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TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025

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Knights of Columbus feed 4,500 through annual Food Drive any given year registering for the food baskets. They contain both perishable and non-perishable Thanks to a $5,000 award from food items, some have a good Cows Creek Umpqua Indian long shelf life… They also receive Foundation (CCUIF), the Knights vouchers from McKays Market, of Columbus Council 1261 were who’s one of our partners, to pick able to feed nearly 1,000 underup bread, cheese, eggs, and protein privileged households on the products,” said Mike Taylor, Grant South Coast over the 2024 holiday Coordinator for the local Knight’s season. branch. The Knights’ annual Holiday The event itself has been Food Basket distribution provides sponsored and supported by the perishable and non-perishable food Knights of Columbus and the to folks in need during a time that Church of Jesus Christ of Latter can cause huge stress for those Day Saints since 1982, and brings without the resources to provide in other local and regional busibig holiday dinners. This year, nesses and foundations. Volunteers over 131,000 pounds of food were from all over the community come distributed to over 950 households together to put together the food providing nutritional support to boxes. This year that included 250 more than 4,500 men, women and kids and teens from the Coos Bay children in Reedsport, Coos Bay, area. North Bend, Bandon, Coquille, “The youth groups from the Myrtle Point, Powers and BrookLDS church are a big part of the ings. “It started out with 10 or 12 See FOOD DRIVE families, and now it’s grown to Continued on Page 3 sometimes over 1000 families in

BY NATE SCHWARTZ Editor

International artist Sontonya Necheal presents: ‘Outpouring’ subconscious mind. The title, “Outpouring”, encapsulates the artist’s approach to creation, a process in which emotions, thoughts, and experiences are poured onto the canvas in an act of cathartic release. Each piece in the exhibit embodies this emotional release, allowing the artist to express the Internationally renowned complexities of their inner world mixed-media artist Sontonya in vivid, visual form. Necheal proudly announces her A notable feature of the exhibit new installation entitled is the integration of binary code “Outpouring.” within several works. The code, The show will be displayed at which spells out the word Black Market Gourmet at 495 Outpouring, represents the artist’s Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR attempt to convey deeply 97420 from Sunday, January 19th personal emotions through a with a reception and artist talk on language of structure and Sunday February 9 from 2-4pm. precision. It serves as a metaphor The exhibit features a for the artist’s process of collection of paintings that reflect channeling their emotions into a the artist›s raw emotions and tangible, communicable form, unique journey of selfmuch like binary code is the expression, where every stroke foundation of digital language. and color is a direct manifestation “I’ve often asked God to guide me in how my work can inspire of her life experiences and

‘Outpouring’ International Artist Sontonya Necheal at Black Market Gourmet in Coos Bay, OR

others and reflect His presence,” says the artist. “I believe my gift of painting does that. I pour my soul onto the canvas, often leaving it in tears, knowing I’ve given everything of myself.” In addition to the exhibit, the Outpouring series—featuring the use of binary code—will continue in future works, with several pieces already in progress. The first piece in this series holds special significance: it has been permanently housed in the museum at Chateau Orquevaux in Paris, France. This piece was created as a deeply personal outpouring to the artist herself, honoring her creative gift after a year-long hiatus from art. During this time, the artist grappled with holding back emotions and creative energy. The floodgates finally opened during a residency in Paris, where the artist’s creative journey was reignited and this first Outpouring piece was born.

“As a Black abstract artist, I often find myself overlooked for opportunities, despite the depth and complexity of my work. The binary code in my thinking— intricate and layered—reflects a sense of hiding in plain sight, mirroring the way my contributions are often underappreciated in spaces that fail to recognize the value of diverse perspectives and talent,” said Necheal. Outpouring is more than just an art exhibit; it is a reflection of the artist’s emotional, spiritual, and creative journey. It invites viewers to witness the intimate process of creation and the powerful release of unspoken feelings and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to experience the exhibit and explore the artist’s deep emotional connection to her work. The Outpouring series will continue with new pieces, soon to be revealed.

Reedsport overpass project receives federal support, enabling safer rail expansion Coos Bay, OR – January 16, 2025 – The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay is pleased to announce the award of $3,993,224 from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program. This funding supports the design and engineering of a new overpass crossing Oregon Highway 38 and will also enhance safety upgrades at an adjacent rail crossing in Reedsport, Oregon. “The City of Reedsport is looking forward to the receipt of the Federal Railroad Crossing Elimination grant,” said Reedsport’s City Manager, Deanna Schafer. “This grant will give us the opportunity to further explore options for mitigating the potential effects of increased rail traffic here in Reedsport. We look forward to collaborating with the Port of Coos Bay and ODOT to continue the planning and engineering of potential rail crossings upgrades.” The Reedsport Grade Separation Project is a regional, multi-year initiative developed with a community focus in mind. A Project Advisory Committee composed of local citizens, business leaders and tribal representatives determined the initial scope of the project. They published the Reedsport Rail Crossing Study in 2023 which laid the groundwork for planning dollars to follow. “Safety is at the heart of

everything we do at the Port of Coos Bay, and this project addresses important potential improvements in the Reedsport area,” said Lanelle Comstock, CEO of the Port. “We will continue coordinating as a regional team, thoughtfully balancing economic opportunity with enhanced safety.” “This is an important step in building the foundation for a

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modern, multimodal transportation hub on the South Coast,” said Melissa Cribbins, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project. “With this funding, our congressional delegation continues its laudable effort to bring federal dollars to help facilitate local solutions.” The Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) ship to rail project is

expected to generate thousands of family-wage jobs, boost the local economy, and strengthen national supply chains. The overpass and safety upgrades are critical to supporting this growth, ensuring that the infrastructure can handle the increased traffic safely and efficiently. “The Reedsport Grade Separation Project exemplifies

the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure planning we need to ensure the success of this project,” said Cribbins. “By working proactively to address safety and rail traffic challenges, we’re building resilience into our transportation systems and paving the way for economic growth and connectivity that will benefit the entire South Coast for decades to come.”

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