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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025

Brookings, Oregon

Oregon Parks Join Wildfire Awareness Push, Offer Campfire Safety Tips instructions of park rangers is paramount to minimizing the risk of wildfires.

BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is teaming up with the Oregon Department of Forestry and numerous local, statewide and national partners to underscore the importance of fire safety. With campfires being a cherished tradition for visitors to Oregon State Parks, OPRD is actively encouraging responsible enjoyment of this activity in permitted areas. Park officials are urging visitors to prioritize safety by first checking for any campfire restrictions in place before heading out. If campfires are allowed, adhering to a set of crucial safety guidelines and following the

OPRD has outlined seven key tips for ensuring safe and enjoyable campfires: • Stay Informed: Always verify campfire restrictions at individual Oregon State Parks and be aware of any public fire restrictions implemented statewide. • Use Designated Fire Rings: Build campfires exclusively within established fire rings at campsites. These rings are strategically located with buffer zones to keep flames away from vegetation. • Keep Flames Low: Maintain campfire flames at or below knee height, approximately two feet, to significantly reduce the

Family Fun: Campfires offer a great opportunity for family time.

Please see AWARENESS Page 3

Brookings-Harbor High Celebrates Excellence and Graduates BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

Brookings-Harbor High School is abuzz with recognition as it prepares to send off the Class of 2025. This year's graduation ceremony, held at Lundeen Field in Azalea Park on Saturday, May 31, from 2 to 4 p.m., will not only celebrate the achievements of eighty new graduates but also honor two long-standing pillars of the school community: Teacher of the Year Kristy Kleespies and Staff Person of the Year Tina Peters. Kristy Kleespies, affectionately known as "Boat" by her students and colleagues, is marking her 35th year of teaching and is set to retire after this academic year. Kleespies, who previously retired in 2022 before returning for an "encore" for several years, has taught a variety of subjects over her extensive career. Most recently, she has been a vital part of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Department, leading both the Health Careers program and the innovative Wildland Firefighting class, a partnership with local firefighting agencies.

Graduation Time: The Brookings-Harbor High School Class of 2025

Please see GRADUATES Page 3

City of Brookings Proposes Major Accessibility and Recreation Improvements at Bud Cross Park BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

The City of Brookings is excited to announce plans for signiﬁcant improvements at Bud Cross Park, aimed at creating a welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly day-use area that expands recreational access for all members of the community. The proposed project is currently under consideration for funding through a grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Bud Cross Park is one of the most frequently used public parks in Brookings, serving as a hub for youth sports; however, it remains the only community park in the city without a designated picnic area or inclusive playground amenities. This project would change that by transforming an underutilized area of the park into a vibrant

New Swings: The addition of more swings leads to more play time. new gathering space. “This project is exactly the kind of investment our community needs,” said Mayor Isaac Hodges. “Bud Cross Park is an important gathering space and these upgrades will make it even more welcoming and accessible,

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especially for families, children and seniors.” The planned improvements would include a new playground that will offer a variety of features to inspire active and

Play Structure: One of the many fun improvements.

Please see BUD CROSS PARK Page 4

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

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