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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025 Brookings, Oregon

'Caution - Rough Roads Ahead' ODOT states in new report JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Oregon’s highway system is facing ongoing challenges as the condition of many roads continues to decline, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s 2024 Pavement Condition Report. The report highlights that while 87% of Oregon’s 18,000 lane miles of pavement are still in fair or better condition, the quality of roads is slipping, with the percentage of “good” pavement reaching its lowest point since 2001. The report points to a significant decline in the number of roads classiﬁed as in “good” condition. Over the past decade, the amount of pavement rated as good has decreased, and without

Curry County Declares Emergency Declaration,

Has Financial Adjustments and Public Land Concerns BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

The outlook for state highway pavement is “caution - rough roads ahead," the executive summary states.

Please see ROUGH ROADS Page 3

25th Anniversary for the Wild Rivers Land Trust

PRESS RELEASE

Celebrating Nature: Mary Wahl, Jerry Becker and Jan Hodder, (r) Wild Rivers Land Trust hosts a tree planting party at Purple Mountain

We are proud of how far Wild Rivers Land Trust (WRLT) has come and we couldn’t have done it without our hardworking staff, dedicated board members

and long-time supporters. As we look back on the past 25 years, we are so thankful for all of the people who have stood by the organization for decades, donating their time and money Please see ANNIVERSARY Page 3

Southwestern Oregon Community College Offers Diverse Spring Lineup in Curry County

Curry County officials have declared a local emergency following a recent severe storm that caused significant damage to infrastructure and private property, particularly in the central and northern regions. The declaration coincided with two separate Curry County Board of Commissioners meetings, one in Gold Beach and another in Port Orford, where officials addressed a range of issues, from financial adjustments and aquatic safety to public land management and intergovernmental collaboration. The county's emergency declaration followed a severe rain event that resulted in flooding at Lobster Creek, road closures on Flores Creek Road and Sixes River Road due to plugged culverts and widespread material damage. County officials reported "substantial damage" and warned of potential further complications from anticipated wind events. Emergency Manager Jeff Hughes has assessed the areas impacted. A press release was issued to guide residents on documenting and reporting damage. The storm also caused power outages and losses to crops and equipment. In other news, the commissioners approved several key items, including amendments to the agenda; the consent agenda with adjustments to interim finance authority; an ordinance to increase the transient lodging tax rate; amendments to ambulance service area franchise terms and fire protection district annexations. They also authorized a contract for the "Love Your Fourth" fireworks display, approved the sale of K9 patrol vehicles to the Brookings Police Department and approved support letters for the Cape Blanco Heritage Society and the Port of Brookings Harbor. Additionally, they approved a contract extension with Curry Public Transit District. The commissioners then addressed financial adjustments, due to the finance director's absence, and added a discussion item on Senator Merkley's Smith River National Recreation Area expansion. Public comments focused on proposed logging activities on federal lands with residents expressing concerns about environmental impacts and legal implications. Several residents advocated for Senator Merkley's Smith River legislation and the Southwestern Oregon Watershed and Salmon Protection Act. Director of Operations Ashley More clarified her role, emphasizing she is not a commissioner, and thanked Port Orford for their engagement. Kim Foster raised concerns about federal grant funding for wildfire prevention. Commissioner Trost discussed the Smith River expansion and Please see EMERGENCY Page 3

vancement. Registration is now open for the spring term. Residents can engage in popular ﬁtness classes like Low-impact Aerobics, Better Bones and Balance, Tai Chi and Yoga. For those seeking creative outlets, SWOCC offers Color Drawing, American Sign Language and a new Fused Glass

BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) is set to enrich Curry County this spring with a wide array of classes, ranging from ﬁtness and creative arts to professional development and academic ad-

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Basics course. Aspiring writers can hone their skills in Creative Writing and Story Worlds, Writing Your Autobiography, or Introduction to Grant Writing. For individuals pursuing academic goals, SWOCC provides free General Education Development (GED) and English language classes at the Curry

Campus and via Zoom. Those looking to earn a degree or certificate can schedule an appointment with an advisor to explore available options, including online and local classes. "We are committed to providing accessible and affordable education to the residents of Please see SWOCC Page 3

Phone Number: 541-813-1717 • Address: 519 Chetco Avenue, Unit 7, Brookings, OR 97415 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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