors spent $295.9 million in Coos County in 2022, she told the commissioners. She also displayed on the screen a breakdown by accommodations, food service, fuel and local transportation, convenience stores, retail sales and so on.

the executive director of the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), 50 Central Ave., Coos Bay, she explained her organization’s efforts to Coos County Commissioners at their regular meeting Feb. 20.

Delivering her semi-annual report to the county, Langlinais said Coos County is one of four funding partners supporting the bureau. It receives a portion of the lodging tax collected by Coos Bay, North Bend, the Coquille Tribe and Coos County, which collects lodging taxes for an area around Charleston.

The VCB obtains county tourism data from Travel Oregon, which is the public face of the Oregon Tourism Commission. It works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire Oregon travel experiences and strengthen the economic impacts of the state’s $10.9 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 100,000 Oregonians.

Langlinais also has hired Dean Runyan Associates, a Portland travel and recreation research firm, to collect specific data from the three communities that support her organization. She has data back to 2018.

Dean Runyan’s figures showed that visitors spent $137.2 million specifically in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston in 2022 or 46 percent of the county’s total.

The VCB executive illustrated her report with a visual presentation, “The Work of a Destination Program” on the screen in the commissioners’ chambers. She said the bureau has a $1.3 million annual budget. To date, the organization has received 61.4 of its projected income and has spent 45 percent of its funds.

Langlinais told commissioners that return on investment (ROI) is a percentage of visitor spending based on the influence of advertising. She said Travel Oregon figures an ROI of 5 percent while the University of Massachusetts says ROI is 14.7 percent.

“We thought Travel Oregon was a little conservative,” she said in an interview later, adding that the local VCB thought VisitFlorida’s figure of a 40 percent ROI spending “was a little bold.” She believes the Massachusetts figure is probably closer to reality, so the local VCB determined that in exchange for the money spent promoting tourism, visitors returned about $20.2 million in spending and taxes in 2022, the last year for which data is available.

Langlinais told commissioners the VCB receives about 39 percent of the total lodging taxes collected in

Coos County. She added that the bureau is “one of the only entities that I’m aware of that has a tribal entity participating in this way.”

The executive director said in an interview that the VCB was created in the 1980s as a Tourism Promotions Committee for Coos Bay and North Bend. The Coquille Tribe joined as an intergovernmental agreement was written in 2010, and in 2022 voters approved a ballot measure adding Charleston-area lodging establishments.

Because Charleston is unincorporated, she said, “We drew a map around Charleston to figure out where the lodging properties were in that area so that the county could impose the lodging tax. The Charleston Merchants Association went to the county and asked for a new visitor center. The merchants association is getting 31 percent of the lodging taxes collected in the Charleston area.”

The Charleston “region,” she said, starts at the Coos Bay city limits on Cape Arago Highway in Empire and extends to Cape Arago State Park and from the ocean up Seven Devils Road to Barview.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of all of our funding partners, including the county commissioners and the county as a whole,” Langlinais said, adding that the organization’s influence continues to grow.

“In six years, we have taken the Visitor & Convention Bureau’s budget from $350,000 in 2017 to $1.3 million, but that is still a drop in the bucket compared to our competitors on the Central and North Coast,” she said, “but we’re making headway.”

the annual Holiday Lights display proved to be “one of the most popular” visitor enhancements of the year.

Janice Langlinais, executive director of Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), told Coos County Commissioners Feb. 20 that the shuttle cost $22,281 and transported 4,100 people to the state park on Cape Arago Highway for the lighting exhibit. Records show 53,000 Holiday Lights visitors from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Last November and December, Langlinais said, the Holiday Lights welcomed visitors from 20 countries, including Australia, China, New Zealand and Russia. In addition, there were visitors from 39 states and 489 different cities, towns and areas. She noted that in 2019, the Chicago Tribune named the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park “one of the top holiday events in the nation.”

Storm watching is next big winter draw in Coos County, Langlinais said, but “We’ve had some very disappointed people standing, looking at a glassy sea.”

She explained that she and her co-workers at the visitor’s bureau spend a lot of time explaining the difference between high surf and king tides.

“King tides are predictable,” she said. “High surf is not predictable. It depends on the Pacific storms, and the weather service’s high surf advisories with swells of 16-30 feet. Check our Visitor & Convention Bureau Facebook page because we will put that information out immediately when the Weather Service puts it out. We get about a day and a half to two days notice of when a high surf is predicted.”

Langlinais said the organization is advertising more in digital and social realms these days and spending less on print advertising.

“We can’t track it,” she said, adding that for the Holiday Lights and storm watching, the VCB paid for billboards in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and up and down the Interstate-5 corridor. The bureau also uses Facebook a lot, which it can track, and has just started usingTikTok.

“Our reach doubled in 2023 to 4.9 million, up 101 percent from 2021,” she said, referring to Facebook calculations of hits on the VCB page. “And we had twice as many impressions of our actual posts, more than 7.2 million.”

Impressions are about the posts, she explained, and reach is about clicks on the page.

Opinions

Keep clerk position on the ballot

Letters to the Editor Guest Columns

Two of our County Commissioners have proposed and discussed putting two questions on the primary ballot, calling it an “advisory vote.”

One is making the County Clerk an appointed position. This means if two Commissioners agree on a candidate, TWO votes are all it takes. All eligible registered voters are now allowed to vote and choose the County Clerk.

The second is about publicschool funding, and having funds follow the student to whatever school they choose. No matter how a county votes, it must be changed at the State level. In other words, all the eligible registered voters in the State of Oregon could vote on this issue.

Several have written the Commissioners stating their viewpoint. One received a letter from Rod Taylor, accusing them of wanting to silence the people of Coos County.

Nothing would silence them more than the two proposals above. WE THE PEOPLE voted in our County Clerk.

WE THE PEOPLE vote on the school boards. Many citizens have served on school boards faithfully, I did for 10 years.

There are pressing issues that the Commissioners need to focus on. When meetings are commandeered by people talking about divisive issues that have no place in a commissioner’s meeting, their focus is drawn away from County business. Coos County is facing a budget shortfall that would dramatically impact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. The Commissioners brought the certified staff pay to a level that is comparable to other local agencies. The hope is that they can retain and hire qualified applicants; not train them for two years to have them move on to another agency that pays better, and has a smaller caseload and jurisdiction. To keep the Sheriff’s Office at the current level of staffing requires a levy. Sheriff Fabrizio and Commissioner John Sweet are meeting with the public in cities around the county to field questions and give information regarding this. Please be sure to attend one if you have any questions.

Don’t listen to the loudest voices in the Commissioner’s Meetings, listen to the quieter voices of reason.

JoAnne Beck Coquille

Join the North Bend budget committee meetings

People of North Bend, especially those who share Former Mayor Briggs’ skepticism of any serious money problems: Join us for Budget Committee meetings this year, early June, I believe. This isn’t exciting TV, but discussion is around services that actually impact our daily lives. So, it’s Must See TV, in my opinion.

We’ll see a gap much like 2023 where property taxes were approximately $4.5 million, police costs - $3.3 million, fire - $2.1 million.

Police and fire costs alone outsize our entire yearly allotment of property taxes. Many or most expenses are also increasing far faster than Measure 6-176’s allowance on city fees. Grants have been very helpful in bridging the gap, but they aren’t sustainable money.

The shortfall is hard to see when budget information only shows resources at the highest level. But, this year, the city is hoping to reveal the trickle down into the different expense funds themselves. Once that happens, any one of us will be able to see the gaps immediately.

Verify for yourself: City of North Bend 2023 Budget, especially pages 14 & 18 https://www.northbendoregon. us/files/documents/NorthBendandURAFY23

AdoptedBudgets

2021107072922PM.pdf

Take note: when you look at public budgets like the city:

1) You will always see a fund with a bunch of money and a weird name like “unallocated” or “beginning working capital”. Those funds bridge the multimonth gap between the year’s start and when the tax dollars for that year roll in (typically 3-6 months). Can you imagine waiting months for your paycheck? I can’t.

2) All the different income sources have rules on exactly what the money can be used for, unlike our own households. That, I believe, is why all our municipalities say “we need more money” and “we do great things with your money” at the same time. It’s all true, everywhere, all at once.

So, watch the Budget Committee meetings (have snacks available)!

For the curious: Yes, I was embarrassed I’d named the wrong measure in my last letter. My family regularly makes fun of my math-y mistakes with good reason. I wish it weren’t so.

Jenny Jones North Bend

A Word, Please

BY JUNE CASAGRANDE

Guest Column

Can you end a sentence with a preposition? Yes. Can you say so online and not send angry social media users into attack mode?

Apparently not.

That’s the lesson of a recent Instagram post by MerriamWebster’s Dictionary that stated plainly and accurately:

“It is permissible in English for a preposition to be what you end a sentence with. The idea that it should be avoided came from writers who were trying to align the language with Latin, but there’s no reason to suggest ending a sentence with a preposition is wrong.”

The denizens of Instagram weren’t having it.

“This represents something ugly,” one replied.

“I don’t like it,” said another.

The outcries came in spite of Merriam’s perfectly illustrating their point: “This is what we’re talking about.”

Not familiar with the issue?

That’s OK. It gets less relevant with each passing year. Telling students not to end sentences with prepositions was a fad among teachers in decades past, especially in the 1950s and ’60s.

The echoes of those lessons grow fainter every year. And because they were never based in fact anyway, you don’t need to worry where you’re putting

BY WILLIAM COOPER

Guest Column

When people look at political questions through a partisan lens they apply their own personal gloss to the world. They re exively interpret events in favor of their own tribe and against the other side. This distorts empirical reality, which is completely independent from such subjective mental processing.

The main problem with partisan thinking is that it’s inaccurate, wrong, mistaken— irrespective of what tribe it comes from. It leads to gross stupidities across the political continuum, like believing Barack Obama was born in Kenya or Donald Trump colluded with Vladimir Putin to hack into the Democratic National Committee’s email servers.

A partisan lens is counterproductive if your goal is to accurately interpret the world. If your political tribe is empirically right about something, then the lens is super uous. If your tribe is empirically wrong, then the lens is distortive.

Comedian Stephen Colbert may be right about some things (and quite funny to boot), but he was very wrong when he famously said that, “Reality has a well-known liberal bias.” It doesn’t. The empirical world is not liberal or conservative. Sometimes the right answer happens to be liberal; sometimes it happens to

your prepositions. But if you’re interested, here’s the lowdown.

Prepositions are words like “with,” “at,” “from,” “to” and “about” that team up with an object to add information to a sentence: You’re going with Sam. I gave at the office. He’s from Chicago. They talked about the weather.

What happens when you move the object of the preposition to an earlier spot in the sentence but leave the preposition sitting there at the end? Often, you get a bad sentence: Sam is who you’re going with. The office is the place I gave at. Chicago is where he’s from. The weather is what they talked about.

Bad sentences aren’t necessarily ungrammatical sentences. Yet some centuries ago, certain observers decided they must be and declared that it’s an error to end a sentence with a preposition. Researchers traced the origin of this fake rule back to the English poet, playwright and essayist John Dryden, who in 1672 wrote a piece attacking writers of previous generations in general and their use of sentenceending prepositions in particular. His idea caught on, and centuries later it had become what the venerable H.W. Fowler called a “cherished superstition” — not true, yet beloved.

Fowler is no outlier. Almost every credible language authority

be conservative; and sometimes it has no home on either side of the rigid ideological divide. The world unfolds according to the immutable laws of nature and science, not the transient perceptions of politics. Leaves don’t rustle in the wind differently depending on which party controls the presidency. Waves don’t pound the shore harder when it’s an election year. Economic cycles don’t suddenly reverse if the minority gains a majority in the legislature. And political policies, events, and scandals don’t conform to the knee-jerk narratives of distant observers. While politicians and political operatives have incentives to distort the truth, the citizen’s goal should be straightforward: to strive to make sense of the world accurately. The alternative is to be wrong; and why would that be better?

The comforts of partisanship make conforming to one’s group satisfying and protective. But it’s far better to be accurate and independent than wrong and partisan. Thinking that Obama was constitutionally ineligible to be president or that Trump and Putin were scheming in cyberspace was radically at odds with the available evidence. And those who didn’t buy into these delusions were far better off for their independence. As Frederick Douglas said, “I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”

agrees there’s no rule against ending a sentence with a preposition.

Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style” states clearly: “Not only is the preposition acceptable at the end, sometimes it is more effective in that spot than anywhere else. ‘A claw hammer, not an ax, was the tool he murdered her with.’”

Here’s Garner’s Modern American Usage: “The spurious rule about not ending sentences with prepositions is a remnant of Latin grammar, in which a preposition was the one word that a writer could not end a sentence with.”

And one more: “The preposition at the end has always been an idiomatic feature of English,” writes MerriamWebster’s Dictionary of English Usage. This reference book (not to be confused with the dictionary bearing the Merriam-Webster name that inspired this recent fracas) gives some examples of what can happen if you try too hard to avoid a preposition at the end, like this published example cited in 1979: “I never stop worrying as to with whom she’s kicking up her heels now.” That’s a clumsy alternative to just putting the preposition “with” at the end: “I never stop worrying as to whom she’s kicking up her heels with.”

If all this has you fretting over your own usage, take your cue from this famous quote, which is often incorrectly attributed to Winston Churchill: “This is the type of arrant pedantry up with which I shall not put!”

Being an anti-partisan is the way to go. Indeed, partisan misjudgment is more than merely an interesting psychological topic or stimulating academic question. Imposing on the world an ideology ridden with mistaken conclusions never goes well—especially in a representative democracy where public opinion often dictates public policy. A government’s intellectual premises must be sound for it to work well. And partisanship in America has contributed to numerous signi cant public-policy errors and failures.

Just look at the 2024 presidential campaign: A guy who tried to overthrow a presidential election is about to square off with a guy who has trouble completing a sentence longer than a few words.

Is this really the best we can do in the competition to see who will have America’s top job? Of course not. But because of the power of partisanship each side thinks their guy really is the right man to be president. This re ects how American politics is getting even more partisan as social-media echo chambers continue to turbocharge our two-party political system. It’s going to be a wild eight months till November. And then, either way, a tumultuous four years from there.

William Cooper is the author of How America Works … And Why It Doesn’t.

Eastside boat ramp closure

Sunday, February 18th, the City of Coos Bay was notified of damage to docks and piles at the Eastside Boat Ramp. Upon investigation, the City had no choice but to remove all the docks. The City is working with the Oregon

State Marine Board to determine the scope of work for the repairs. Once a scope of work has been defined, bids can be obtained and the repairs made. At this time the boat ramp is closed until further notice. When the City

obtains more information, an update can be provided to the public along with an anticipated date in which the docks will be reinstalled. Any questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 541-269-8918.

Merkley,

Wyden Announce Over

$4 Million Coming to Oregon for Ecosystem Restoration

Major investments coming to Oregon from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $4.4 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be coming to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon Office to support eight ecosystem restoration projects around the state over the next several years. These projects build on proven programs and partnerships to protect wildlife and natural resources, while creating good-paying jobs to strengthen local communities.

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“Oregon’s diverse landscapes—our forests, coastline, rivers, mountains, high desert, and other natural treasures—are what make this state such a special place to live,” said Merkley, Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Bureau of Land Management. “Climate chaos and human actions are threatening the permanent loss of plants and wildlife that have defined Oregon. These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will be used to protect, conserve, and restore Oregon’s critical habitats and ecosystems around the state so it remains the best place in the world for future generations.”

“Funding ecosystem restoration is critical to

combatting the effects of the climate crisis and preserving the beautiful outdoors that Oregonians know and love,” Wyden said. “The positives of investing in our outdoor spaces always outweigh the negatives, and I will continue to fight for more resources to support restoration efforts.”

Today’s funding announcement is part of a $41 million investment— allocated by the Bureau of Land Management— through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for ecosystem restoration.

This is the third investment of ecosystem restoration funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was passed by Congress in November 2021. Oregon received BLM investments from this program in 2022 and 2023.

Graphic Designers/Artists

Country Media has immediate openings for Graphic Designers/Graphic Artists to design and paginate our Oregon newspapers and special publications. Successful applicants will have an enthusiasm to work on page design, build display advertising, design our newspapers and niche publications including special sections, magazines, tabloids and build display print and web advertising. If graphic design is your passion, this is the job for you! Positions are Full-time. We offer an above average wage with paid holidays, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and more! Submit your resume and cover letter today to Executive Editor, jwarren@countrymedia.net.

Advertising Representatives

Country Media has immediate openings for advertising representatives. Sales experience is preferred, but not required for the right person. You do need to enjoy meeting people and learning about their business needs, and you must be able to ask for the sale! You must be dependable, with reliable transportation. You should have the drive to succeed in a goal-oriented, highly accountable fun environment.

We offer a competitive wage plus unlimited commission potential. This is a full-time job, Monday through Friday! Benefits include paid holidays, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and more!

Submit your resume and cover letter today to Director of Sales, fperea@countrymedia.net.

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Reporters

Country Media has immediate openings for Reporters to cover the news that matters to our communities. Successful applicants will have an enthusiasm to cover enterprise journalism, civic meetings, school news, community events, and more. You’ll be writing for multimedia platforms including print, social media, and websites. If writing is your passion, this is the job for you! Positions are Full-time. We will also consider applicants for freelance work.

We offer an above average wage with paid holidays, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and more!

Submit your resume and cover letter today to Executive Editor, jwarren@countrymedia.net.

Coos Bay City Council hears DA levy presentation

By NATE SCHWARTZ

The World

The Coos County District Attorney’s office made their case for a proposed public safety levy to Coos Bay City Council on February 20th, 2024. The levy, which will be on the May ballot in the coming election cycle, hopes to address deficiencies in the local justice system.

Earlier that day, the Coos County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the verbiage of the levy. At its proposed rate, the 5-year property tax levy will cost $0.98/$1000 of the assessed value of the property. According to an example given by County Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio in his portion of the presentation, that would amount to $196 per year for a $200,000 dollar house, or $294 per year for a $300,000 property.

The funds of which will go toward several areas to help the District Attorney’s office and County Jail better hold and try those charged in the area. Including adding beds to the jail, increasing the number of deputy DAs, and helping to balance trial budgets.

For the jail, which currently sits at a maximum capacity of 98 beds (though until recently there was only enough staff for half that number), which authorities argue is not nearly enough. The proposed levy will add a further 50% capacity to the jail. According to county law enforcement, the lack of capacity has forced them to engage in what’s been called a “catch and release” practice.

With such limited space, the DA’s office must often make tough choices about

who to keep and who to potentially release early for want of space. This undercuts their ability to wield greater authority in non-violent crimes such as petty theft or DUI’s.

District Attorney Paul Frazier recounted the issues within the DA’s office more closely. According to Frazier, there have been open deputy DA positions and high turnover since 2020. This puts the attorneys in an unfavorable position in regard to the number of cases being referred to their office.

“In 2023, according to our case management system, we had 8,895 cases referred to the office to review. For five people to look at. You can’t do it, and as a consequence, we’re behind. According again to our case management system, we have about 1,400 cases that we have not even been able to look at because we just do not have the time… What we’ve been doing is triaging,” said DA Frazier in his statement.

The levy proposal adds two deputy DA positions to the department. If they can fill the open positions, Frazier estimates they will be able to catch up on that backlog in a year.

“We just had a person here my deputies were telling me about. Sentenced to two days in jail for a DUI. I walked him across to the jail, [there was] ‘no room in the inn’, and walked him right out the door. That’s what is going on right now, and we certainly want to fix that”, continued Frazier. Another area that the funs will supplement is trial expenses. Frazier claims that his trail expense budget, for things like witness fees and hiring experts, is only $30,000 a year. He

proposes that with two homicide trials on the horizon, that won’t be nearly enough. Frazier estimates that just those two trials will cost up to $50,000 in trial expenses.

The levy which will have a 5-year life span will need another successful vote to continue past that 5-year mark. If the DA’s office manages to secure funds from other sources, the entirety of the levy need not be collected in the first place.

The money raised will go into a special fund used only for the purposes laid out on the ballot. The fund will be audited, and the results of said audits will be available to the public.

County Commissioner John Sweet laid out the most concise argument for the levy during his portion of the presentation.

“I think in the 10 years that I have served as your County Commissioner, that this is the most important thing that has come across my desk. Our justice system isn’t working as it should. Our people are doing all they can with the resources they have… People used to get in trouble, they’d get tried, and put in jail pretty quickly. Same way I grew up, discipline was sure and swift, and if we don’t have that in our public safety system, we lose that deterrent to bad behavior,” said Commissioner Sweet.

The local voters will have the final say in this matter. Coos County citizens will have to decide for themselves whether they think the levy is essential to maintaining public safety in the area. This is a multi-faceted issue, though it seems to have garnered support from both North Bend and Coos Bay City Councils.

Joyce DeBellis

April 29, 1934 – February 27, 2024

Joyce Kathleen DeBellis, 89, of Springfield passed away surrounded by family in Eugene on February 27th, 2024. She will be remembered by all who knew her as kind, caring, and welcoming.

Joyce was born in Williston, North Dakota on April 29th, 1934 to Wilfred and Ruby Delaney. When the family moved west to Washington in search of better opportunities, Joyce elected to stay in North Dakota to finish high school. Her independent streak was becoming apparent to everyone. After graduating from Epping High School in 1951, Joyce also moved to the Seattle area where she enlisted in the U.S. Navy. She was attached to the Thirteenth Naval District and stationed in Maryland and the Seattle area over the next 3 years. Her service to her country was always a source of pride.

Joyce met the love of her life, Sam DeBellis (Sr) during her time in western Washington. Sam worked at Weyerhaeuser in Everett where some of Joyce’s family members were employed. After their marriage in Vancouver, WA on February 4th, 1955, they moved to Oregon. Sam had intended on finding a job at Weyerhaeuser in Klamath Falls but instead took a side trip to the Oregon coast and found Weyerhaeuser in North Bend. Instead of Klamath Falls, Sam and Joyce began their new lives together in Coos Bay where they would put down roots and call the area home for over 30 years. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2005. Joyce was a homemaker and loved the job of raising her family. She is still remembered by her son’s friends as one of the best room mothers that Bunker Hill Elementary School has ever seen.

For employment reasons, Joyce and Sam moved to the Eugene area in the 1980s where Sam retired. As much as they loved their own kids, the grandchildren always brought them great joy. Joyce was blessed with three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Not a family member’s birthday went by without Joyce baking their favorite cake. Christmas cookies were always baked during the season with the assistance of a grandkid or two. Joyce studied and learned from her Italian

mother-in-law how to make spaghetti sauce from an old family recipe. When family or friends visited for any kind of special occasion, Joyce’s spaghetti was likely on the menu. Countless friends and family members couldn’t have asked for a better wife, mom, sister, cousin, and especially grandmother. Joyce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband Sam (Sr), sisters Delores, Mary, Linda, and brother Paul. She is survived by her sons Sam DeBellis, Jr. (Julie) and Frank DeBellis, grandchildren Lindsey (Beveridge) DeBellis (Ian Beveridge), Matthew DeBellis (Lily), and Ty Johnson (Annie). She is also survived by her great grandchildren Isaac Beveridge (3), Emma Johnson (6), and Grayson Johnson (3).

A graveside service will be planned for both Joyce and Sam later this summer at Sunset Memorial Park in Coos Bay. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bald Faced Truth Foundation helping kids in Art, Music, Education and Athletics, at baldfacedtruthfoundation.org.

A special thank you to Peace Health Hospice, as well as all of the caring staff at South Hills Rehabilitation Center in Eugene.

Margery Juliene Deaver

May 21, 1934 – March 3, 2024

Margery Juliene Deaver was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world on March 3, 2024 in Coos Bay, Oregon. She was 89 years old.

She was born in a logging camp cook house on Lampa Mountain to Clarence and Nancy Duey on May 21, 1934. After graduating from Coquille High School in 1952, she worked at the old Roxy Theater in Coquille, the Cookie Factory in Pony Village Mall and at Roseburg Forest Products in Coquille as a skoog operator. She also owned the Mode 0’Day clothing store in Coquille which she operated for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Ansel and Donald and her sister Dorothy Tennant and great grandson PJ Ward.

Margery is survived by her loving husband of 67 years James Kenneth Deaver, her two daughters Tammy Myers and Pammy Albertson, five granddaughters, Sarah Ward, Zana Wells, Stephanie Myers, Amy May, and Gina Albertson and eleven great-grand children.

Margery enjoyed nurturing her rose garden and watching her five granddaughters water-ski behind one boat. Margery was always surrounded by many relatives and the lifelong friends she kept in touch with.

Margery was a beautiful person inside and out who spread joy and happiness wherever she went. As per Margery’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Online remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www. westrumfuneralservice.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Amling/Schroeder Funeral Service –Coquille Chapel, 541-396-3846

Claude O. Coffman

March 4, 1928 – February 28, 2024

Claude Oliver Coffman, 95, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay with many of his loving family members and friends by his side. There is no doubt he was greeted by his wife of 75 years and his parents as he peacefully made the journey into his new life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3355 Virginia Avenue in North Bend. A graveside committal will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Coos Bay.

Claude was born on March 4, 1928 to Claude Corwin Coffman and Annie Laura ( Goodman ) Coffman at the Wesley McAuley Hospital in Marshfield, Oregon. He graduated from North Bend High School, and earned two Master’s Degrees from both Oregon State University and Cornell University. He taught school for both the Coos Bay and North Bend School Districts. He had a number of other careers including building houses, a cement business, working in a mill, logging, and as a young child, delivering newspapers. All of these jobs he did in the North Bend and Coos Bay Area.

Claude married Marjorie Moore on November 26, 1948 and they spent years camping, hunting, fishing, construction work and fixing rentals. They were called on two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, one in Bandon and the other at Martin’s Cove, Wyoming.

Claude enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, photography, Lapidary, writing and painting. He was a pilot and enjoyed sharing his love of planes with his three children. He spent many vacations traveling throughout the states. He was a member of many organizations. He

Linda Sue Coleman

March 16, 1944 – February 27, 2024

A celebration of life service for Linda

Sue Coleman,79, of Coos Bay, will be held at 2pm, Saturday, March 16 at Riverview Christian Fellowship, 64253 Solari Lane, Coos Bay.

Linda was born March 16, 1944 in Saint Helens, Oregon, to Thomas and Eva Ross. She went to see the Lord February 27, 2024.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, gardening and collecting rocks.

treasured being with family, and cherished friends. While he will be forever missed, his family rejoices in his long awaited reunion with his wife.

Claude is survived by his daughter and her spouse, Sherry and Eric Trapp of North Bend; son, Curtis Melvin Coffman and his spouse Connie Coffman of Lakeside; son, Claude Douglas Coffman of North Bend; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Ann Moore Coffman; and his parents, Claude C. Coffman and Annie Laura Goodman Coffman.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink. com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Coleman; sons, Ed and Jennifer Casey, Todd and Jeanette Casey; daughters, Kim and Misty; and twin brother, Larry Ross. She was also blessed with many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

Carl William “Bill” Smith

December 26, 1934 – February 23, 2024

Carl William “Bill” Smith was born on December 26, 1934 in Winner, South Dakota. He was one of 9 children born at home to Virgil and Iam Smith. He passed away peacefully at his home on February 23rd, 2024 in Coos Bay, Oregon. He attended school in Winner, SD where he met the love of his life Lorraine Couch. They were married on March 14, 1956. On January 8th, 1958 Bill enlisted in the Army. Just over a month later he and Lorraine welcomed their first son Rodney. Their second son, Billy was born in 1960 and their third son Eddie was born in 1962.

Bill and Lorraine moved their three boys to Coos Bay, Oregon in 1963 and shortly after he was discharged from the Army.

He then worked at Weyerhaeuser for 33 years total. He spent 30 years doing the chipper and 3 years in export services when Weyerhaeuser shut down.

Bill lost his wife Lorraine on May 8, 1988 and he never remarried. He focused on his grandkids and attended as many of their sporting events as possible. Hearing about their accomplishments and hunting stories made him so happy. He also loved going to the Stockpot to eat almost every day and loved all of his friends that he sat and visited with.

Bill is survived by his son Rodney and wife Lisa Smith of North Bend, son Billy Smith of Arizona and son Eddie Smith of Coos Bay. Granddaughters: Cassie Ellis and Husband Matt, Jarika Funk and

on February 29, 2024 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

Walter “Walt” G. Harbach Jr., 66, of Coos Bay, passed away on February 29, 2024 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

Ruth Hope, 99, of Albany, passed away on February 29, 2024 in Albany. Arrangements are under the care of Fisher Funeral Home, 541-928-3349.

David Gerald Korzan, 80, of North Bend, passed away March 6, 2024 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com

husband Aaron, Tiffany Dickens and husband Korl and Whitney Hunnicutt and husband Dom all of North Bend.

Grandsons: Travis Smith and wife Cassi of Medford and Matthew Smith and wife Michele of Portland. Great Grandchildren: Serena, Maili and Axton Ellis; Amyaika, Drakkar, Drayton and Draison Funk; Kiyannah, Keirra and Kiylei Reed; Kinley Dickens; Tha’Laya, Harmony and Tyrell Edwards; and Malakai Hunnicutt all of North Bend. Zen Smith of Medford; and Dayton, Mason and Carter Smith of Portland. We will miss you so much Grandpa!

Larry R. Baker, 83, of Coos Bay died March 6, 2024 in Coos Bay. At his request, no public service will be held. Cremation rites will be held at Ocean View Memory Gardens Crematory with inurnment at Sunset Memorial Park, Coos Bay under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel 685 Anderson Ave. 541-267-3131.

www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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Mad to the Max Chainsaw Carving. Custom carvings, benches, memorials, and more! Located at The Fleet Deli, 951-419-9307.

Health & Nutrition 301

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-839-0752.

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-655-0972.

Lost & Found 308

Lost: Cue stick in black case by Red Lion, Bayshore Dr. REWARD Call 541-580-9013

Announcements 311

The Fleet Deli will be closed from February 12thMarch 13th. Cheryl is having surgery. See you on the 13th.

The Lower Umpqua Hospital District Board of Directors is seeking one new member to fill a recent vacancy.

Any registered voter living within the hospital district desiring to serve on the Lower Umpqua Hospital District Board of Directors should complete an application and return it by March 22, 2024. Applications may be obtained from the Administration Office at Lower Umpqua Hospital. For more information, call the Administration office: 271-2171, Ext 5740.

The Board of Directors plans to appoint a candidate to the vacant position at its next meeting on March 28, 2024.

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WANTED REAL ESTATE DEAD OR ALIVE

I'm

JOE

are hereby required to appear and defend the complaint filed against you in the above-entitled action within thirty (30) days from the date of the first publication of this summons, and in case of your failure to appear and answer, plaintiff for want thereof will apply to the above entitled court for the relief prayed for in its complaint, to-wit: A. FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF:

1. For a declaration against defendant Estate of Dale Allen Pierce in the sum of $24,506.24, plus late fees of $27.03, plus accrued interest of $273.97 through February 16, 2024, plus interest accruing thereafter at the current variable rate of 6.49 percent per annum ($4.34550 per diem) from February 17, 2024, until the date judgment is entered, together with any additional sums required to be paid by Plaintiff during the pendency of this suit for the protection of the Property and Plaintiff’s interest therein,

2. For a declaration against defendant Estate of Dale Allen Pierce in the sum of $30,031.57, plus late fees of $61.10, plus accrued interest of $2,442.30 through February 16, 2024, plus interest accruing thereafter at the current variable rate of 8.24 percent per annum ($6.77973 per diem) from February 17, 2024, until the date judgment is entered, plus title search fees of $224.00 which sum accrues interest at the current variable rate of 8.24 percent from February 16, 2024, together with any additional sums required to be paid by Plaintiff during the pendency of this suit for the protection of the Property and Plaintiff’s interest therein, until paid; together with any additional sums required to be paid by Plaintiff during the pendency of this suit for the protection of the Property and Plaintiff’s interest therein; plus Plaintiff’s reasonable attorney fees; plus Plaintiff’s costs and disbursements incurred herein;

3. That Plaintiff’s Trust Deed #1, dated April 4, 2008, and recorded April 9, 2008, as Recorder’s No. 2008-3524, Records of Coos County, Oregon, be declared a lien upon the Property for the amount of the judgment prayed for herein;

4. That Plaintiff’s Trust Deed #2, dated April 4, 2008, and recorded April 9, 2008, as Recorder’s No. 2008-3525, Records of Coos County, Oregon, be declared a lien upon the Property for the amount of the judgment prayed for herein;

5. For judgment and decree that Plaintiff’s Trust Deeds #1 and #2 upon the Property be foreclosed, and that the title, claim, interest, or demand of defendants and each of them in said Property, and every part thereof, except their statutory rights of redemption, be foreclosed;

6. For judgment and decree that the Property, with all of its appurtenances, rights, privileges, and easements be sold on execution by the Sheriff for Coos County, Oregon, after giving notice as required by law; that Plaintiff may be and become a purchaser at said sale; that the Sheriff give the purchaser thereof a Certificate of Sale and, unless the Property is redeemed before the expiration of the redemption period, a deed; that said

purchaser have immediate possession of the Property, and every part thereof; and that said purchaser be entitled to such remedies as are available at law to secure such position, including a writ of assistance, if defendants or any other parties or persons shall refuse to immediately surrender possession to the purchaser;

7. That the proceeds of the sale be applied as follows:

first, to pay the costs and expenses of said sale; second, to pay the judgment of Plaintiff; and third, the overplus, if any, be paid to the Registry of the Court subject to further court order; and

8. That if any deficiency remains after application of the proceeds of the sale thereon, execution may not be issued for said.

B. SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF:

1. For a declaration against defendant Estate of Dale Allen Pierce in the sum of $24,506.24, plus late fees of $27.03, plus accrued interest of $273.97 through February 16, 2024, plus interest accruing thereafter at the current variable rate of 6.49 percent per annum ($4.34550 per diem) from February 17, 2024, until the date judgment is entered, together with any additional sums required to be paid by Plaintiff during the pendency of this suit for the protection of the Property and Plaintiff’s interest therein;

2. For interest on the sums in paragraphs B1 at the current variable rate of 6.49 percent per annum, which may be adjusted from time to time, from the date judgment is entered, until paid in full;

3. For a declaration against defendant Estate of Dale Allen Pierce in the sum of $30,031.57, plus late fees of $61.10, plus accrued interest of $2,442.30 through February 16, 2024, plus interest accruing thereafter at the current variable rate of 8.24 percent per annum ($6.77973 per diem) from February 17, 2024, until the date judgment is entered, plus title search fees of $224.00 which sum accrues interest at the current variable rate of 8.24 percent from February 16, 2024, together with any additional sums required to be paid by Plaintiff during the pendency of this suit for the protection of the Property and Plaintiff’s interest therein;

4. For Plaintiff’s attorney fees, costs, and disbursements incurred herein; and

5. For interest on the sums in paragraphs B3 through B4 at the current variable rate of 8.24 percent per annum, which may be adjusted from time to time, from the date judgment is entered, until paid in full.

C. Such other relief as the Court deems just and equitable. NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: READ CAREFULLY!! YOU MUST “APPEAR”

IN THIS CASE OR THE OTHER SIDE WILL WIN AUTOMATICALLY. TO “APPEAR” YOU MUST FILE WITH THE COURT A LEGAL PAPER CALLED A “MOTION” OR “ANSWER”. A MOTION OR ANSWER MUST BE GIVEN TO THE COURT CLERK OR ADMINISTRATOR WITHIN

30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION SPECIFIED HEREIN ALONG WITH THE REQUIRED FILING FEE.

IT MUST BE IN PROPER FORM AND HAVE PROOF OF SERVICE

7636.

If

of the

Date of first publication: March 5, 2024

Date of last publication: March 26, 2024

Eleanor A. DuBay, OSB #073755

Of Attorneys for Plaintiff TOMASI BRAGAR DUBAY 121 SW Morrison, Suite 1850 Portland, OR 97204

Published: March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2024. The World & ONPA. (ID:386025)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COOS

Case Number: 23DR18967 SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

Alexis Rolen, Plaintiff/ Petitioner V.

Brandon Brumwell, Defendant/Respondent

Date of First Publication: February 20, 2024. Alexis Rolen has filed a Petition for Custody/ Support/Visitation case asking the court to order sole custody of said minor children and serve respondent with the documents below. Petition, Summons, Notice of filing Confidential Information Form, Notice of Statutory Restraining Order, Motion for Pre Judgment Temporary Orders, Order to Show Cause. NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:

READ CAREFULLY!

You must “appear” in this case, or the other side will win automatically. To “appear,” you must file a legal Response, Answer, or Motion. Forms may be available through the court above or online at www.courts.oregon.gov/ forms. Talk to a lawyer for information about appearing by motion. Your response must be filed with the court named above within 30 days of the date of first publication (noted above), along with the required filing fee (go to www. courts.oregon.gov for fee information). It must be in proper form. You must show that the other party’s lawyer (or the party if they do not have a lawyer) was formally served with a copy of your response according to the service rules. Service rules are in the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP) Rule 9. If you have questions, see a lawyer immediately. If you need help finding a lawyer, you can call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at 503.684.3763 or toll free in Oregon at 800.452.7636 or go to www. oregonstatebar.org.

Date: February 9, 2024

/s/ Alexis Rolen

PO Box 233 Reedsport, OR 97467

Published: February 20, 27, March 5, and 12, 2024. The World & ONPA. (ID:384893)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COOS

In the Matter of the Estate of:

JANICE FAYE DAVIS, Deceased.

Case No. 24PB01270

INFORMATION TO

INTERESTED PERSONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that NOAH RHETT

DAVIS has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate of JANICE FAYE DAVIS are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the personal representative at P.O. Box 566, Powers, OR 97466,

or through their attorney, Nathan B. McClintock, at PO Box 1178, Coos Bay, OR 97420, or in person at 936 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the lawyer for the personal representative, Nathan B. McClintock. Dated and first published on March 5, 2024. /S/ Nathan B. McClintock,

William Woods Sr.

March 26, 1939 – January 17, 2024

In Loving Memory of a True Cowboy:

William Alvin Woods, 84 yrs.

It is with solemn hearts that we announce the passing of William Alvin Woods, a true cowboy. Bill left to be with his beloved Dot on January 17, 2024, at the age of 84, in La Pine, OR, and leaves behind a legacy of strength, honesty, loyalty, and the truest definition of tough.

Bill was a devoted husband to his departed Dorothy (Bowles) Woods, the love of his life. Together, they weathered the storms and relished the sunsets, creating an unbreakable bond over the years. As father to Robin, Ron, and Gina, Bill instilled in his children the values of hard work, ethics, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Born in Covelo, CA, on the Indian Reservation (by chance) he was a real man’s man, who made fast friends wherever he went. He took a lot of pride in the work he did throughout his life and always earned the deepest respect and admiration from those he worked for.

From being a logger “skinning mountains” and clearing landings on a cat, digging holes and climbing poles as a lineman for PG&E, or building roads, harvesting hay and moving cattle on top of his horse Danny, as foreman of the Powers Ranch, “our Cowboy always rode for the brand” and everyone knew that about him.

His legacy extends to his surviving children: daughter Robin Washburn, Nokomis, FL, son Ron Woods, Invercargill, NZ, and son-in-law Greg Roush, Azalea, OR, and resonates in the memories of his eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Whether sitting

Chess

From Page 1

The Coquille Junior Varsity Team was beaten by Oregon Episcopal A and Oregon Episcopal B teams to place third in the 1-3A Junior Varsity Division.

Meanwhile, the Coos Open team made up of players from North Bend, Coos Bay and Myrtle Point won two and half rounds to tie with the only other Open team. The Coos Open team played in a combined JV/Open section.

OSB #841520

Attorney for Personal Representative

Personal Representative:

Noah Rhett Davis P.O. Box 566

Powers, OR 97466

Telephone: 541.260.4077

Email: nrd801@gmail.com

Lawyer for Personal

Representative:

Nathan B. McClintock, OSB #841520

Corrigall & McClintock

P.O. Box 1178 Coos Bay, OR 97420

Telephone: (541) 269-1123

Fax: (541) 269-1126

Email: nmcclintock@ epuerto.com

Published: March 5, 2024. The World & ONPA. (ID:385951)

next to him while running big equipment, working for him on the ranch during hay season and round up, or sitting around an open campfire, playing Jezebelle (his guitar) singing his cowboy songs, “Pappa” will forever be remembered for his time shared, the values he taught, the true grit he displayed and the love he had for each of them.

So, we bid farewell to our very dear cowboy, and will remember the gentle soul that deeply yearned to be reunited with his Dot. May their love continue to blossom in the fields of eternal green and may Bill’s spirit find the peace he so earnestly sought.

Rest in peace, dear cowboy. You are loved and will be profoundly missed.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COOS

PROBATE DEPARTMENT

In the Matter of the Estate of: SHARON LOUISE STUHLMILLER

T:

ATTORNEY

T:

Email:

Published:

Joseph Charles Flora Jr.

Joseph Charles Flora Jr. was born on September 27,1926 in Portland, Oregon and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on March 6, 2024 in Myrtle Point, Oregon.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ruth (Cunningham) Flora; his parents Joseph & Theresa Flora; brother Lloyd James Flora; brother Blayne Joseph Flora; sister, Jeannette T. West; great nephew Jeremy Vaughn.

Joe is survived by: son, Lloyd and wife Suzan Flora; daughter, Connie Flora Young; son, Bill and wife Cathy Flora; daughter, Amy and husband Arty Grabowski; son, Tom and wife Marlene Flora; daughter, Liz and husband Mike Hooper; nephew BJ and wife Darlene Flora; nephew Jim and wife Claire Vaughn; nephew Don and wife Naomi West; 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 10 great nieces and nephews, 12 great great nieces and nephews and 3 great great great nieces and nephews.

Joe served in the United States Navy from August 29, 1944 to June 7, 1946 during World War II. He was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

He married Mary Ruth Cunningham November 29, 1947 in Camas Valley, Oregon. They were married for 65 years.

At the age of 15, Joe went to work in the woods for his father, Joseph Charles

Flora Sr., who was a co-owner of The Flora Logging Company and Carlton Railroad in Carlton, Oregon. Many years later, after welcoming 5 of his 6 children, Joe went to night school and earned his GED.

In 1955 he and Mary committed their lives to Jesus Christ and faithfully served God and attended church for the rest of their lives. They served churches in California and Oregon. Joe taught his children and grandchildern about the love of God and anyone and everyone else. In fact, some of his nick names were preacher joe and holy joe. Over the years Joe served as a Sunday school teacher, church board member, church treasurer and church janitor. He was an active member of the New Horizon Church of God in Coquille, Oregon for over 30 years.

Joe was a faithful fan of his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He took great joy in attending their sporting events. His funeral service will be held at the Coquille New Horizon Church of God, March 14, 2024 at 10:00 am. Interment will be held at the Norway Cemetery. Online remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www. westrumfuneralservice.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Amling/Schroeder Funeral Service –Myrtle Point Chapel, 541-572-2524

Secretary of State, county clerks prepare for 2024 elections

The Elections Division of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, the Oregon Association of County Clerks (OACC) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) held a tabletop training exercise earlier this month to coordinate efforts across multiple local, state, and federal agencies to prepare for the 2024 elections.

The exercise was attended by elections officials from all 36 of Oregon’s counties, representatives from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, representatives from CISA, and representatives

from other state and federal partners, including the FBI and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. “Oregon has a history of conducting safe, secure, and accurate elections,” said Tracie Krevanko, President of the OACC. “Our partnership with local, state, and federal partners is vital in helping us continue that tradition this election and beyond. This CISA exercise helped us think outside the box and provided tools to help us prepare for and respond to election cybersecurity and physical threats.”

The goal of the exercise was to expose elections officials to realistic scenarios that may occur during an election. In doing so, elections officials could explore strategies on how best to prepare for and respond to such scenarios and protect Oregon’s election infrastructure. The topics covered included physical security of elections offices, threats to elections administration, the proliferation of misinformation, and cybersecurity risks.

The exercise provided a critical opportunity for multiple partner agencies to collaborate and coor-

dinate their efforts in advance of the 2024 election cycle. With an increased focus on election security from local, state and federal officials, election administrators are increasingly confident in their preparedness. “2024 will be the most secure election in Oregon’s history,” said Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. “I am grateful for the support and partnerships we’ve built at all levels of government. With their help, we continue to improve our systems and we are better prepared than ever before.”

“A vital component to safe and secure elections is the partnership between federal, state, and local election offices,” said Lori Augino, CISA election security advisor. “Working alongside the OACC, the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, and our many election associates across Oregon to identify best practices and areas for improvement in incident planning, identification, and response to cyber and physical security threats will serve our citizens well.” For more information, visit OregonVotes.gov.

Contributed photo Coquille JV team: Tyler LeBrun, Jeremiah Thompson, James Hanburg, Adrian Rangel, Ayden Gardner.

Contributed photo Coquille Varsity Team in action--Liam Haan, Jordan Florez,

Coos Bay City Council hears DA levy presentation

The World

The Coos County District Attorney’s office made their case for a proposed public safety levy to Coos Bay City Council on February 20th, 2024.

The levy, which will be on the May ballot in the coming election cycle, hopes to address deficiencies in the local justice system.

Earlier that day, the Coos County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the verbiage of the levy. At its proposed rate, the 5-year property tax levy will cost $0.98/$1000 of the assessed value of the property. According to an example given by County Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio in his portion of the presentation, that would amount to $196 per year for a $200,000 dollar house, or $294 per year for a $300,000

property. The funds of which will go toward several areas to help the District Attorney’s office and County Jail better hold and try those charged in the area. Including adding beds to the jail, increasing the number of deputy DAs, and helping to balance trial budgets.

For the jail, which currently sits at a maximum capacity of 98 beds (though until recently there was only enough staff for half that number), which authorities argue is not nearly enough. The proposed levy will add a further 50% capacity to the jail. According to county law enforcement, the lack of capacity has forced them to engage in what’s been called a “catch and release” practice.

With such limited space, the DA’s office must often make tough choices about

who to keep and who to potentially release early for want of space. This undercuts their ability to wield greater authority in non-violent crimes such as petty theft or DUI’s.

District Attorney Paul Frazier recounted the issues within the DA’s office more closely. According to Frazier, there have been open deputy DA positions and high turnover since 2020. This puts the attorneys in an unfavorable position in regard to the number of cases being referred to their office.

“In 2023, according to our case management system, we had 8,895 cases referred to the office to review. For five people to look at. You can’t do it, and as a consequence, we’re behind. According again to our case management system, we have about 1,400 cases that we have not even been able to look

at because we just do not have the time… What we’ve been doing is triaging,” said DA Frazier in his statement.

The levy proposal adds two deputy DA positions to the department. If they can fill the open positions, Frazier estimates they will be able to catch up on that backlog in a year.

“We just had a person here my deputies were telling me about. Sentenced to two days in jail for a DUI. I walked him across to the jail, [there was] ‘no room in the inn’, and walked him right out the door. That’s what is going on right now, and we certainly want to fix that”, continued Frazier.

Another area that the funs will supplement is trial expenses. Frazier claims that his trail expense budget, for things like witness fees and hiring experts, is only $30,000 a

year. He proposes that with two homicide trials on the horizon, that won’t be nearly enough. Frazier estimates that just those two trials will cost up to $50,000 in trial expenses.

The levy which will have a 5-year life span will need another successful vote to continue past that 5-year mark. If the DA’s office manages to secure funds from other sources, the entirety of the levy need not be collected in the first place.

The money raised will go into a special fund used only for the purposes laid out on the ballot. The fund will be audited, and the results of said audits will be available to the public.

County Commissioner John Sweet laid out the most concise argument for the levy during his portion of the presentation.

“I think in the 10 years that I have served as your

County Commissioner, that this is the most important thing that has come across my desk. Our justice system isn’t working as it should. Our people are doing all they can with the resources they have… People used to get in trouble, they’d get tried, and put in jail pretty quickly. Same way I grew up, discipline was sure and swift, and if we don’t have that in our public safety system, we lose that deterrent to bad behavior,” said Commissioner Sweet. The local voters will have the final say in this matter. Coos County citizens will have to decide for themselves whether they think the levy is essential to maintaining public safety in the area. This is a multi-faceted issue, though it seems to have garnered support from both North Bend and Coos Bay City Councils.

Secretary of State announced annual audit plan

• 4:42 pm, criminal trespass, 2000 block of Johnson Street.

• 7:04 pm, criminal trespass, 3400 block of Ash Street.

• 8:09 pm, threats, 2200 block of Marion Street.

Coos Bay

• 6:48 am, criminal trespass, 300 block of South 4th

• 9:45 am, fraud, 1800 block of

• 9:57 am, criminal mischief, 300 block of South Wasson Street.

• 11:40 am, criminal trespass, 100 block of North Cammann Street.

• 12:10 pm, theft, 2800 block of Alderwood Street.

• 1:02 pm, unlawful

entry into motor vehicle, 300 block of South 10th Street.

• 1:45 pm, 38 year old

male transported to Coos County Jail on failure to appear on unlawful possession of meth, area of Marple & Newmark.

• 3:10 pm, theft, area of Schoneman & Flanagan.

• 4:54 pm, 42 year old male transported to Coos County Jail on failure to appear on assault IV, 200 block of South Schoneman Street.

• 5:28 pm, criminal mischief, 1200 block of Embarcadero Circle.

• 6:38 pm, 50 year old male transported to Coos County Jail on parole violation on sex assault, failure to appear on harassment, area of Newmark & Devereux Center.

• 8:39 pm, theft, 700 block of Koos Bay Boulevard.

• 10:43 pm, criminal

trespass, 1700 block of Thompson Road.

Coquille

• 9:57 am, criminal trespass, 600 block of Central Boulevard.

• 2:31 pm, criminal trespass, 400 block of North Central Avenue.

• 5:44 pm, 34 year old male transported to Coos County Jail on criminal trespass II, probation violation detainer, 500 block of North Central Boulevard.8:50 pm, criminal trespass, 1100 block of North Baxter Street.

Tuesday 2/27:

North Bend

• 5:15 am, prowler, 2100 block of Sherman Avenue.

• 5:47 am, criminal trespass, 900 block of Virginia Avenue.

• 6:29 am, disorderly conduct, 3500 block of Tremont Street.

• 7:50 am, theft, 2300 block of Broadway Avenue.

• 6:40 pm, criminal trespass, 1800 block of Newmark Avenue.

• 7:46 pm, criminal trespass, 800 block of Vermont Street.

• 7:58 pm, 50 year old

male transported to Coos County Jail on theft II.

• 11:53 pm, criminal trespass, 1200 block of Virginia Avenue.

Coos Bay

• 8:05 am, criminal mischief, area of 2nd & Commercial.

• 10:25 am, disorderly conduct, area of Koos Bay Boulevard & Bayshore Drive.

• 11:13 am, criminal mischief, 400 block of West Anderson Avenue.

• 11:52 am, criminal trespass, 1000 block of South 1st Street.

South 8th Street.

• 11:56 am, unlawful entry into motor vehicle, 1800 block of 28th Court.

• 11:55 am, threats, 1200 block of Fenwick Street.

• 12:03 pm, harassment, 200 block of South Cammann Street.

• 1:30 pm, theft, 1200 block of North Bayshore Drive.

• 1:54 pm, criminal trespass, 600 block of North Broadway Street.

• 2:00 pm, threats, 700 block of South 7th Street.

• 4:17 pm, criminal mischief, 1000 block of South 4th Street.

• 6:52 pm, criminal trespass, 1700 block of Thompson Road.

• 9:05 pm, disorderly conduct, 1100 block of South 1st Street.

Coquille

Coos Bay

• 6:47 am,

•

• 11:53 am, animal neglect, 900 block of

• 1:58 pm, 23 year old male transported to Coos County Jail on aggravated theft I, 400 block of North Central Boulevard.

• 3:11 pm, criminal trespass, 96000 block of Highway 42 South.

• 9:19 pm, disorderly conduct, area of 2nd & Adams.

Reedsport

• 2:29 am, stolen vehicle, 700 block of Clearlake Avenue.

• 10:36 am, disturbance, 300 block of Fir Avenue.

Wednesday 2/21:

North Bend

• 8:46 am, criminal trespass, area of Newmark Avenue.

• 12:19 pm, theft, 1700 block of Virginia Avenue.

• 12:22 pm, disorderly conduct, area of Broadway & Newmark.

• 2:27 pm, criminal trespass, 1600 block of Virginia Avenue.

• 3:03 pm, criminal trespass, 1400 block of Airport Lane.

• 6:35 pm, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 3200 block of Myrtle Street.

• 9:49 pm, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 1200 block of Virginia Avenue.

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•

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shots red, area of woods behind 1200 block of Ocean Boulevard.

Coquille

• 8:46 am, criminal trespass, area of Newmark & Edgewood.

• 12:19 pm, theft, 1700 block of Virginia Avenue.

• 12:22 pm, disorderly conduct, area of Broadway& Newmark.

• 2:27 pm, criminal trespass, 1600 block of Virginia Avenue.

• 3:03 pm, criminal trespass, 1400 block of Airport Lane.

• 6:35 pm, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 3200 block of Myrtle Street.

• 9:49 pm, unauthorized use of motor vehicle,

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 |

SCAT swimmers compete at state meets

Seven members of the South Coast Aquatic Team qualified for the age-group state championships that include the short-course season.

Four swimmers advanced to the 10-and-under state championships, held Feb. 17-18 at Willamalane Pool in Springfield.

Caitlin Abrahamsen (age 10) set new personal bests while competing in the 50-yard freestyle (34.63) and 100-yard freestyle (1:16.17).

Kinsley Andrews (8) set new bests in the 50 backstroke (50.56) and 25 backstroke (22.82) and also competed in the 25 freestyle (21.79).

Payton Andrews (10) set new bests in four out of five events, including the 200 freestyle (2:37.46), 50 backstroke (42.11), 50 freestyle (32.87) and 100 breaststroke (1:40.82). Andrews also swam the 100 freestyle (1:14.09).

Zoey Teyler (8) qualified in six events, setting new bests in the 100 freestyle (1:54.00) and 50 backstroke (53.71) and 100 individual medley (1:54.04) and also competing in the 50 butterfly (58.57), 25 backstroke (25.55) and 25 freestyle (22.25).

The 11-14 championships were held Feb. 23-25 at Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis.

Castle Schnabel Martin (11) set a new best in the 100 breaststroke (1:37.36).

Evalynn Ryback (11) had the best finish of any of the team members at either state meet, qualifying for the finals in the 50 backstroke and placing eighth with a time of 35.38. She also had personal bests in the 200 individual medley (2:49.22), her preliminary

Contributed

race in the 50 backstroke (34.27) and the 100 freestyle (1:07.18) and competed in the 50 freestyle (31.93), 100

backstroke (1:19.90) and 100 individual medley (1:21.01). Morgan Ryback (14) competed in the 50

freestyle (28.04) and 100 freestyle (1:01.16). The team is coached by Heather Perry and Sarah Perry.

SWOCC men eliminated from NWAC tourney

The Southwestern Oregon Community College men’s basketball team saw its season end in an 86-76 loss to Everett in the NWAC tournament in Washington.

The Lakers trailed the Trojans just 39-38 at halftime but went cold in the second half.

The loss ended a season that saw the Lakers finish second in the South Region and post an overall record of 23-7.

“We struggled today,” SWOCC coach Riley Grandinetti said. “Everett did a good job. It just wasn’t our night.”

SWOCC shot 52 percent overall and 6-for-13 from 3-point range in the first half, but cooled off in the final 20 minutes and finished at 44 percent overall. The Lakers were 1-for-14 from 3-point range in the second half.

O’shen Cazimero scored a team-high 26 points for SWOCC and hit 10-for-12 from the line. The rest of the team was just 5-for-12 on free throws.

Merrick Sherwood hit four 3-pointers and scored 15 points for the Lakers. Logan Prince added 10 points.

Luke Fotheringham and Logan Deal each grabbed seven rebounds.

Derek Smith had 25 points

and Jailin Johnson 23 for the Trojans, who had 11 steals as a team (seven by Smith) and forced 20 turnovers.

Everett, which finished third in the North Region, fell to Tacoma 88-80 on Friday as Tacoma advanced to the final four next week. Tacoma, the fourth place team out of the West region, upset East Region champion Treasure Valley in the first round. The only region champ to advance to the Final Four was South Region winner Portland, which beat Columbia Basin 8662 to move on. North Region champ Edmonds lost to Green River 81-61 in the round of eight and West Region champ Lower Columbia lost to Skagit Valley 66-61. The other two teams from the South Region to advance to the tournament both lost their first games, with Linn-Benton falling to Skagit Valley 86-71 and Lane losing to Edmonds 72-66.

ALL LEAGUE

Cazimero was on the South Region first team and Fotheringham was on the all-defensive team for the region.

Portland’s Jahvari Martino was player of the year and the Panthers’ Cameron Mitchell

was coach of the year.

For the women, SWOCC’s Skylar Willey was on the second team.

Umpqua’s Brooklyn Fely was player of the year, freshman of the year and defensive player of the year. Umpqua’s Dave Stricklin was coach of the year.

BASEBALL SWOCC is off to a 4-2 start in the NWAC South Region, sweeping doubleheaders against Clackamas (games moved to Roseburg) and Chemeketa at home and being swept on the road by Umpqua in the first week of the league season.

The Lakers are 7-7 overall with doubleheaders this week at Lane on Thursday and Linn-Benton on Saturday. Next week the Lakers are home against Mount Hood on Thursday and then on the road for four games against Centralia on Saturday and Sunday. Against Clackamas in the league opener, the Lakers won 13-3 and 2-1.

In the opener, Ryder Okimoto had a double and two singles, drove in four runs and scored one. Taizo Nagaki had two hits, three RBIs and a

Three Sky-Em squads earn trophies at state tournament

The Sky-Em League had two boys teams and a girls team earn trophies at the Class 4A state tournament in Forest Grove.

On the boys side, Junction City reached the championship game, but fell to Baker 75-58. Along the way to the title game, Junction City beat Henley 54-45 and fellow Sky-Em League squad Marist Catholic 57-39.

The Spartans faced Cascade in the third-place game and lost 63-53. Marist Catholic had beaten Crook County 46-42 in the quarterfinals.

Madras beat Crook County 72-62 in the fourth-place game.

Philomath, which eliminated Marshfield, lost to Baker 51-30 and Madras

47-41 and did not receive a trophy.

On the girls side, Marist Catholic placed sixth in the tournament. The Spartans, who finished second in the league behind Marshfield, lost to Philomath 5523 before beating Madras 48-39 to reach the trophy game. Klamath Union beat the Spartans 54-43 in the trophy game.

Stayton, which eliminated Marshfield in the round to get to the state tournament, lost both its games — 54-49 to top-ranked Astoria and 42-36 to Klamath Union.

In the championship game, Henley edged Astoria 39-38 on a basket by Annie Campos with 12 seconds to go. In the third-place game, Cascade edged Philomath 35-33.

run and Ridge Ka’ihe Hikaru Choy had two RBIs and a run.

Raine Yoshida had two runs and two RBIs and Deyven White and Micah Rogers each scored twice.

Mahiro Tomita pitched five innings, giving up four hits and a run and striking out five, to pick up the win. In the nightcap, White had an RBI triple and Choy drove in the other run and scored one. Marino Soranaka had the other run.

Derek Atkinson pitched five scoreless innings and Bradley Deutsch picked up the win in relief.

In the losses at Umpqua, Okimoto had three hits in the opener and White a home run in the nightcap.

In the first game against Chemeketa, Okimoto had four hits, two runs and two RBIs and Isaac Roberts had a home run among three hits, drove in four runs and scored two. Choy and White also scored two runs.

Tomita pitched eight scoreless innings, giving up 10 hits but also striking out 10 batters.

In the nightcap, Yoshida hit a grand slam, Choy had two hits and two runs, Hanalei Warren scored twice and Okimoto drove in two.

Atkinson pitched six innings to pick up the win.

SOFTBALL

The SWOCC softball team opens league play this week with doubleheaders at Chemeketa on Friday and Clackamas on Saturday.

The Lakers, the defending NWAC champions, were 8-3 through two games of the NWAC preseason tournament at Pasco, Wash., having beaten Edmonds 4-2 and Walla Walla 13-5. Scores for their games against Columbia Basin and Pierce were not available.

The Lakers have scored at least 13 runs six different times, showing off their explosive offense.

Ryleigh Blaire is third in the NWAC in RBIs with 18 and tied for third with teammate Eliana Ulufale and two others in home runs with four. Ulufale has 13 RBIs.

Noelani Barawis is tied for the NWAC lead in runs scored with 17 and tied for second in stolen bases with seven. She is eighth in hits with 14.

Avery Garbarek, who has three wins, is second in NWAC in the pitching circle with 29 strikeouts. She had 13 in the win over Edmonds on Saturday

Bandon boys finish third in the classroom for basketball

Bandon’s boys basketball team ranked third for Class 2A with a combined 3.76 GPA.

Marshfield’s girls were sixth in swimming for Class 4A-3A-2A-1A with a 3.76 GPA. The Pirates were tied with Newport for second best among 4A teams behind Klamath Union (3.80).

North Bend was seventh for boys swimming in Class 4A-3A-2A-1A with a 3.61 GPA.

Powers was ninth for girls basketball in Class 1A with a 3.83 GPA.

Siuslaw was second in Class 4A-3A-2A-1A with a 3.81 GPA for girls wrestling. Oakland, a Class 2A school, had a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Other South Coast teams that had at least a 3.0 GPA:

Bandon: Girls Basketball: 3.50, Cheerleading 3.24.

Brookings-Harbor: Girls Basketball 3.43.

Coquille: Boys Basketball 3.16, Girls Basketball 3.63, Girls Wrestling (with Bandon) 3.15.

Marshfield: Boys Basketball 3.32, Girls Basketball 3.52, Boys Swimming 3.16, Dance 3.41, Cheerleading 3.32.

North Bend: Boys Basketball 3.24, Girls Basketball 3.57, Girls Swimming 3.30, Cheerleading 3.32.

Siuslaw: Girls Basketball 3.77, Cheerleading 3.26.

8th Grade: 4.0

Aurdahl, Joseph G.

Barrett, Dani L.

Bonde, Viola S. Butler, Brett L. Junior Carter, Chloe M. Chambers, Hallie M.

Chouinard, Emmali O. Cook, Aiden R.

Fitzgerald-Thornton, Bailey N.

Geary-Daniel, Brandyn C. Hodges, Asia B. Hoffman, Olivia G. Hoffman, Owen N.

Hutchins, Jonathan A. Johnson, Kendall L. Johnson, Nathan W. Kennedy, Colter J. Labine, Warren A. Lay, Theodore R.

Lilienthal, Macey J. Lohnes, Amelia M.

Mallett, Khloe B. Mill, Clayton C. Moser, Isabella M.

Osorio-Castillo, Axel Pederson, Brooklyn M. Petley, Audrey J. Putman, Cade M. Ramirez-Reyes, Anycha J. Stocker, Rhenner R. Sun, Adrian J. Walker, Precious M. Wright, Lexie M.

Balcon, Kaydyn M. Black, Annabelle M. Cox, Bella M. Coyle-Goude, Brendan W. Cupp, Ethan J. Davidson, Lyla J. Domen, Malia A. Elgin, Fiona R. Goude, Delilah B. Green, Sierra B. Hamner, Chloe B. Harvey, Wyatt L. Hatch, Alvin B. Hernandez Denova, Kimberly Hogan, Mason A. Howard, Allie L. King, Averie L. Le, Brayden N. Madison, Chevelle J. Martin, Levi R.

Rylee N.

Aurdahl, Ava A.

Barrett, Dani L. Bettiga, Nevaeh A.

Chan, Ella G.

Cole, Kylah B. Daboling, Sarah H. Devi, Krishan C. Figueroa, Alexander H. Herbert, Jackson B.

Jimenez, Gabriella M.

Lindsey, Ewan B.

Ott, Kayden D. Pallas, Gaige C. Salter, Austin J. Wright, Lana R. Baugh, Christian C. Boyett, Kira A. Chavez, AnaniBella V. Collatt, Isle S. Courtright, Briley A. Ficher, Amelia C.

Franssen, Lillanna H.

Johnston, Max R. Morton III, Charles G.

Ocampo Neilsen, Lucus M. Ratliff, Jaylynn R. Rivas-Lake, Izacc A.

Shook, Riley S. Sperling, Khloe I.

Vancannon, Annhelena Abarca, Zulay

Ayer, Hudson L.

Hughes, Olivia R.

McGinness, Emma L.

Mireles-Gallo, Trentin G. Park, Alexander S. Wendelin, Brandon W. Woods, Tyrahn S. Yates, Izabell R.

Becker-Matz, Dacoda R. Black, Bentley J. Dawson, Andre D. Duarte, Fernanda Y. Holmstedt, Jessica L. Kinney, Aubrey L. Roberts, Claire A. Silva Pacheco, Ulises

Socia, Phebee W.

Cox, Conor R.

Gaudren, Reev V. Kohler, Mason P. McNamee, Owen B. Puckett, Brogan S. Rackley, Danny R. Rasley, Liam P. Scriven, Aubrey B. Siftsoff, Saquoya M.

Singer, Isaac W.

Marshfield Junior High School was established in 2020 as part of a long term vision and bond. The Bond, which was approved in 2019, allowed for the construction of two new buildings, Eastside School for K-2 and Marshfield Junior High School for 7th and 8th-grade students. Marshfield Junior High opened in 2021 and is entering its second year at the new school.

755 S.

Coos Bay, OR 97420 (541) 267-1487

Blake, Alexia M.

Britton, Indika R.

Cardoso, Isabella K.

Clayton, Kassandra F.

Engleson, Tristan E.

Grabinger, Lillian G.

Huffman, Isabella L.

Johnson, Daxton L.

Lee, Abigail S.

McCarthy, Orla R.

Nelson, August J.

Potter, Ivy R.

Santiago-Hernandez, Alonzo U.

Shedrick, Bently J. Spann, Cameron L.

Stiles, Hana M.

Chacon-Hughes, Margarita

Davis, Heath S.

Davis, Riley C.

Deffenbaugh, Cailyn S.

Dubisar, Leo R.

Goergen, Dixie J.

Kennedy, Griff A.

Lincoln-Johnson, Braelynn L.

Norton, Sabella M.

Osborn-Norton, Aleksyss E.

Owens, Elizabeth L.

Palmer, Carson L.

Pruess, Nicoya C.

Sams, Kylee M.

Slay, Emmally L.

Sternenberg, Amelia M.

Ward, Kaylee R.

Carr, Mason X.

Chandler, Carson B.

Degarmo, Cecilia I.

Grif n, Aiden M. Hoffman, Katie L.

Kof -Plebou, Darielle A.

Lintner, Connor L.

Martinez, Charley G. Pottle, Erianna M.

Powell, Cory J.

Vessell, Sierra M.

Alvarez-Maine, Annalyse K. Corona, Hunter C. Erb, Nicholas P. Gonzales, Gloria G.

Juan de Dios, Carlos R.

Moen Nachtigall, Emerald T. Paschall, Kenlee J. Sause, Deegan T.

Worthington, Drake C.

Banks, Kathryn M. Bouthillier, Robert D. Edgar-Storbeck, Aiden A. Garcia, Dominica A. McCord, Ella J. McDonnell, Emmett P. Reloba-Spier, Cada’n-Grey T.

Taylor, Camille M. Alvarado Denova, Ruth A. Ballew, Emma J. Crawford, Azalea E. Creamer, Haidyn R. De Dios-Campos, Fatima J. Epperson, Jewellian C. Gaston, Autumn R. Gutierrez, Kai A.

Perez-Nanez, Evolet M. Ramadan, Zaid I. Shipman, Brody F. Spencer, Gavin D. Widdicombe, Alexander M. Cain, Meghan M. Cortes, Gideon I. Dickie, Trinity A. Hagquist, Ayden W. Kelley, Jerrick G. Lef er, Layne M. Martinez-Diaz, Savannah R. Mosieur, Braeden F. Putnam, Keenan A. Rodriguez, Alexander G. Draper, Hayden R. Heisen, Laura M. Huffman, Isaac D. Johnson, Lincoln J. Johnson, Rachel R. Mendoza, Aiyana J. Munck, Sadie K.

Crossword Puzzle 3/12

Sudoku Puzzle 3/11

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Crossword Puzzle 3/13

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Governors, tribes ratify Columbia River Basin pact

BY JACOB FISCHLER Oregon Capital Chronicle

Efforts to enhance and sustain salmon and steelhead runs in Oregon and the Paci c Northwest are moving ahead following a regional agreement.

The governors of Washington and Oregon and four Native American tribal leaders gathered at the White House to celebrate last year’s agreement to avoid litigation over dams in the Columbia River Basin.

The agreement, which was announced in December and resulted from years of negotiation among the states, tribes in the region, environmental groups and federal agencies, established a path to reviving the area’s salmon and steelhead populations and called for a 10-year pause in legal ghting.

The governors, tribal leaders and a handful of administration of cials held a White House signing ceremony Friday, Feb. 23, though the deal has been in effect since the parties signed a memorandum of agreement in December.

The agreement was a necessary condition required under treaties with tribes to address the ailing sh populations and to restore the health of the river basin, but it marked the beginning of a long process, not the end, administration representatives and others

said Friday. “There’s much to do in order to live up to our commitments and to live up to the president’s memorandum of agreement,” White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory said. “But I think the partnership that we have worked to develop will ensure that we are able to be successful.”

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek called on the federal government, tribes and states who are parties to the deal to “stay true to the framework” of the compact. Reaching the agreement was a major milestone, she said, but more work would be needed to follow through on the commitments outlined in the deal.

“This is a happy moment,” Kotek said. “But just the beginning.”

Commitment to tribes

Part of the agreement is meant to address federal commitments to tribes — the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Nez Perce Tribe — that promise plentiful shing in perpetuity.

Jonathan W. Smith, the chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, said the 19th-century

treaty ceding much of the tribes’ land to the federal government promised inde nite shing rights and that sh would always be available in the tribe’s traditional areas.

But that has not been the case in recent decades, he said, as the longhouses that host tribal ceremonies have “had empty tables.”

“For too long, we have not had sh to sustain ourselves, let alone teach our youth the ways of our culture,” he said.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee thanked tribal members for acting “as a guardian for the salmon.”

He said the Columbia River was signi cant to

Native and non-Native residents of his state and called for making the river basin’s health a continued priority.

“This is personal with me and 8 million Washingtonians,” he said. “That is the artery of our state. It needs to be brought to health.”

The agreement remains more controversial, though, in more rural and Republican areas of the state. Inslee, who is well known as a climate advocate, also framed the agreement as part of a wider effort to address climate change impacts.

Deputy U.S. Energy

Secretary David Turk praised Inslee, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, at the White House event for helping form the foundation of the Biden administration’s climate policy.

the area. Removing four Snake River dams — Ice Harbor Dam, Lower Monumental Dam, Little Goose Dam, and Lower Granite Dam — would harm the area’s clean-energy production, ood control capability and overall economy, Rodgers said at the hearing.

Mallory testi ed that the agreement leaves a decision on dam removal to Congress.

Dam removal possibility worries Republicans Republicans in the region have largely been skeptical — if not downright hostile — to the agreement, seeing it as a precursor to removing dams on the Snake River in eastern Washington. U.S. House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state held a hearing last month blasting the “secret deal” that she said excluded utilities, hydropower users, agriculture and other affected industries in

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence.

Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

“This is a happy moment. But just the beginning.”

Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor

FIELD TEST Candidates Wanted

URGENT NOTICE : You may be qualified to participate in a special Field Test of new hearing instrument technology being held at a local test site. An industry leader in digital hearing devices is sponsoring a product field test in your area next week and they have asked us to select up to 15 qualified candidates to participate. They are interested in determining the benefits of GENIUS™ 5.0 Technology in eliminating the difficulty hearing aid users experience in difficult environments, such as those with background noise or multiple talkers. Candidates in other test areas have reported very positive feedback so far. We are looking for additional candidates in North Bend and the surrounding areas.

Product Test Sites:

In an effort to accurately demonstrate the incredible performance of these devices, specially trained representatives will be conducting testing and demonstrations during this special event. In addition to an audiometric hearing evaluation, candidates will receive a fiber-optic otoscope exam, a painless procedure that could reveal common hearing problems such as excessive wax or damage to the eardrum, as well as other common causes of hearing deficiencies.

Qualified Field Test Candidates:

Must Call Before March 15th

• Live in THE NORTH BEND AREA or the surrounding area

• Are at least 55 years of age or older

• Have experienced some level of hearing difficulty, or currently wear hearing aids

• Don’t currently work for a market research company

We have a limited supply of the GENIUS™ 5.0 test product currently on hand and ready for testing. We have also been authorized to offer significant discounts if you decide to take the hearing instruments home. If you choose not to keep them, there’s no risk or obligation of any kind.†

TO PARTICIPATE:

1) You must be one of the first 15 people to call our office

Mention Code: 24MarField

2) You will be required to have your hearing tested in our office, FREE OF CHARGE, to determine candidacy.

3) Report your results with the hearing instruments to the Hearing Care Specialist over a three week test period.

Qualified candidates will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis so please call us TODAY to secure your spot in the Product Field Test. Participants who qualify and complete the product test will receive a FREE $100 Restaurant.com Gift Card* as a token of our thanks.