Issuu

www.currypilot.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

Brookings, Oregon

ODOT to fully close Highway 101, south of Bandon, for a weekend in September all traffic at all times; however, a single-lane bypass would need to be constructed either through a hillside or over wetlands, relocating the stream while adding more cost to the project and disrupting highway traffic for about six months. According to ODOT, the rapid replacement approach is beneficial because shrinking the total construction window from six months to six weeks will reduce overall traffic impacts of the project. Also, eliminating the need for a temporary bypass and shortening the construction timeline could save more than $1 million from the total cost of the project. “Additional storms through the spring just continued to erode

BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot Highway 101, about six miles south of Bandon at Bearhead Mountain Lane, will be closed to all traffic from September 19th, at 9 p.m., until late in the evening on September 21st, in order to replace a deep and failing culvert. To help reduce costs and overall traffic impacts, construction will require full closure. “The whole closure should only be through the weekend,” said Julie Denney, Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Public Information Officer. “We've got a really tight schedule on that project and we'll be doing a lot of prep work in the weeks ahead.” In most situations, ODOT attempts to keep highways open to

Culvert: The culvert failed during a high-water event in December 2024 and required emergency repairs. The culvert is still at risk of failure, which could compromise the roadway above.

Please see CLOSURE Page 4

Junior Lifeguard Program has another successful season on Southern Oregon Coast BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

The popular open water Junior Lifeguard Program launched its fourth season on the Southern Oregon Coast. It offered three sessions for youth ages nine to seventeen vital ocean safety education and lifesaving skills by instructed by certified open water lifeguards. This year marked an exciting expansion for the program with the introduction of the Sunset Bay Session in Coos Bay. The three-day intensive program provided instruction from certified open water lifeguards, focusing on ocean safety awareness, lifesaving techniques and enhancing open water, board and paddling skills. “This program is the first and only open water junior lifeguard program in the State of Oregon,” said Luke Martinez Curry County’s Aquatic Safety Officer/Life-

Junior Lifeguards: Taking a minute to breathe after getting out of the cold ocean water.

Please see LIVEGUARDS Page 3

Seven Wonders to perform free concert at Curry Public Library

Join composer and director Matthew Packwood for a string quartet performance of Oregon Origins: Seven Wonders, a musical journey through Oregon’s wild places, from Meyers Creek Beach to Steens Mountain, and many stops in between. The event will take place

at Curry Public Library on Saturday, September 13th at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. String quartet members include Soﬁe Yang (violin), Hannah Willard (violin), Alicia Mora (viola), and Austin Bennett (cello). Following the live per-

INDEX

formance, geologist Ian Madin will give an illustrated presentation of the breathtaking locations that inspired the project. Special guest and Indigenous culture bearer Katrina Thompson-Upton will present on the Indigenous history and culture of the area.

Matthew Packwood is founder and executive director of Oregon Origins Project, an innovative arts and culture nonproﬁt which explores the ancient origins of the state of Oregon through creative expression. His string quartet Oregon Origins: Seven Wonders had its album release in

early 2024 and continues to be performed across the state; his string orchestra work The Birth of Cascadia received its premiere in summer 2025. Packwood has been a Portland resident since 2007. Ian Madin grew up spending Please see SEVEN WONDERS Page 8

Phone Number: 541-813-1717 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

Police Blotter Calendar of Events

Classifieds Crossword Answer Crossword Puzzle