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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025

Brookings, Oregon LIFEGUARD AGENCY CERTIFICATION

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Search and Rescue Team save citizen

It took a team effort to pull the victim, and rescuers, back up the cliff.

The Search and Rescue team ready the ropes to descend the cliff.

BY SERGEANT JARED GRAY

SAR Coordinator, Curry County Sheriff’s Office

On November 11 at or about 8:40 AM, a citizen caller reported to Brookings Police Department that there was possibly a vehicle off the roadway on United States Forest Service (USFS) 1107 road, at approximately the 8-mile marker. The citizen caller advised that they could hear someone yelling for help from below the roadway. The Winchuck Fire Department and Cal-Or Ambulance were dispatched to the area. At the time, Sargent Zane Van Zelf heard the information over the radio and responded to the area. At or about 8:56 AM. Deputy Bryce Starbird arrived on scene and determined that there was not a vehicle off the

roadway as reported. Deputy Starbird did hear someone yelling and screaming over the steep embankment, approximately 100 feet below the roadway. It was unknown at this time, but it was believed that there may have been possibly two subjects over the embankment. Later determined there was only one person. The victim could not be seen but could be heard yelling and screaming. It was determined that the Curry County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce (Search and Rescue) SAR rope team would be needed to safely reach the subject. At or about 10:09 AM SAR member

Andy Stubbs repelled down and located the one victim in the water near the north side of the river. The subject later identiﬁed as 45-year-old Bruce Stacy of Reedsport, Oregon, was at the bottom of the embankment in the water. Stacey had a broken leg, and he was verbally unresponsive to the emergency personnel that arrived to assist him. Stacey continued to struggle with the emergency personnel as they rendered aid to him, and he was restrained inside a stokes basket. The SAR rope team then set up a rope system and pulled Stacey, SAR volunteers Tim Hawkins and Andy Stubbs, back up to the roadway.

Curry County

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While this was happening, Sheriff Deputies were able to get Stacey`s dog, Nola, safely back to a patrol vehicle. Nola had been over the embankment and appeared very scared as her owner was being rescued. Nola was later taken to Wild Rivers animal shelter. Stacey was then transported by Cal-Or Ambulance to Sutter Coast Hospital to get treated for his broken leg, hypothermia, and other injuries sustained during the incident. This incident was typical of a rescue in our rural area and took the collaboration of all agencies to reach and render aid to Bruce Stacy and his dog Nola. The ﬁrst responders on scene were Winchuck Fire, Harbor Fire, Cal-Or Ambulance, Curry County Search and Rescue volunteers, and Curry County Sheriff`s Ofﬁce.

A Mayor’s Farewell: Isaac Hodges Reﬂects on Service, Community and a Return Home

BY WENDY GIORDANO At the November 10th Brookings City Council meeting, Mayor Isaac Hodges announced that he will resign from his position in January due to an upcoming move just outside the city limits. While his family is only shifting a short distance, the change places him on the county side of the boundary, making him ineligible to continue serving. After thoughtful discussion, Hodges and his family chose to return to the house he grew up in, a place filled with decades of family history. “We’re not moving far,” he said, “and as a family we will continue to celebrate holidays in the same house we always have.” Although the move brings him back to familiar walls, stepping away from office brings a mix of gratitude and reflection. “It was an honor to serve as the Brookings mayor. This was a position I never dreamed of having and I will miss it,” Hodges shared. “I worked alongside great councilors which I learned a lot from. It is a relief to know that as I step away our city government remains in great hands.” Please see FAREWELL Page 2

Lynn Coker (l), Jay Trost and Patrick Hollinger

County policy, collaboration with the Board on matters of County concern and County property, and required coordination with County Legal Counsel, the issue of providing records to the Board remained. At Trial, Judge Stone indicated that the ﬁrst paragraph of the Board Order is important but will require additional language. A review of the requested documents by County Legal Counsel prior to disclosure was discussed as an option. A formal decision is expected soon and will be shared with the public upon receipt. It is recognized that the Sheriff is not legally required to participate in public meetings, workshops or executive sessions. The

PRESS RELEASE It is with great relief that the Board of Commissioners announces that litigation has concluded in Circuit Court Case 25CV02479. This case was ﬁled by the Board against Sheriff John Ward and sought clarity regarding the respective roles and authorities of the parties. The case was presided over by Honorable Judge Stone of Coos County, and the Trial was held in person in Gold Beach on October 29, 2025. While some issues had been previously decided upon Summary Judgment, such as direction to the Sheriff to cooperate and comply with lawful orders of the Board including

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Sheriff Ward Board will continue to encourage participation; the best outcomes result from responsible elected leaders being in the room together to make decisions. Regardless of the Sheriff’s participation at critical public sessions, the Board will now at minimum have access to all the information needed to make inPlease see CCBC Page 5

Mayor and his Dog: Mayor Hodges is proud to have served

Phone Number: 707-460-8655 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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