As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
August 30, 2023
The date was Nov. 27, 1952, when the city council considered the use of parking meters to aid traffic in downtown (now Old Town) Bandon.
A front-page article in Western World told the story.
"Possible installation of parking meters in the business area of Bandon is being considered by the city council. While no definite action in that direction has been taken, the anticipated traffic problem due to the new post office location (first photo, now Foley's) has brought up the question."
Bandon Post Office
"The council had invited a group of business men from the area of the new post office location on Baltimore avenue between First and Second streets to discuss regulation of traffic. Since Bandon does not have mail delivery, except on star routes, all living within the city must go to the post office for their mail. Nearly everyone travels by car these days and the expected parking problem may require several aspirins on the part of officials," according to the article.
The second picture, taken some years later, shows Officer Harry Franson and Chief D. S. MacDonald removing the parking meters from 2nd Street.
Removing parking meters from 2nd Street
Another article in the Nov. 27, 1952, paper is headlined "Surveyors Busy at Bridge Site."
"No word has been received from the contractor as to when work will begin on the Bullards Bridge, according to County Commissioner Fred A. Kruse, but it is expected that the delay will be brief, as a considerable amount of work on the job can be done during the winter season.
"In the meantime a state highway department surveying crew has been busy during the past week on the south side of the river, working only on low tide periods, setting final stakes and markings for the construction work on the approaches."
The June 25, 1925, Western World reported that "It is believed that Wednesday was the hottest day ever experienced in Bandon. People who have lived here 30 to 40 years say they have never seen the like. The official thermometer at the U.S. Coast Guard station registered 93 degrees according to Captain Nutter, while the thermometer (unofficial) at the Lighthouse (third photo), according to Oscar Langlois, registered 97.
Coquille River Lighthouse
At Coquille the temperature reached 104 and at Myrtle Point and Bridge it was reportedly 110. At Marshfield it was 100 which was the highest in history at Coos Bay."
* * *
"Crandyland" is the theme of the annual Bandon Cranberry Festival which opens Thursday, Sept. 7, with the coronation to be held at the Sprague Theater in City Park at 7 p.m. One member of the court, Rachel Eickhoff, Nyah Dimitruk or Marlin McCutcheon, will be crowned at the close of the ceremony.
The program will include court speeches, an impromptu question and the presentation of the "Littles," royalty in training. The public is welcome; tickets are $15. Most of the weekend events, unless otherwise noted, will be held in City Park. Past queens are also invited to attend the coronation and wear their crown.
Friday's events include the Cranberry Bowl football game, vs Toledo, 7 p.m.; Cranberry Kitchen contest, VFW Hall, 9 a.m. to noon (winners announced at half time of the football game); VFW Ladies Auxiliary craft bazaar and bake sale, VFW Post, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (also Saturday); Old Town Marketplace Farmers Market, The Warehouse, Port of Bandon waterfront, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (also Saturday); Bandon Quilt Guild show, Oddfellows Hall, admission $3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (also Saturday and Sunday); Bandon volleyball games, 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m.
Saturday events include the Cranberry Festival Parade, 10 a.m.; Cranberry car show, city park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Vendor market, City Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open until 4 p.m. on Sunday); Food Court, city park, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (10 to 4 on Sunday); Cranberry equipment expo, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cranberry farming, cultivating and harvesting equipment from all eras provided by local farmers; Kids' Korner, city park playground, noon to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, noon to 4; live music on stage, noon to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Morgan Alexander will play for the evening dance on Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m.; 1 p.m., Port of Bandon Art Show awards, port amphitheater; Team Todd Cornhole Tournament, Arcade Tavern, 2 p.m.
Sunday events include Festival Bike Ride, 8 a.m., starts at Bandon city library; All you can eat breakfast, VFW Hall, 8:30 to noon; Prancing pet parade, 11 a.m. to noon, Old Town, Bandon; 2 p.m. Lions Club Cranberry Run, City Park Community Center.
* * *
People are reminded that Bullards Beach State Park will close Oct. 15 for five months, reopening March 15, 2024, for a main sewer line upgrade. Camping will be closed, but people can still enjoy the day use areas, boat ramp, lighthouse and horse camp, which will remain open, according to Nick Schoeppner, park manager.
* * *
I have learned that Covid cases are still occurring in the area, with two people admitted to the local hospital one day last week. Speaking of Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center, I learned recently that Dr. Michael Ivanitsky, a well known orthopedic surgeon, may soon be operating on patients in our hospital. My sister and I have gone to him over the years, and I can attest that he is the best. I will let people know when he will begin seeing patients here.
* * *
Although I did not sign up for Everbridge Emergency Alerts until a couple of weeks ago, I can definitely say that it works. I was glad to see the warnings about the lighting and thunder storm, with potential wildfires, that were sent out both through email and by text.
Had I not been aware of the potential for the storm, I would have been terrified when I was sitting at my computer desk (and had not seen any lightning) when the largest clap of thunder I have ever heard occurred about 1:10 a.m. Friday (I call it Thursday night as I had not yet gone to bed). It sounded like a bomb had exploded outside my window.
For those of you who have not yet signed up, go to Everbridge.net, or Google Everbridge Emergency System for Coos County. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and costs nothing.
* * *
I talked with Cinda Arney, owner of Express Blinds & Beyond, who told me she is opening a new showroom in Wayne's Color Centre in Coos Bay in September. She and her late husband Jim have owned the business for years.
* * *
In 1999, the people of Bandon were given a wonderful gift. Through the efforts of the Bandon Lions Club, and with the support from generous donors and many grants, the Sprague Community Theater was opened.
In the ensuing 24 years, the theater has played host to world class musical talent, delightful plays featuring local talent, amazing dance programs and productions featuring children of all ages.
The theater is an asset to a small community like ours. Now it is beginning to show its age and needs some refurbishing. The Bandon Arts Council, a 501c3 nonprofit, which ran the theater for 16 years and has supported it throughout its life, has embarked on a project to re-carpet the theater.
Currently we have raised over $15,000 through city revenue sharing funds, donations from local organizations like 100 Strong Bandon, Bandon Lions Club, Bandon Rotary club, local performance groups like MarLo Dance Studio, Bandon Playhouse and others.
We need your help to finance the remainder of the project. Any amount would help to preserve and restore this local treasure. Please consider donating to the Bandon Arts Council, PO Box 343, Bandon, OR 97411.
I presently represent the City on the Bandon Arts Council.
* * *
The rainfall for July was negligible .... at 0.09 inches, less than a tenth of an inch. July is routinely the driest month of the year.
* * *
I was sorry to learn that a 20-year-old man drowned at Laverne County Park, east of Coquille near Fairview, Sunday (Aug. 27), but at the time I am writing this, his name had not been released.
The Coos County Sheriff's office wanted to thank those on the scene who assisted with CPR while awaiting the arrival of emergency personnel.
* * *
At least once a week, State Representative Court Boice of Gold Beach sends out a fire report, letting people know the state of fires burning in the counties of Coos (one fire ), Curry (5 fires), Douglas (13), Josephine (6) and Jackson (3).
He quotes Mike Robison, director of the Coos Forest Protective Association, who said: "As most everyone knows, CFPA with all Western Oregon experienced a significant lightning event Thursday evening and into Friday morning. Some rain came with this storm, but not everywhere and not in very large amounts (less than .20 inches). Yesterday (Aug. 25) saw all districts including CFPA scrambling and doing significant recon (including an ODF infrared detection flight), deploying district resources, and ordering additional strike teams of engines and aircraft."
He added that as of that day, no fires had been detected on CFPA protected lands. "We will fly the district again today as conditions continue to dry out any moisture received that could have caused 'sleeper' fires to be on the landscape.
"The Powers Ranger district detected three fires that required suppression action in the Powers and Elk River country. An additional fire near Sunset Bar off Elk River was detected and Flat fire resources led by Russell Simmons and CFPA district Crew 80 began initial attack.
"We continue to keep our eye on the Smith River Complex and keep open communications with CalFire and Rogue/Siskiyou fire staff. We may have to engage on the west side of this fire at some point," said Robison. The Smith River Complex Fire is up to 70,000 acres and has over 2,300 fire fighters on location.
"With fires across western Oregon, resources are becoming scarce. We will continue to work at taking fires off the landscape for the foreseeable future. Our focus is to work together and minimize the size of all fires currently burning,"
Boice ended his report by reminding everyone: "We need to be hyper aware of all and any new fire dangers. Keep Oregon Green. No additional fires."
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
August 23, 2023
Before the state built a more secure channel for Ferry Creek, it was not unusual for flooding to occur, with one of the worst floods happening in December of 1940.
The story was detailed in the Jan. 2, 1941, Western World, under the front-page headline: "Ferry Creek Flood Water Damaging."
"Rowboats were in evidence on Bandon's main business street last Thursday when flood waters from Ferry creek, following several days of torrential rains, were held up by the narrow bridge near the creamery at the foot of the hill leading to East Bandon and inundated several blocks of the business district.
"The water rose rapidly and within a short time formed a rushing river the full width of the highway toward the city hall. (Now the Bandon Historical Society museum) The water rose to a height of between 12 and 18 inches in places. It completely covered the floors in the Bob-Otto Court (first picture, now a service station at 101 and Elmira) where it also did considerable damage to the service station which is also the Greyhound bus depot. Continuing west it reached as far as the theater before avenues for its escape could be opened.
Bob-Otto Court
"At Sadye's (second photo and now Alloro restaurant) it was held from coming into the front door by sandbags.
Sadye's Fountain
"The family of Art Farrier, residing in a house at the rear of the creamery, was taken out by rowboat, the water being nearly up to the window ledge of the first floor. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Gallier worked rapidly to get their household goods elevated sufficiently to prevent damage.
"City employees first tried to relieve the situation by cutting a larger ditch with a bulldozer where Ferry creek empties into the tide flats near the Tom Lewis home. This proved insufficient and it was found necessary to cut ditches across First street between Elmira and Fillmore avenue. At these outlets the bulkhead that holds the street fill had to be blasted with dynamite (third photo).
Blasting with dynamite
"Damage to the extent of several thousand dollars resulted from the flood and it was clearly demonstrated, according to local observers, that the Ferry creek bridge across the highway and the drainage area between the bridge and the tide flat must be widened to accommodate a larger flow.
"A tide of 9.3 feet added considerable to the situation as it served to dam the water at the Ferry creek outlet.
"Sandbags were used with good effect at the street intersection between the Safeway store (now the home of Bandon Brewing Company) and other places of business. The floor of the Davison Market was covered to a depth of several inches. The water had almost reached the floor of the Frank Perry veneer plant and cannery (on First Street). Water covered the floor of the New Bandon Theatre from the stage several rows back but this was largely due to the tide having backed up the water in the special drainage system maintained by the theater.
"Flood waters rushing down the new highway grade that leads south from the intersection with Second street menaced buildings on the south side of the highway. The Gull Cafe, the Coffee Shop and the Club beer parlor were affected.
"The dike across the flat between Flat Elk and Coquille, which past years was flooded to a depth of several feet and which has since been raised by the highway department six feet, stood the test. The water came to within about 18 inches of going over the top. However, the low places on the highway near the Clausen farm, east of Riverton, were covered to a depth of more than two feet at the highest point. Buses, trucks and some passengers cars were able to get through but much of the car traffic was halted. This started on Friday and lasted until Sunday."
* * *
Michael J. "Mike" Collins, 54, has been sentenced to five years in prison in connection with what was described by the investigating deputy as "a disturbing event that occurred on Coastal Evergreen Lane just north of Bandon on Sept. 29, 2022."
"As a result of the hard work by Chief Deputy District Attorney Jody Newby and Deputy H. Francis, the case was resolved before trial, thus keeping the victim from further anguish by having to testify at trial," according to a press release from the sheriff's office.
On Aug. 14, due to a plea agreement, Collins pleaded guilty in Circuit Court to second degree assault, strangulation and second degree sexual abuse. Additional charges were dismissed as a result of the plea negotiation.
Collins is the former owner of Lloyd's Cafe in Bandon, and also owns the Blue Moon in Coos Bay.
* * *
Bill Marino, a long-time and much loved member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Bandon and the former owner of Marino's Boots and Saddles in Coquille, died Aug. 8 at the age of 78.
There will be a memorial mass at the church (795 Franklin) at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25. A light supper will follow.
* * *
On Saturday, Aug. 26, there will be a Celebration of Bill's life at Sturdivant Park in Coquille from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be a potluck event, and people are asked to bring their favorite dish. A meat course, soft drinks and dessert will be provided. Feel free to BYOB. His widow, Kay, asked that people let her know (kaymarino@msn.com) if they are coming so they will have enough tables and chairs set up.
Local relatives include Kay Marino and their daughter, Amy, both of Coquille.
* * *
I saw on Facebook this week that Bill Goergen, husband of BHS graduate Peggy Hunt Goergen, died on Aug. 15, just shy of his 85th birthday. Bill and Peggy were married in 1965, and have six children, 14 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren. They have spent their married life in Brookings where Bill was a long-time commercial fisherman.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday, Aug. 25. Viewing for those who want will be at Redwood Memorial from 10 to 11 a.m., the Rosary will be recited at Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 12:30, followed by a funeral mass at 1. An informal reception will be held at the parish hall around 2.
* * *
Anthony Zunino, former president of the Bandon Chamber, long-time chair of the Cranberry Festival and a member of the Bandon School board, has spent the past year valiantly fighting cancer while continuing to "give back to the community every single day," said his friend and fellow board member Angela Cardas on a recent Facebook post.
As he continues with extensive cancer treatment, friends are rallying around him, and have set up a bank account at Banner Bank. "Tell them you're on Team Zunino and let's make sure he knows Bandon has his back," said Cardas.
A former member of the Bandon police force and owner of Freedom Graphics, Zunino has spent years volunteering his time whenever and wherever he's needed. Angela pretty much speaks for all of us who know and love him.
* * *
I told readers last week about the destination resort, Gravel Point, that the Perk Development Group is planning to build in the Beach Loop area south of Face Rock Drive. Plans have also been revealed for several other developments in the county, including Dungeon Lodge tucked away on an island on Coos Bay, with boat-access only to a fishing resort with 100+ A frame cottages, a fishing lodge and a high-end restaurant. Another is the Pony Creek Point development, which will offer up to 330 residential units, a 108-key boutique hotel, a 17,000 square foot building housing a restaurant and retail space on 14 acres of waterfront near the Southern Oregon Regional airport.
Charleston Village is a 35-acre redevelopment including a fish market and farmers' market, with commercial and institutional office space, a makerspace, a boutique hotel and waterfront charter/fishing offices that support tourism and the commercial fishing fleet.
* * *
Two events are coming up at the Bandon Museum Sunday, Aug. 27, on a Free Summer Sunday. The South Coast Striders "Bandon Historical Hike" leaves from the museum parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Two hike options, one led by Reg Pullen and the other by Jim Proehl, will give hikers a chance to learn some local history and get in a good walk. More details are available on the coostrails web site.
Stop by the museum in the afternoon on the Free Summer Sunday. Enjoy ice cream in the parking lot coupled with a visit to the museum. Be sure the kids ask to take the "History Detective's Challenge." Ice cream will be served from 1 to 3 p.m. courtesy of Sunset Oceanfront Lodging. Free Sunday admission is provided by First Interstate Bank and Best Western Inn at Face Rock.
* * *
It was great to learn that the Coos County Commissioners had unanimously approved a resolution recently calling for the repeal of Ballot Measure 110, which decriminalized user grade amounts of heroin, meth and cocaine and has caused many deadly unintended consequences.
The resolution points out that BM110 was passed in 2020 with the promise of reducing crime, improving public safety and saving lives.
"The evidence shows that Measure 110 has led to the opposite effect, leading to an increase in overdose deaths, criminal activity, public nuisance and a diminished quality of life for the citizens of Oregon," points out the resolution.
In Oregon in 2020 there were 585 overdose deaths. In 2021 that number increased to 917. The rate of Oregon teenagers dying from drugs since 2019 has more than tripled. In Coos County thousands of Narcan doses have been administered each year and infant deaths have been attributed to unsecured drugs.
Members of law enforcement have reported that Measure 110 has made it much more difficult to motivate drugs users to enter treatment. The threat of arrest and prosecution has been removed by Measure 110, which has also decreased the ability to find and create cases against dealers.
The resolution was signed by Commissioners Bob Main, Rod Taylor and John Sweet and Sheriff Gabriel Fabrizio.
I have requested that the resolution be added to the Bandon city council's agenda for our Sept. 11 meeting, to give us an opportunity to sign a letter of support for the efforts of the county to repeal this dangerous measure.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
August 16, 2023
"Fifty Years With Bandon" is the headline of a column written by the late Lloyd Morris, which appeared in the January 4, 1962, issue of Western World. It's a great first-person story of how he arrived here and what he witnessed in five decades.
"On Jan. 5, 1912, I first set foot on a wharf in Bandon (first photo).
The trip was made by railroad train from Kansas to Roseburg, where my older brother Ralph was principal of the West Side school. The trip from Roseburg to Bandon required two days, 16 horses, two steam boats and $13.
"My brother J.J.(Jap) Morris was here before me. He and our youngest brother Arthur had come by lumber schooner to Coos Bay. Arthur came down with typhoid fever and died. Jap took the disease and nearly died. The two young nurses, Miss Woodruff and Miss Pressey, who cared for the boys, both took the dreaded disease and died. It broke up the little hospital.
"Miss Pressey was a sister of the late R.M. (Bob) Pressey who farmed at Two Mile. Jap and Bob became close friends.
"Soon after arriving here I established Bandon's first clothes cleaning business. I had to bill the town three times to explain to the people what 'in the sam hill' I was doing. The business was a success from the start. I was so successful in collecting that in six years, I lost only $24 from bad bills. I trusted most everyone who wanted credit. Later I ranched many years at Two Mile.
"On that day fifty years ago when I crossed the wharf from the boat landing, passing the warehouse, woolen mill (second photo), the 'Greasy Elbow' cafe, Garouttes' Livery stable, Blundell's Candy Kitchen and a half dozen saloons, water sloshing under the buildings and plank streets, I was wondering what the future held for such a place.
I predicted a faster growth in population than we have had, but rather doubled the possibility of the worthwhile improvements that we since have gained. It just looked like the place was off to a wrong start.
"There have been many improvements in Bandon. The seven old time saloons are gone. The city's business is much better conducted. Our whole school setup is a wonderful improvement -- made possible largely by consolidations. The lower part of town was on pilings over tide waters (third photo) -- it has been filled in with dredging from the river. Streets which were mud trails are now paved. The houses are mostly new and modern. And we have a good modern new hospital.
"I can't point to any one man who took the bull by the horns and changed the town. Some have done more than others, but mostly I think we have just gradually worked toward a better Bandon."
J.J. Morris was married to Millie Snead, who later married Bill Kreutzer after J.J.'s death. She was the grandmother of the Albertson (Warren) kids, Karin and Barry, whose mother was Hazel Morris Albertson.
* * *
I recently learned that Dr. Carl J. Moehring, Bandon, an internal medicine specialist who opened his Bandon practice in 1980 and retired 18 years ago, died of early-stage leukemia at his son Carl's home in Florida on Aug. 7. He was 76 years old.
For many years he was Chief of Staff at Southern Coos Hospital. He earned his medical degree at the University of Minnesota and did his internship and residency at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, where he was Chief Resident for two years.
He and his family came to Bandon in 1980 to enjoy the benefits of small-town life. All three of his children are graduates of Bandon High School and Oregon universities. Dr. Carl was a member of Bandon Dunes Golf Club.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Christine; sons Carl B. (Rachelle Peterson) and Jonathan (Ashlee Tucker) and daughter Dr. Amanda Moehring (the late Thomas Winkeler), and eight grandchildren.
* * *
Recently I told you about the theft of Joseph Bain's Porsche, stolen from the parking lot behind his building in broad daylight, which was later wrecked at a high speed in northern California. The latest theft of a vehicle came recently when a pickup and trailer combination were stolen from Marcus Lakey's house near the post office, again during the day, and later found in Medford. I understand the thief was a Bandon resident, but so far I have been unable to determine his name.
Aug.7, dispatch received notice about a stolen and stripped black 2006 Blazer abandoned on Chandler Road near Rosa Road in Bandon. Police confirmed that the vehicle was stolen and abandoned between 9 p.m. on Aug. 6 and when it was found on Aug. 7.
The sheriff's office is requesting information that assists in identifying the person(s) responsible for stealing, stripping and abandoning the vehicle.
* * *
As I was writing my column Sunday night, I saw a Facebook post that indicated Powers electric customers of Pacific Power were without power, which was expected to be out until at least 2 a.m. Considering that it was in the '90s there Sunday, I am sure it was pretty uncomfortable without air conditioning or even a fan.
* * *
After the terrible wildfire that wiped out of much of the historic Maui town of Lahaina, people were uneasy about a fire south of Humbug near Ophir Saturday. Highway 101 south was closed for a time because of the blaze.
I called State Representative and long-time friend Court Boice Sunday after seeing so many questions and concerns on Facebook. He praised the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry, and said the fire was contained to about 25 acres, and with little wind that day, he did not think there was anything to worry about. I can always count on him for the latest information about Curry County.
The Flat Fire, which began at the Oat Flat campground several weeks ago, is now at about 33,000 acres. And it was primarily Representative Boice that urged the U.S. Forest Service to allow fire crews to use heavy equipment in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to fight the Flat Fire.
Any motorized equipment normally is banned in federal wilderness areas and even fighting fires on landscapes protected by the 1964 Wilderness Act has been a source of debate. Trail crews are barred from even using chainsaws to clear brush and logs from hiking paths.
"But as the Flat Fire grew rapidly in an area notorious for breeding fires that turn into megafires, local politicians, including Boice, advocated for opening roads into the wilderness areas to fight the fire," reported an article in the Statesman Journal. Permission was granted.
For those of us who have visited Lahaina Town through the years, seeing the total devastation of Front Street and most of the town was devastating. As soon as I heard about the fire I found my album of Maui photos, and reminisced about the wonderful times my sister, my mother and I had in the two or three times we visited there. So much history has been lost.
And the stories that are coming out as to how people survived are frightening, considering that the sirens were never activated alerting people to the pending danger, as the fire spread rapidly by the high winds (60-80 mph) from hurricane Dora, some 500 miles away.
* * *
The Bandon Historical Society will host a "Meet the Author" event with Kay Jennings at Bandon's History Museum Sunday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission will be free.
"Mourning Bay," the sixth installment of Jennings' set of mystery novels that take place in Port Stirling, a fictional town on the Oregon Coast, was released July 27.
"Any local knows Port Stirling is a stand-in for Bandon," said museum director Gayle Hankwitz. "For me, half the fun of reading a Port Stirling mystery is linking the fictional details to local landmarks." Kay Jennings grew up in Coquille. The museum's gift shops also carries the five earlier installments of the Port Stirling mysteries.
People are reminded that another Live After Five wine walk is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 7, with $10 glasses and maps to be purchased at the port picnic shelter on the Boardwalk.
* * *
A New York Times article which appeared in the print edition Aug. 1 calls Portland "A Drug User's Paradise," as it relates the problems created by the nation's first law to decriminalize user-grade amounts of meth, cocaine and heroin, approved by 60 percent of the Oregon voters in 2020.
"Within months of the measure taking effect in February 2021, open-air drug use, long in the shadows, burst into full view, with people sitting in circles in parks or leaning against street signs, smoking fentanyl crushed on tinfoil.
"Since then Oregon's overdose rates have only grown. Now tents of unhoused people line many sidewalks in Portland."
One woman is quoted as saying that as she walks to work, she sidesteps needles, shattered glass and human feces.
Anyone who would like to better understand the political decisions that have led to the downfall of cities like Portland, San Francisco and Seattle need to read Michael Shellenberger's book, "San Fransicko, Why Progressive Ruin Cities." It is an eye opener and needs to be read by anyone, regardless of political affiliation, who is concerned about what has happened to the once gleaming city of Portland.
It is time to support a referendum that would overturn Ballot Measure 110 before Portland falls deeper into chaos.
* * *
It was fun to join the BHS Class of 1973 for their 50th class reunion, with dinner at Billy Smoothboar's Saturday night. I taught photography for a couple of years in the mid-70s, and was actually the only former teacher that attended. Friday night, when they gathered at Farm and Sea, long-time band director Dennis Lindahl joined the group, but he wasn't able to attend the dinner.
Dave Burdett, who has lived in Canada for many years, served as the master of ceremonies. I am not sure how many class members attended or where they were from, but I do know that Diane Gagnon and her husband came from Texas for the event, and that Colleen Donahue Russell and Michelle Goodbrod White also came from out of state, as, I'm sure, did many others like Diane Looney Armitage and her sister Carol Looney Potvin.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
August 09, 2023
Bandon's first high school building, which was built around 1895, was abandoned once the central school was built, and in 1922, members of American Legion Post 26 made their plans known to buy the old school house (first photo).
Old school house
The Post had made an "offer to the Bandon school district for the purchase of the old school building on the hill near the Coast Guard station, that has stood vacant for a number of years. Their offer for the building and ground is $1,000," said an article in the Feb. 16, 1922, Western World.
"It is understood that the purpose of buying the property is to convert it into what might be termed a memorial community clubhouse, which while under the control and ownership of the Legion would be available for all public functions and would therefore be of general public benefit to the community."
An article two years later tells more about the purchase.
"Bandon Post ..... is one of the most aggressive organizations in Southern Coos and Northern Curry counties. It has property holdings totaling about $7,000, comprised mostly of its fine club house which is located on one of the most choice lots in Bandon overlooking the river and the ocean.
"It has been through the united and tenacious efforts of about 30 or 40 ex-service men of this section that the boys are now able to enjoy their fine club and post facilities.
"The Post was organized in 1919 and like its members at that time was without means. There was a period of about two years when there was no place they could call home. It met at different halls in the city and after having accumulated considerable equipment and paraphernalia, records, etc., the hall they were using burned, together with all the property of the legion."
It was then that they incorporated and bought the old school house. The Post had 38 paid members in 1923.
The second photo was taken in November of 1977 of a huge Douglas Fir log unloaded at Moore Mill.
Douglas Fir log
"The log came from the east fork in the Sitkum area and was 89 inches in diameter by 20 feet in length and represented only a portion of the total tree. The log was so large that it was loaded on a lowboy trailer using bunk locks to hold the log on the trailer. The log was too large to be hauled legally on a normal truck.
"By comparison, if all the wood were solid, the whole tree would produce enough lumber to build nearly eight houses, as the average 2-bedroom house utilizes about 5,000 board feet for framing. The log above scaled 7700 board feet. Unfortunately, some of the wood was not solid, Jim Russell, the Bureau scaler noted, so he cut five feet, three inches off the scale. The rest of the tree, which totaled 40,000 board feet was hauled to Bandon by conventional trucks. Coos Trucking driver Harold Jensen is pictured.
In June of 1965 the Bandon Fire Department (third photo) hosted chiefs and members from coastal towns and fire districts as far north as the Florence Rural Fire Protection District to study the characteristics of gorse as a fire hazard.
Bandon Fire Department studying gorse, 1965
An isolated patch of gorse (Irish Furze) on Beach Loop was ignited by Bandon Fireman Howard Tucker to show visitors that although still in the "green stage" the gorse could become fully aflame in a few minutes. Gorse was new to many firemen from the area to the north, where infestations of the beautiful but inflammable shrub were reported to be on the increase, according to the June 3, 1965, Western World article.
Behind Tucker, from right, are firemen Fred Cox, Buster Jacobs, Pete Goodbrod and, I think, Ron Haga.
* * *
A Port Orford couple were killed, and a Bandon woman was critically injured Wednesday evening in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 north of Bandon near milepost 249.
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2, a southbound Subaru Outback, operated by Wayne Lannin, 79, of Port Orford, and a north bound Peterbilt and loaded chip trailer, operated by Daniel Warren Niehoff, 42, of Coos Bay, sideswiped each other causing the Subaru to lose control. It began a sideways slide and crossed into the north bound lane, where it collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Connie Chase-Hill, 52, of Bandon.
Lannin and his 79-year-old wife, Melinda, died at the scene. Connie Chase-Hill suffered severe injuries. The truck driver was not injured. The state police report said lane usage was considered the contributing factor to the crash, but it is still being investigated.
Wayne Lannin's daughter posted a tribute to the couple, indicating that Lannin had been a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and later flew for the LA County Fire Department. His wife was a retired emergency room nurse. The couple, who had been married 46 years, were well known in Port Orford where they had retired on Vista Drive.
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In another tragic accident which occurred above Powers Friday, a 21-year-old USFS firefighter was killed when the crew vehicle he was riding in crashed. Benjamin Charles Sapper, 21, was working as a first-year crew member on the Gold Beach Ranger District. He was from Boulder, Colo.
A group of local fire and law enforcement personnel escorted the fallen firefighter to the mortuary in Coquille.
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Firefighters were called to the Panter property south of Bandon last week after a new park model home belonging to Matt and Angel Panter caught fire and burned. Their two dogs were lost in the blaze.
Fire Chief Lanny Boston said the park model was new and that the couple had lived in it for less than a month. Assisting the Bandon Rural Fire Protection District was the Four Mile unit of the Coos Forest Protective Association. Cause of the fire is undetermined.
During the fire, Matt's father, Terry Panter, suffered a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital.
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Gravel Point is the name of a new development to be built by Perk Development, LLC., (Bandon Beach Ventures) in the Beach Loop area. It will be located on a 24.78 acre parcel, situated east of Beach Loop Drive, south of Face Rock Drive, and north and west of the existing Carter Street terminus. It will feature a 110-room hotel with guest rooms and amenities including a lounge, spa, guest breakfast room, and valet.
A pedestrian skybridge will connect to Dune Lodge with amenities including three meeting rooms, a lounge, bar, dining facilities and valet; plus 32 villa suites of two different configurations. All guest and staff parking will be in the lower level parking garage under each lodge, with access to the villa suites provided by a golf cart transit system.
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A liquor license for the former Lloyd's Cafe building on Second Street is being sought by the new owners, Damon Weatherill and Rick Jackson. Jackson is the owner of the Shoestring Cafe in the Continuum Center building, and Weatherill owns the newly remodeled building across the street where he and Archie Garrett have plans to open Bandon Sushi.
The new business, Old Town Tap and Grill, will seat 40 in the restaurant and 30 in the lounge, according to plans submitted to the city council by Jackson and Weatherill.
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I've learned that all five of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's 18-hole courses landed in the top 16 of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses from Golf Digest. What a great tribute!
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Of the six first place winners from Oregon in the American Cheese Society's Judging and Competition, three were from Bandon's Face Rock Creamery, including its clothbound cheddar, smoked cheddar and peppercorn harvest clothbound cheese. Tillamook had one first for its extra sharp cheddar and Don Froylan Creamery of Salem earned two first places.
Face Rock's clothbound cheddar was rated in the overall top 15 ... a prestigious finish among the total of 1,454 cheeses judged.
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The Coos County Sheriff's Office posted this week that fentanyl has surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. The amount of fentanyl seized in Oregon increased from 690 counterfeit pills in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022.
In Oregon, fentanyl is more commonly seen in blue pills made to look like oxycodone. A very small amount can cause someone to overdose and die.
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If you have called my landline in the last two and a half years and left me a message, I am sorry that I did not return your call. I did not have an answering machine associated with my landline, and was not aware that it automatically had a voice mail attached, much like a cell phone. The doctor's office called me last week and said that she had called earlier and I had not returned her call. I said, that is impossible, I do not have an answering machine. Unfortunately she was right, and when I finally was able to access the voice mail, there were 57 messages dating back two and a half years. Some were about city business and others about my history column, but most people asked me to return their call. I even received a call from the late Lorna Salt thanking me for some photos I had sent to her and Chuck. Another woman invited me to have lunch with her if I would just set the date. I went through a lot of emotions as I listened to the calls and became sadder and more embarrassed by each call. What can I say, but sorry!
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While I subscribe to the digital copy of the New York Times, I missed the article on the front of the Science Times section of the Aug. 1 Times headlined "A Drug User's Paradise," sent to me by my pal Bo Shindler. The Times had sent several reporters to Portland to do a story on the problems caused by Ballot Measure 110 which decriminalized user-grade amounts of hard drugs like meth, heroin and cocaine...in a first for the country.
Next week I will share some of what the Times reporters found in Oregon's largest city and what happens when drug use is rampant and unchecked.
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City Park was the scene of a very successful National Night Out celebration Aug. 1, spearheaded by the Bandon Police Department, with a number of business sponsors contributing to make it such a huge success.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
August 02, 2023
Who knew that when Coach Vic Adams of North Bend spoke at the fall sports banquet in Bandon in 1941 ... that 25 years later he'd be coaching here. When this photo was taken in December of 1966, Vic, at left, was defensive coach for the Tiger football team.
Others pictured are Dick Sutherland, head coach; Newt Kiefer and Chris Ray, co-captains of the football team; Paul Driscoll and Ron Staten, captains of the cross-country team, and their coach, Mickey Hurley.
But this story is about the 1941 basketball banquet, sponsored by the Bandon Union Carpenters, held at the Masonic hall.
"The development of basketball, from its inception some 50 years ago to the highly technical and coordinated game that it is today, was traced by Coach Victor Adams of the North Bend high school before a group of some 60 players and fans ....
"Coach Adams, who has been in charge of athletics at North Bend for the past 13 years and this year had conference-winning teams in both football and basketball, took fourth place in the state basketball tournament.
"Following the dinner served by the home economic class of the high school, L.D. Felsheim, chairman of the school board, acted as toastmaster."
Among those speaking were Mayor K.I. Franklin, Piercy Sweet, and Ed Capps as representative of the Dads and the chamber of commerce.
The Tiger basketball team was introduced: Jerry Alvey, Art Uht, Leonard Smith, George Harris, Edgar Capps, Jack Smiley, Harold Howe, Don Goddard, Joe Stevenson, Jack Wilson, Bernie Ertel, Gerald Fraser, Bruce McLeod, Jess Laub, Jay Hess, Ray Harris, Vernon Barrows, and Buster Jacobs and Bud Hansen, who were managers."
Captain Don Goddard was named the most valuable player.
A headline in the Sept. 26, 1963, Western World reads: "Port of Bandon Half Century Old This Month."
I have chosen a photo taken at the port several years later (second photo) to illustrate what the harbor looked like in those days.
The Port of Bandon was organized Sept. 15, 1913, according to then secretary-treasurer George Kronenberg.
"He reports that the first five commissioners were appointed by the governor, with two representing Bandon, two from Coquille and one from the area between the two cities. The first commissioners were Col. R.H. Rosa and R.E.L. Bedillion of Bandon; E.E. Johnson and J.E. Norton of Coquille; and T.P. Hanly, from the area between the two."
For years that "gentleman's agreement" continued, with two from each city and one from the area between the two towns. But that is no longer the case, as four of the five current port commissioners, Chairman Reg Pullen, Secretary-Treasurer Wayne Butler, Vice-President Donny Goddard and Don Starbuck, are from Bandon, and the fifth, Rick Goche, is from Coquille.
The third picture features three women from the Bandon Aero Club as they prepare crab for the March 1966 aero club fly-in crab feed. From left are Irene (Mrs. Merritt J.) Senter, Mrs. Francis Rapp and Elaine (Mrs. Howard) Kehl.
Although they were expecting a large number of planes and prepared food for around 500 people, heavy fog socked in most of the state that Sunday, and only 70 people attended, most of whom came from the local community.
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The Bandon Historical Society is hoping to break ground next spring on a meeting room/auditorium adjacent to their Fillmore Avenue building, with the addition being funded through the estate of the late Don Lynam.
Lynam, a retired pharmacist who retired in Bandon some years ago, specified in his will what the nearly $700,000 bequeath was to build.
The auditorium is to be completed by Sept. 25, 2027, five years from the date of Don's death.
The museum board is being assisted by Sherri McGrath and Matt Winkel of Coos Curry Consulting. Attorney Robin Miller is representing Don's estate.
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The community was shocked and saddened to learn of the death last week of long-time Bandon businessman and public servant Ed Landucci, who died July 25 at Bay Area Hospital after being diagnosed 10 days earlier with pancreatic cancer. Ed just turned 79 in June.
He was the long-time owner of Oregon Properties, and was a current member of the Bandon Planning Commission, having served as chair of the same commission in the mid-1980s. He was a long-time member and past president (84-85) of the Bandon Rotary Club.
His immediate survivors include his wife, Crystal; son, Eto Landucci; and daughters, Francine Landucci and Anne Landucci Trombley.
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I also learned that Bandon native Gene Scott, 88, a member of the Bandon High School Class of 1952, died July 27 after a short battle with cancer. Gene and his wife Marilyn had lived in Bandon many years before moving to their present home in Coquille.
In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by his son Randy and daughter Denise.
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In the last week, several of my Facebook friends posted about the sudden loss of family members, including Cinda Arney, whose husband, Jim, died some months ago, and over the weekend, their oldest granddaughter, Maddie Rameson, 21, was killed in an ATV accident. The Arneys are long time owners of Express Blinds and Beyond out of Coos Bay.
Teresa Reaves, wife of the former police chief in Coquille Michael Reaves, who now live in Sunset, La., reported that their son-in-law, Mark Kirn, had died suddenly at the age of 41. The Kirns lived in the east part of Coos County.
A service will be held Aug. 5, at 4 p.m. at the Coquille High School football field, with a barbecue to follow at 50989 Myrtle Creek Road, Bridge. Among his survivors are his wife Nicole, and children, Miles and Lisa.
The Coquille/Myrtle Point community is rallying around the family, as Mark was well-known as a youth coach and active in 4-H.
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Joseph Bain, owner of Bain Insurance, posted on Facebook Thursday that someone had stolen his white Porsche from the lot behind his office and he urged people to be on the lookout for it.
That night about midnight, Joseph received a call letting him know that the thief was reportedly driving 140 miles an hour in Northern Curry when he lost control and totaled the car. At the time, the driver was still alive.
Sunday night, as I am writing this, I am not sure if Joseph knows if the thief was a local person or someone just traveling through.
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On July 27, at 9:30 p.m., the Coos County Sheriff's Office dispatch center received a call about shots fired at 50375 Highway 101 in Bandon. The caller told dispatchers that his landlord, James F. Deathrage, 73, had come to his residence and fired a gun at him during an altercation, according to the press release.
During the investigation, it was learned that an altercation occurred between the reporting party and Mr. Deathrage involving a semi-automatic pistol. As a result, Deathrage was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, and second degree criminal mischief. Deathrage was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and remained in custody at the time the press release was written on July 27.
Deathrage founded the local marijuana dispensary, Herbal Choices.
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Suzanne Albrich, who was raised in Bandon, recently qualified for the World Ironman competition in New Zealand by placing first in the 55-59 female age division in an event held in Salem. Suzanne has worked for the Bureau of Land Management for over 30 years. She is the daughter of Jean Albrich, who taught here for many years, and Mike Albrich, who was with a local bank.
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A low budget feature film, Old Ladies Find Money, will be shooting in Bandon early next year. The director/producer, whose website is ARNicholas.com, will be in Bandon the week of Aug. 1 to meet with people interested in working on the film, as well as with representatives of the city and the chamber of commerce. People can send an email to bournosmedia@gmail.com if interested in learning more.
Nicholas said, "We plan to film in Bandon, where the natural beauty is dramatic and rich. Bandon has incredibly natural geological formations that make a person feel small, which is good for our characters and for audiences to identify with."
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Next week I will talk about the Perk Development Group's plans for a 24.8 acre development in the Beach Loop area, which will include a 110-room hotel, 32 associated suites and several restaurants.
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The Bandon Library Friends and Foundation are sponsoring their summer book sale Aug. 4 and 5 at the Sprague Room at the Bandon Public Library in City Park. All books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and more are all one price ... 50 cents. The sale is open to members only Friday from 10 to 11 a.m., and for non members from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is Bag Day. Fill a bag with anything from the sale for $5.
Tuesday night, Aug. 1, is the Bandon Police Department's National Night Out program from 5 to 8 in City Park. Bring the family for free food, games and to learn more about our public safety officers.
The First Saturday Art Walk is Saturday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 6:30. Keepsake glasses and maps are $10 at the visitor center.
The Red Fish Music Festival Concert is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 at the Sprague, and Sunday, Aug. 6, they will perform at the Cheese Factory in Langlois, at 7:30.
For information, go to redfishmusicfestival.com.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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