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Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878

TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024

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Mingus Pool set to reopen for summer BY BREE LAUGHLIN The World

Coos Bay city officials recently announced that the Mingus Park Pool is on track to reopen, thanks to generous donations from the community. The pool has been inoperable since Mid-December, after the boiler (which heats the pool) failed. According to the city, initial estimates for replacement of the boiler were in the $120,000 to $150,000 range. Neither the city nor the pool board had the available financial capacity to fix the pool, so community members and organizations stepped in to help.

A recent update published by the Coos Bay City Hall announced that community donations started pouring in during the month of February and continued into April. The community donation drive was capped off during the second week in April, with a $10,000 donation by Oregon Paciﬁc Bank. With more than enough money to replace the boiler, the city has stopped accepting donations and have begun the process to reopen the community pool. According to the city update, staff worked through the procurement process, resulting in a vendor contract below initial estimate. The City signed an

agreement to replace the boiler for a little under $75,000. Donations to date total about $80,000. Upon completion of the boiler replacement, City staff announced they will work with the Pool Board to identify other potential projects or needs, or possibly reserve these funds as the start of a savings for the next boiler replacement, setting aside money each year in preparation for that future event. City ofﬁcials said they are still awaiting a schedule from the supplier of the boiler, and do not have an exact timeline for the replacement. But, they anticipate the pool will be opened in time for the busy summer swimming season.

University Ferguson College of Agriculture with academic scholarship support for the 2024-2025 academic year.

These scholarships are part of the more than $1.8 million that students receive from the Ferguson College and its

Coos County student awarded CBPD teams up with Oregon State University scholarships NHTSA for BY SOPHIA FAHLESON

A Coos County student was honored by the Oklahoma State

academic departments. Students from all areas of study are considered for university scholarships, which can be combined with college and departmental opportunities. “The success of our college is built upon the unique talents each student brings, fostering an environment where they can achieve their goals,” said Cynda Clary, Ferguson College of Agriculture associate dean of academic programs. “The scholarships awarded are possible because of the generosity of our alumni and friends, and we truly appreciate their continued support of our college and its students.” The 2024-2025 scholarship recipient and hometown: Sienna Mahaffy Coos Bay Animal Science

Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship

VA holding Advisory Committee on beneﬁts BY NATE SCHWARTZ The World

Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for significant feedback from veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors for a Federal Advisory Committee on the proliferation of benefits. The VA is seeking people willing to speak in 3-minute public comment slots both in person and virtually, or willing to provide written statements for a more in-depth analysis. Topics on the docket for this meeting include the Survivors’ Assistance and Memorial Support Program, Veterans Health Administration, the Office of Survivor Assistance, and the Veterans Benefits Administration. Anyone with feedback to give in these areas is encouraged to sign up via the information on the flyer. The discussion over Veteran benefits has been a long-ongoing bipartisan issue. For many veterans, the struggle to be approved for disability or for families to receive benefits for loved ones lost in combat is well documented. Regardless of party affiliation, taking care of those who served and fought for our country should be above debate, yet many miltary families are frustrated with the system. According to the

American Community Survey conducted by the Census Bureau in 2022, Oregon is home to upwards of 250,000 veterans, the majority of which served in Vietnam or the Gulf War. This figure has declined by over 20% in the last decade, yet still makes up 7.4% of the adult population of Oregon, above national average. 36% of Oregon veterans have a disability, more than double that of the non-veteran population. According to that same study, 9.2% of those veterans are living below the poverty line, with another 4.2% unemployed. The veteran population has been steadily decreasing across the country as less people have enlisted year on year. Despite that fact, Oregon is one of only three states to see an increase in homelessness among veterans. Directed by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Oregon Housing and Community Service, a Joint Report on Veterans Housing Programs was presented to the House Interim Committee on Veterans and Emergency Management in December, 2023. According to this report anywhere from 1,400 to

Distracted Driving Initiative

In a joint effort to combat the continued concern of distracted driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has teamed up with the Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) to launch a nationwide enforcement campaign throughout April. The initiative aims to raise awareness and deter motorists from engaging in distracted driving behaviors, particularly texting while behind the wheel. This initiative coincides with April being recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Under this initiative, law enforcement agencies and police departments across the country will step-up their efforts to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws, sending a clear message to drivers: “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” Recent data from the NHTSA reveals the alarming toll of distracted driving on road safety. In 2022 alone, there were 3,308 fatalities and an estimated additional 289,310 injuries in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. “Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use,” stated Coos Bay Police Captain Lindahl. “Despite knowing the risks and the laws prohibiting it, many drivers continue to use their phones while driving, putting themselves and others in danger.” Violating Oregon’s distracted-driving laws can result in significant penalties, with fines of up to $1000 for a first offense and the possibility of jail time for repeat offenders. NHTSA and CBPD are urging drivers to prioritize safety by putting their phones away while driving. To ensure a safe journey, drivers are advised to follow these guidelines: • If expecting a text message or needing to send one, pull over to a Please see CBPD Page 2

Please see VETERANS Page 2

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