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TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024

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Coos County Fair a celebrated community tradition BY BREE LAUGHLIN The World

A lot has changed in the past 112 years, but one thing remains the same. Every year, residents look forward to attending the Coos County Fair and Rodeo. Locals came out in droves for the Coos County Fair in Myrtle Point this year. The theme of the 2024 event, which ran from July 25 to 29, was ‘Country Fans and Rodeo Stands.’ “A lot of it is tradition – being able to come out and have that favorite fair food that you have always had, or go on your favorite carnival ride,” said Coos County Fair Board Chairman Brad Burnette. Since 1912, the fair has become the main summer event for many Coos County residents. It is a county-wide showcase of agriculture, crafts, industry and

business. Burnette said he wanted to get involved with the local county fair because his children enjoy all the activities it provides, and he wants to see it continue to succeed. The fair gives lots of opportunities for people of all ages, to exhibit their livestock, ﬂoral, land products, culinary, needlework, photography, arts and crafts. Those who come to the fair not only get to see the wide array of local displays, but they also get to attend the rodeo and watch musical concerts, experience carnival rides, eat fair food, visit game booths and souvenir vendors, see trains and go to the museum. A favorite activity for many fairgoers is watching young people participate in 4-H and FFA auction animal programs.

Please see COUNTY FAIR Page 3

Special eyes on the 2024 Siletz Bay Music Festival BY JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

The 2024 Siletz Bay Music Festival is scheduled to run Aug. 16-25 in Lincoln City with a performance in Newport. Lincoln City photographer Bob Gibson will be closely watching the performances. Gibson has been the designated Siletz Bay Music Festival photographer since 2010. “It has been interesting to watch the Festival develop and change,” Gibson said. “It is a privilege to have access to these wonderful performances, rehearsals, and musicians. Documenting the Festival with still photography is a responsibility I take very seriously.” Gibson said his goal is to tell the story of the festival music with still photography. “Successful photographs tell a story,” Gibson said. To do that, Gibson waits for the moment. “I wait for that expression or gesture that translates into the music,” he said. “Some of the more interesting photo graphs catch the moment of communication between musicians or between the musician and the audience.” Just how he locates himself at the festival is important, Gibson explains. “I work to create photographs from angles and locations that are different from the typical audience ‘“position.”’ This often means being on a lift or backstage,” he said. “I cannot be a distraction, so discretion is critical.” Gibson said he has experienced special moments over the years as he looked for just the right photos at the music festivals. “One afternoon at a rehearsal jazz

Please see FESTIVAL Page 3

North Bend Congratulates to Laura Chipman on Her Five-Year Service Award!

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The North Bend city is thrilled to celebrate Laura Chipman, the incredible Youth Librarian at the North Bend Public Library, for her five years of dedicated service to the North Bend community. Laura’s passion and creativity shine through in every children’s program she leads. From story times that spark imagination to educational activities that inspire young minds, Laura plays a vital role in fostering our youngest residents’ love for reading and learning. Her work helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and community engagement. A Youth Librarian’s impact extends beyond the library walls, as they provide a safe and welcoming space for children and families to explore, grow, and connect. Laura’s commitment to enriching the lives of our youth is truly invaluable. Join the city of North Bend in congratulating Laura on this remarkable milestone and thanking her for all she does to make the library a vibrant hub of learning and fun!

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County ofﬁcials to urge lawmakers to support funding for local roads and bridges during stop in Coos Bay Salem, Ore. -- State lawmakers will be in Coos Bay on Wednesday, Aug. 7, to hear about transportation challenges and needs in the local community, as part of the legislature’s statewide Transportation and Sustainability Tour. County officials, small business owners, rural transit agencies, freight companies, and community members will share concerns, priorities, and ideas for solutions to help legislators build a transportation funding package in 2025. As part of the tour, the committee is encouraging members of the community to attend the public hearing to share local transportation needs and how the legislature should support the long-term safety and maintenance of Oregon’s transportation systems. Oregon counties are facing structural funding challenges that impact core services, such as the maintenance of roads and bridges. Counties are responsible for the largest share of Oregon’s public road system, with more than 32,000 miles and 4,000 bridges. “Coos County will ask the committee to uphold the long-standing 50-30-20 State Highway Fund distribution formula that supports Oregon’s counties, cities, and highways, as they develop the 2025 Transportation Package,” said Coos County Road Department Supervisor Paul Slater. “Counties, like our city and state partners, count on the State Highway Fund,” he said. “This fund is crucial for safety improvements and maintaining critical infrastructure that all Oregonians depend on — roads, bridges, sidewalks, bike paths, culverts, and fish passages.” For more information about county road, bridge, and transportation priorities and funding, please go to oregoncounties.org/roads/ county-road-program/roadresources/ transportationfunding.

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