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TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 |

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North Bend swing span bridge goes up in flames er, is a much longer and more complicated story. The bridge has been maintained by the The North Bend Swing Span Bridge Port of Coos Bay since they acquired the caught fire on the morning of August 15 Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL) back in 2010. drawing a response from multiple local It has been out of service since July, after agencies. According to the North Bend Fire on and off operation since it was first shut Department (NBFD), their Marine Unit was down in 2007 while still operated by Cendeployed in mutual aid to fight the flames tral Oregon & Pacific Railroad. This most after the North Bay Fire District received recent closure is due to a vessel damaging reports of smoke coming from the bridge’s its electrical power systems and its inopcontrol house at around 9:50 a.m. erable signal systems. These are crucial Thanks to cooperation from the Lakeside systems for the operation of the bridge Fire Department who provided a fire boat, designed to allow both rail and ship travel alongside Billiter Marine who provided a tugboat, the fire was extinguished officially through the bay. by 11:18 a.m. The bridge remains open See BRIDGE AFLAME and the fire is not expected to affect marine Continued on Page 3 travel moving forward. Rail traffic howevBY NATE SCHWARTZ Editor

North Bend recognized as TsunamiReady through 2031 From the City of North Bend

The City of North Bend has once again been recognized as a TsunamiReady community by the National Weather Service (NWS), a distinction that underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety and disaster preparedness. The renewal, which is valid through January 2031, confirms that North Bend continues to meet all of the program’s rigorous requirements. What is TsunamiReady? The TsunamiReady program, administered by the NWS, is a nationwide initiative designed to help coastal communities strengthen their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from tsunamis. To earn and maintain the designation, cities must meet strict standards in five key areas:

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• Communication systems that ensure timely warnings reach residents and visitors, including emergency alerts and multiple notification methods. • Preparedness education such as community drills, school presentations, and public information campaigns. • Emergency planning with clearly established evacuation routes, shelter locations, and coordination among first responders. • Training for local officials and emergency managers, including tabletop exercises and scenariobased planning. • Public outreach to ensure residents and businesses know how to react in the event of a tsunami. Training and education in North Bend To maintain TsunamiReady status, North Bend’s Fire Department and Emergency Management team regularly participate in training exercises with regional partners. These include simulated tsunami response drills, coordination with neighboring cities and the county, and ongoing education for schools, businesses, and civic organizations. Residents may also recognize the city’s efforts through annual preparedness events, posted evacuation route signs, and informational materials distributed throughout the community. Fire Chief Jim Brown, who also serves as Co-Emergency Manager with City Administrator David Milliron, emphasized the importance of this recognition: “Being TsunamiReady is about more than just meeting requirements on paper. It means our city has the plans, the communication tools, and the community awareness necessary to respond quickly and effectively if a tsunami strikes. This designation gives residents and visitors peace of mind that North Bend is ready.” What it means for residents For the people of North Bend, the TsunamiReady designation is a reassurance that their city is actively FIND US ONLINE: TheWorldLink.com

North Bend man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to sexually exploit a minor

investing in safety and resilience. It means that families have access to evacuation maps and drills, that schools are teaching students how to respond, and that local officials are trained and equipped to manage a disaster. Bradley Schaaf, Acting Meteorologist in Charge at the NWS Medford Office, praised North Bend’s efforts in the official letter of recognition: “North Bend continues to do an outstanding job of promoting tsunami preparation, awareness, and resilience in the community. We value our ongoing relationship with the City of North Bend and look forward to assisting in your efforts to promote tsunami awareness.” A safer, more resilient future With its TsunamiReady status secured through 2031, North Bend plans to build on this achievement by expanding community outreach, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that preparedness remains a citywide priority. For more information on tsunami preparedness, including evacuation routes and safety tips, residents are encouraged to visit the City of North Bend’s website (northbendoregon.us) or contact the Fire Department at (541) 756-7757. Tsunami evacuation maps are also available for free at North Bend Fire & Rescue Station No. 1, 1880 McPherson Street.

A North Bend man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting an Oregon child using the social media application Facebook Messenger. Chistopher Jay Young, 40, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, Young, using Facebook Messenger, persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, record the conduct, and send it to him. Between April 4 and 8, 2024, the FBI applied for and obtained multiple federal search warrants for Young’s person, home and vehicles. On April 11, 2024, special agents and deputies from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce executed the warrants and arrested Young. His devices were seized in the arrest. During a search of Young’s devices, investigators learned that Young used the minor’s social media account to communicate and request the child sexual abuse material and that Young had the minor’s Facebook login credentials saved in his phone. On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Young with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. On May 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.

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