As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 22, 2023
If ever a building "has come a long ways" in Bandon, it would be the Bandon Community Center, better known as The Barn, which is located in City Park on 11th Street.
Just over 50 years ago, on Aug. 17, 1972, long-time school superintendent Roland L. Parks wrote an interesting article about the history of The Barn. Today, I share it with you.
"Bandon has no community center as such but the 'Barn' in the City Park serves that purpose to a large extent. The Bandon Lions Club took over the Barn (first photo) after World War II after it had been deeded to the City of Bandon.
The Barn
The building was literally falling down when the Lions club requested its use from the city council. The barn was given to the Lions by a verbal lease granted by the council. The barn had been used as a cavalry barn for horses by the Army during World War II as the beaches were being patrolled for landing parties of the Japanese enemy at that time.
"Since the lease was secured, the Barn has been practically re-made into an attractive, well lighted and heated center. The Lions have spent close to $5,000 over a period of close to 20 years. At the start the floor was made of heavy planks which were replaced by a good floor by volunteer labor and materials from the citizens of Bandon so that it could be used as a dance floor and little theatre. Among the improvements made by the Lions after the club took over the building were:
"A new roof, shingling the outside and repainting twice, modern fluorescent lighting, sealing the inside with plywood, installing of restrooms, covering the floor with tile, the addition of a kitchen with stove, refrigerator and complete set of utensils, installation of a new foundation, a new storeroom, the purchase of 100 folding chairs and 15 tables, and redecorating of the interior.
"The Lions pay all of the utilities and charge non-profit organizations a fee big enough to cover expenses. A strict set of rules regarding use of the building has been formulated to protect the property."
Over the years the barn was used for many meetings and functions by such groups as The Ocean Spray Square Dancers, the Boy Scouts, the Cranberry Festival Fair and Harvest Ball, the Bandon Little Theatre and various service clubs.
"By virtue of the lease held by the Lions, the control is completely in the hands of a barn committee of the Lions. All scheduling, setting of rental or use fees must be made through the committee. Contrary to some belief the city pays none of the expenses of the barn. All improvements, light bills, water-sewer, heating and furniture procurement are paid for by the Lions.
"From a horse barn to a community center has been a long climb but the Bandon Lions feel that the heavy investment is a valuable asset for the Community of Bandon."
Today, the Barn/Community Center is owned and managed by the City, with assistance from current Barn manager Avery Richards.
The second photo, taken in June of 1966, featured members of the Bandon Lions Club in front of The Barn.
Bandon Lions Club
In front, from left, are Al Froland, Howard Kehl, Russ Conn, George Kronenberg, Howard Tucker, Roland L. Parks, O.S. Valentine and L.L. Jackson. Second row: Ed "Stuffy" Hendrickson, H.M. "Max" Howe, Fred Moore, Eddie Waldrop; in back, from left, are John Fasnacht, Sam Schultz, Warren Strycker, Dr. B.E. Grant, W.H. Johnston (unknown) and Ernie Wehner. Considering that I did this from memory, I think I did pretty good to identify all but one of them.
Not sure exactly what year the third photo was taken, but an item in the June 2, 1927, Western World is headlined: "Council Helps Pay for Arch."
"At the city council meeting last evening the city appropriated $100 toward the erection of an arch across Second street, which is being erected by the chamber of commerce. The balance of the money will be appropriated by the chamber and by public subscription."
The reference book I use indicates that both Preston C. Stephenson and Herbert Brown served as mayor in 1927, so my guess is that it was Herbert Brown (former mayor Judy Densmore's grandfather) who was mayor at that time.
* * *
A 46-year-old Bandon man was arrested on a number of charges Feb. 17 after he threatened the owner of Begin Agains, located in the Bandon Shopping Center, with a knife during a robbery.
According to the Bandon Police, Charles Jenkins went into Begin Agains shortly before 4 p.m. on Feb. 17 and grabbed an armload of clothing off the racks. As the owner tried to stop him, Jenkins allegedly drew a knife on the owner and fled the store.
The owner immediately called 9-1-1, and Sgt. Larry Lynch, who was investigating a theft which had just occurred at Face Rock Creamery, sped to the shopping center. Jenkins was apprehended just north of Dollar General on Highway 101 and taken to the Coos County Jail where he was lodged.
He was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree attempted assault, menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, harassment and two counts of third-degree theft.
Lynch said he believed Jenkins was also responsible for the theft at the creamery.
* * *
In another incident that occurred at Face Rock Creamery, a Facebook post indicated that on Feb. 16, a Yamaha Kodiak 450 four-wheeler was stolen from a trailer while the owner was inside getting ice cream. The four-wheeler was painted tan and black. The suspect was said to be in his late 40s with a short beard and was last seen headed out Rosa Road.
The post added: "A reward is pending for its recovery." The information was posted by Goodnight Lucas, but it was not clear if this was his four-wheeler.
* * *
I received an email from John Olson last week concerning an item in my July 31, 2019, As I See It, which he said needed to be corrected. After reading in the Bandon Police report that Olson, who was formerly with Tesoaria Vineyard and Winery in Roseburg, had been arrested on a warrant out of Deschutes County, I contacted the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office in Bend, who told me he had been arrested on racketeering and money laundering charges.
In his email to me last week, Olson said "The simple fact is the charges against me were completely bogus, fabricated and based on mendacity. As you should be aware, the case was dismissed 'in the name of justice.' My attorney, Todd Grover, presented overwhelming evidence to the Deschutes County DA's office that the 'victims' statements were perjured, 'evidence' was fabricated and the investigation was at best sloppy or at worse malicious, thus leading to a complete dismissal. A civil rights violation action is forthcoming," Olson said.
* * *
I received an update from ODOT' Chris Hunter last week concerning the state's efforts to seek funding for a new pedestrian bridge over the Coquille River adjacent to the existing Bullards Bridge on Highway 101.
As Mayor, I had written a letter in support of the project.
Hunter, an engineer, is SouthWest Area Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation, Region 3.
"Unfortunately our efforts through several grant opportunities have not come to fruition. Just know that ODOT will continue to look for funding opportunities as we all agree that this project is needed.
"We have learned that overall our grant application has scored very well and made it through the majority of the process, it just has not been selected. As encouraging as this is, obviously the ultimate goal is to receive the funding," said Hunter.
* * *
Communities for Healthy Forests has announced that Melissa Cribbins is the organization's new executive director. Cribbins is a practicing attorney and a former three-term Coos County commissioner. She also sits on the Elliott State Forest Advisory Committee.
"In her role, Cribbins will continue her work advocating for the health of forests in Oregon and in the western United States," said a press release.
The release said Communities for Healthy Forests, a Roseburg based nonprofit, started in 2003 when a group of citizens realized that the inability of the federal government to restore the landscape was challenged by policies, delays, lawsuits and lack of funding.
* * *
Bandon Pickleball players will be happy to learn that the February charity chosen by 100 Strong Bandon, will be used to resurface the court at City Park with a safer and preferred playing surface. This is a group of local people (like me) who meet every three moths, choose a charity and each pledge at least $50 to the charity.
The group has been meeting at Bandon Rain, who opens their taproom for the meetings.
Members Laura Brownfield and Nikki Cline nominated Bandon Pickleball as the charity. Pickleball is said to be the fastest growing sport, not only in America, but globally. Coquille, North Bend, Port Orford and other communities around us have installed courts which are used daily. Pickleball is a combination of Ping Pong and Tennis played on half of a tennis court with a hard paddle and a whiffle type ball, and is primarily played in doubles by older active seniors. Bandon Pickleball started in September of 2021 with four participants; today over 60 locals and visitors participate as contributing players and an additional 30 plus play regularly as guests.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 15, 2023
The U.S. Coast Guard had a large role in Bandon's history since most of the travel in the early days was by ship. An article in a January 1924 issue of Western World provides some interesting background. I have chosen three photos from my collection to illustrate various parts of the article.
"Vessels making the Coquille river are protected by the crew of the United States Coast Guard. The station (first photo) is in the city of Bandon on a high point overlooking the ocean and the harbor entrance.
The station is in charge of Capt. J.LI. Nutter who has been at Bandon for three years but who has had 28 years experience in the service. He is supposed to have a crew of eight men but owing to the shortage in the service he has only four regular men and three others who are temporarily at the station. The regular enlisted men are Chief Boatswain's Mate C.E. Boice, Mechanic's Mate H.G. Armstrong, and Surfmen James Goll and George W. Worthley. The temporary members of the crew are Hayes Perkins, Ford B. Williams and Robert Fahy.
"The crew is splendidly drilled and in addition to being called upon frequently for strenuous life saving work, the members must go through regular drills, are on duty 24 hours a day at the station and must take turns at the lookout one mile and a quarter down the coast (second photo) from the station on the beach.
Lookout
There are a dozen studios which must be kept up and in which regular classes are held.
"The equipment is on the opposite side of the street (third photo) from the station where there are ways on which the boats can be quickly launched into the river.
Boat launch
At the station is a Beevey-McClelland surf boat, self-righting and self-bailing life boat and a 136-foot self-righting and self-bailing powerlife boat for work on the bar when it is rough. At the lookout there is also a surf boat in a house maintained at that point.
"A man is kept on duty at all times, night and day, at the lookout.
"There is no other Coast Guard station on the coast north of Eureka on Humboldt Bay, California, so the Bandon crew is often called upon to make very long trips and must look after any vessel in trouble all along the Curry county coast. There is great need of one or two more stations between the Coquille River and Humboldt Bay as frequently the crew from Bandon must go through much hardship traveling a long distance down the coast in an open boat and besides an accident is likely to happen so far away that the crew must spend too much time in reaching the place before being able to give real assistance.
"The matter of another station south of Bandon has at various times been agitated and it is hoped that such a station may finally be secured but in the meantime the Bandon crew does splendid work, considering the great distance which must be covered."
Although I have no picture for the next story, it is interesting and needs to be shared. It came from the Sept. 25, 1914, Bandon Recorder, and talks about the wreck of the steamer Frances E. Leggett, said to be the deadliest maritime disaster in Oregon's recorded history. The vessel wrecked in a sudden storm five miles southwest of Tillamook Rock; two were saved and 60 perished.
"Arthur Ellingson of Coquille, and proprietor of the Bandon undertaking parlors, was in the city yesterday and informed The Recorder that he was at Gardiner and helped to embalm and prepare the bodies brought in there by the (steamer) Tillamook from the Leggett wreck.
"Mr. Ellingson says there were two men and one woman. The woman was about 22 to 25 years old and from articles found on her person it was thought her name was Parks. She had on several rings, one probably a wedding ring. There were no marks at all on the woman and only few on the men.
"The bodies of the men were also searched. The first one revealed a small watch, $3 in silver tied in a handkerchief, and in a pocketbook was the name Harry C. Chesley, pier 9, Seattle. He was probably a member of the crew."
* * *
A "Safe Boat," purchased several years ago by the Coos County Sheriff's Office for water rescues, marine events and general marine patrol, had been out of commission for over a year with unrepaired damage that was too costly for the budget.
As a result of action by the Board of Commissioners to use federal funding allotted to Coos County to refurbish the vessel, it is now available for the community and for the staff of the sheriff's office to carry out their day-to-day operations, according to a press release from Sergeant Adam Slater.
"The Board of Commissioners found this to be an acceptable use of federal funding and voted to have this vessel repaired and restored to duty within the Sheriff's Office marine division," Slater said. "We thank the board for understanding the importance of refurbishing the vehicle."
* * *
I recently saw a post on Facebook about the death of a former Bandon woman, Madeline "Maddy" Parks, who died Dec. 16 in Arizona at the age of 74. She was the widow of Bandon building contractor John Parks, who died several years ago.
* * *
The Eugene City Council, on a 5-3 vote, approved a motion to eliminate the use of natural gas in new residential building in Eugene, effective July 1.
One councilor said she felt the "good of the community outweighed the good of the individual."
Northwest Natural, the chief supplier of natural gas in Eugene, paid for a half page ad in the Register-Guard Sunday to advise the public of the decision. The ad pointed out that recent polling showed that 70 percent of the residents opposed the council's actions.
Some have said that this action will result in developers concentrating their building efforts in nearby Springfield, which does not prohibit natural gas.
If, in fact, the greatest percentage of the voters do not agree with the decision, they should immediately start a referendum petition to refer the measure back to the voters. Several of the councilors, and many who spoke at the council meeting, urged the council to put the issue before the voters, but the majority refused to do that.
* * *
The rainfall for January, according to my source, showed 9.98 inches, compared to 5 inches for the same period last year, and 14.13 inches in 2021.
* * *
Readers are reminded of the free household hazardous waste collection event Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beaver Hill Transfer Site.
"Now is the time to clean out your garage and home and bring your unwanted household hazardous waste chemicals to the free collection event," said a spokesman for the Coos County Solid Waste Department.
People from Coos and Curry counties may make an appointment by calling 541-396-7624. Appointments should be made prior to the day of the event. The best times to call are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Things that are not accepted include ammunition, asbestos, explosives, fireworks, radioactive materials, medical waste and sharps.
* * *
I saw an interesting interview by NewsWatch12, whose reporter interviewed State Representative Pam Marsh to find out what state lawmakers are doing about the ever-growing fentanyl and opioid crisis, which is sweeping the state.
One of the problems, according to Representative Marsh, is that Ballot Measure 110 currently allows users to hold onto more amounts of the drug fentanyl than other drugs that are on the decriminalized list.
"There was a hole in the law, which allowed people to be able to use or possess more fentanyl than they could of other hard drugs under Measure 110," Marsh said. "We're fixing that legislation so that we will be able to prosecute people for a minimal amount of fentanyl."
Another action being taken by the Oregon Legislature is a new bill that would allow Naloxone to be stocked in more public places such as restaurants, schools and other locations.
"However as many viewers have expressed to us, many believe that the underlying problem to the rise in fentanyl and opioid overdoses in the state has to do with the decriminalization of hard drugs related to Measure 110," said the reporter.
Instead of trying to fix a law, that came about through an initiative petition, the legislature needs to take immediate steps to refer it back to the voters. Unfortunately, Governor Tina Kotek has already said she would not vote to overturn "the will of the people." And without her support, it will not happen. It does not do any good to get people hooked on drugs through permissive laws and then spends millions to try and get them into treatment.
In closing Representative Marsh told the reporter that lawmakers will continue to watch the impact of Measure 110 and would consider changing the law if needed.
I don't know if she really said that, but if she did, she does not understand the gravity of the addiction problem in Oregon ... and the consequences which include increased crime, homelessness and an unwillingness of many addicts to seek treatment.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 08, 2023
The headline in a March 1925 issue of Western World reads: "State Trout Hatchery Now in Operation Here."
Here's the story:
"A fish hatchery under the supervision of the state game commission was established on Ferry creek a mile east and a little south of town last season (first photo).
Fish hatchery
This point was selected because of its superior advantages and in recognition of the efforts of local sportsmen who have worked tirelessly for the project for several years.
"Moss Averill has charge of the plant which this year turned out 850,000 fry. Some of the temporary buildings were washed away during the high water in the fall, but they have been replaced and it is the intention of the commission to hatch two batches of a million each this coming year, with the possible addition of another half-million lot. This total of about two and a half million will supply the streams of this locality as well as furnishing trout for other sections.
"This is the only hatchery specializing on trout in this part of the coast. Results have more than justified the claims of local men as to the desirability of the location, and the fish and game commission is well pleased with the Bandon plant.
"The variety hatched here is known as the black spotted or cut-throat trout. They are commonly called mountain trout. They are very hardy in this climate, furnish the best of fishing and are one of the most delectable of fresh-water fish.
"In the mountains and smaller streams they are always a small fish, running from six to eight inches in length, but in the larger streams and lakes they attain a length of from 20 to 22 inches and weigh in up to six pounds.
"There are many eying stations on the coast where the eggs are taken from the fish, fertilized and held for 11 days or until they develop eyes. They are then sent to the hatchery where they are kept and fed until they are large enough to liberate and shift for themselves.
"The Coquille river has the distinction of being free from fungus that bothers salmon fry in many other rivers, and there is a tremendous opportunity here for the hatching of salmon eggs (second photo) and the development of the canning industry to many times its present size.
Salmon eggs
There have been some salmon liberated here in the past but the work has never been carried on in a manner commensurate with the important results which might be achieved thereby."
Today, almost a hundred years later, the facility is used for "adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of both natural and hatchery fall Chinook, winter steelhead, and trophy-sized rainbow trout."
I have chosen the third picture of former Mayor Don Goddard and his wife, Marge, riding in an old car, driven by Bill Bates, in a Cranberry Festival parade to illustrate the next story.
Former Mayor Don Goddard and his wife, Marge
The Aug. 24, 1972, front-page article in Western World told the story of the Goddards witnesses a skyjacking.
"Mayor and Mrs. Donald Goddard were witnesses Friday to one of the world's newest crimes ... skyjacking, and they won't forget the horrendous experience for some time.
"They were at Seattle's SeaTac Airport waiting for their plane that would bring them home when the hijacked plane landed and they watched the proceedings for at least seven hours, as the drama unfolded before their eyes. They could hear the conversation on a two-way radio between the air-tower and the FBI as the hijacker's demands were being made and met, and view the FBI arrive and stay hidden in back of the plane, where they were attempting to enter the plane.
"Mrs. Goddard said the climax came when they (the Canadian Airlines and the U.S. Airlines) told the hijacker that they were through trying to satisfy his demands. The last thing he asked for was new pilots, so they were sent aboard one at a time, stripped to their shorts; they were Federal agents who managed to get a gun aboard and shoot the hijacker and he was removed by ambulance. Then it was a couple more hours before the huge crowd was released and allowed to go on their way.
"Mrs. Goddard reports that the airline company treated them all very well, took them to dinner and breakfast, and provided them with motel accommodations since their departure had been delayed."
* * *
The big news last week was the search for a missing 83-year-old Bandon man, who reportedly walked out of his house early in the afternoon in the Seabird area on Jan. 31, and when he did not return, his family contacted the police.
Several days later, Police suspended the search for Clarence Pitts, as no trace of him was found.
Police Chief Cory Dhillon posted on Facebook that several search and rescue groups, including Coos County Search and Rescue, along with multiple dog tracking teams took part in the search. Coast Guard air ships were used as were ATVs to search the beach and areas not accessible by foot.
All his data was entered into LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System) and all other sites which would be accessible to law enforcement across the region, should he end up in another community, as apparently had occurred one time in the past.
Some think that he could have walked out to the highway and gotten a ride.
There were quite a few comments on Facebook wondering why the public had not be allowed to take part in the search, but it was explained that untrained civilians could jeopardize the K9 scent trackers.
"The SAR decided to suspend their search due to Pitts having mobility issues, and no tangible sign of him being located in their proximity patterns," said the chief, who added that the Bandon department would continue its search and investigation.
* * *
Although I do not know the details, I recently saw information from the Coos County Planning Department that Bandon Biota LLC (a Mike Keiser company) has withdrawn its application for a conditional use to build an 18-hole golf course with accessory in the Exclusive Farm Use zone. The area in which the golf course is proposed was southwest of Bandon off Boak Lane, and was known as the New River Golf Course.
In early January, the planning commission approved the new course, according to information from land use watchdog ORCA (Oregon Coast Alliance), the coastal affiliate of 1000 Friends of Oregon, who opposed the course.
Cameron LaFollette is their executive director. One of their reasons for opposing the course, according to their newsletter, is that 93 acres of the property has been growing or is growing cranberries.
"Curiously they split off the proposed clubhouse and additional buildings from this approval, requiring the applicant to submit a new application for them in the future," said a statement by ORCA.
At this time it appears that the application has been withdrawn.
* * *
I saw a Facebook post on Feb. 2 that Mark Madden, an accomplished musician, singer/songwriter and recording artist, who is well known locally, had died.
One poster said, "Mark was passionate about sharing his work with the world. His drive to leave this world with all of his talents and love poured out for everyone to enjoy was evident long before he became gravely ill."
Mark, who was also known as Ace Arlo, was the uncle of Larkin Madden and the son of the late Joan Madden, a well-known local artist.
* * *
The Good Earth Community Garden is geared up for another growing season and applications to rent a garden bed are available now. The Garden opens for growing on March 15.
Good Earth is located at the end of 8th Court SW and is a "peaceful place where gardeners young and old grow organic vegetables, fruits and flowers. It is possible to grow delicious and healthy food in Bandon's windy and coastal climate," said one member.
The garden beds are 4' wide by 12' feet long and are filled with organic and amended soil. "Novice and experienced gardeners alike benefit from being part of a community of growers who happily share tips and successes (and the occasional failure)," said the member.
The cost to rent a garden bed for the March through November growing season is $35. Applications are available at 101 Plants, at the Garden entrance, and at socoastcommunitygardens.org/applications. For more information contact bandongoodearth@gmail.com.
* * *
It's good to see that two Curry county men will now be representing our area in the Oregon Legislature, with the recent appointment of long-time Curry County Commissioner Court Boice, who received an overwhelming majority of the votes from the nine county commissioners (Coos, Curry and Douglas) to serve as the new state representative. He replaces David Brock Smith, who was recently appointed to the Senate seat.
* * *
People are reminded that the next free household hazardous waste collection event at the Beaver Hill Solid Waste facility is Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 541-396-7624 to make an appointment. This is for household hazardous waste only.
* * *
I am having printer problems with my Canon MX922, but it's more of an input problem from my computer and my laptop, as it is not an ink issue as some pages, along with photos, print perfectly. But when I try to print an email, the only part that will print is the part in blue, which is usually the to and the from lines. All other parts of the email come out of the printer blank. If you have an idea of what the problem could be, please email me at marys@coosnet.com. I have recently upgraded from Windows 7 to 10. This also means I can't print out a copy of my column, from which to proofread, so please bear with me if there are mistakes. Good excuse, right?
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 01, 2023
As we await news about a new hotel coming to Bandon, my thoughts turned to an article in the Aug. 14, 1924, Western World headlined "Showing Plans For New Hotel."
The subhead indicated that four proposed projects were presented by officers of the Hotel Building and Finance Corporation, and one of the proposed sites was the Hotel Gallier (first photo), which was located in the area of the old Coast Guard building on the north side of First Street.
Hotel Gallier
Two men representing the corporation were in Bandon with plans for a proposed hotel, which covered four separate projects, three for the Hotel Gallier site and one at the E.N. Smith site at the corner of First Street and Edison Avenue (which would be in the area where Edgewaters sits today).
"The largest of the proposed projects for the Gallier site calls for a main structure of six stories and an annex of three stories, the length of the entire building on First street being about 200 feet. This would provide for a hotel of 107 guest rooms. There would also be a number of business locations and a stage terminal room on the corner. The cost is estimated at $181,000.
"The above plan on a somewhat smaller scale calls for the main structure of five stories and another of two stories, giving 86 guest rooms. This would cost $126,000."
The third plan would eliminate the stage terminal.
"In all of the foregoing plans the newer section of the Hotel Gallier would be utilized by remodeling and refinishing the outside in stucco to conform with the main structures, the latter being of concrete.
"The plans for the Smith site are for entirely new construction of concrete, providing for 56 rooms of which 40 would be with bath. The building would cost $97,000."
I love the second story I am sharing, which came from the Feb. 10, 1916, Western World about a trip to Coquille to watch a basketball game.
"J.E. Walstrom put into execution a novel idea the past week, by means of which Capt. Thomas White was able to take the Dispatch (second picture) on her night trip to Coquille with the basket ball fans.
Dispatch
It appears the Dispatch does not carry a search light and Capt. White was a trifle leery of making the trip at night during the present high waters without one. But Mr. Walstrom solved the difficulty. He detached the Prestolite lamps from his International truck, fastened them to heavy pieces of planking and turned them over to Mr. White. It is said the waters were lit-up for a long distance ahead and the trip was made at night as easily as it could have been by day."
Mr. Walstrom was the father of Margaret Walstrom Norton, who, with her husband, Bob, owned The Golden Rule department store for many years. Her grandsons included Jerry McMahon of Bandon and the late Mark McMahon.
Bandon lost one of its favorite sons last week with the death of 91-year-old Bob Elliott, who had moved to this community 88 years ago as boy of three years old.
In recent years, Bob would join others at the Bandon History Museum to talk about what it was like growing up here as there are so few of us "old timers" left to tell our story.
The third picture, taken in 1973, shows Bob at one of the gas pumps at the Shell Station in downtown Bandon, which he owned for a number of years. The station was on the site where the Station Restaurant is now located.
Bob Elliott
Bob is survived by his daughter, Gayla Elliott; granddaughter, Sarah Lakey and her husband, Tim; great-grandson, Brody Montgomery; great-granddaughters, Baylee, Kylie and Niki Lakey, and his brother, John Yost.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and his son, Roger Elliott.
* * *
I was also sorry to hear that Danny Schultz of Roseburg had died this week at the age of 62, a month after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He was a member of the Bandon High School Class of 1978.
Danny was a member of the blended family of the late Bob and Joyce Schultz, and is survived by his sisters, Judy Knox, Robin Martin, Susie Jones and Kathy Lovell. Also preceding him in death was his brother, Steve Schultz.
Judy told me, "The family was able to spend some precious time with Danny before he died."
* * *
The Port of Bandon announced Thursday that the port commission has unanimously agreed to approve a new expanded lease, covering all of the Fisheries (marketplace) building to the current lease holders, Farm and Sea. "The lease agreement includes a provision to continue the traditions of a fish and farmers market in the space, and Farm and Sea owners Lori and Barry Osborne are excited for the opportunity to run the market and integrate operations," said a port spokesman. "They have already begun the process of reaching out to numerous vendors who are interested in the upcoming season."
In 2012 the Port of Bandon created the Old Town Fish and Farmers Market inside the newly acquired Bandon Fisheries building. "With the management of Peggi and John Towne, the Port had brought to life a community and tourist attraction that has continued to grow for over a decade. In 2021, with many years of dedicated service to the Port and the Market, we saw the retirement of Peggi and John," said the spokesman.
"With help from GBA (Greater Bandon Association) and Port staff, the 2022 Farmers Market continued and thrived even under reduced size which was necessary to help alleviate Covid 19 concerns as well as parking constraints given the episodic closure of the privately owned gravel lot across the street.
"As the Port of Bandon passes the torch on what started with fewer than 10 vendors 10 years ago, there is no doubt that Farm and Sea will continue to improvise and sustain a fish and farmers market, along with other uses with the building that Bandon and its tourists have come to know and appreciate. We wish all success going forward," said the Port spokesman.
* * *
I am not sure how many Republicans have put their names in for the vacant State Representative position for the seat that represents half of Coos County and all of Douglas and Curry counties, but I do know that long-time Curry County Commissioner Court Boice is one of them.
Court is a member of the pioneer Boice family, and I feel that he would be great as an advocate for this area. He has been a public servant for many years, and also a businessman in the Gold Beach area. And he's not afraid to speak up when necessary.
I think this decision was to be made Wednesday, so for many of you reading it, the decision may have already been made.
* * *
I received a press release Jan. 23 from the Coos County Sheriff's Office about a traffic stop by Bandon Police Officer Emma Owens on a gray BMW SUV type vehicle after it failed to obey a traffic control device. The occupants were identified as Kyle Vanalstine, 28, and Rebeca Aseere, 21. Officer Owens learned that the Sheriff's office had probable cause for both to be arrested on the charges of Forgery 1, Theft 1 and Criminal Conspiracy to commit a felony.
An ongoing investigation revealed the two had fraudulently cashed checks which had been stolen out of a purse on Jan. 11 at Bastendorff Beach in Coos Bay. It was discovered by Deputy Michal Smith during his investigation, that Kyle had attempted to deposit two of the stolen checks into a Wells Fargo Bank account, and Rebeca had cashed checks in a felony amount (over $1,000) near the city of Powers. Both admitted to possession of, and using the stolen checks.
During the search of the vehicle, a dealer amount of several different types of illicit drugs were found, along with scales and drug measuring equipment. Several illicit drug dealer ledgers, a firearm, and more drug paraphernalia were found inside the vehicle and subsequently seized.
Both were taken to the Coos County Jail and booked into jail on a number of charges.
"The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the interagency cooperation of the Bandon Police Department with their role in this investigation. As noted above, the charges from this investigation stem from continued investigation by Deputy Smith from recent vehicle break-ins at Bastendorff Beach. If the public has any information on further thefts from the Bastendorff area please contact Deputy Smith at mrsmith@co.coos.or.us," said the release from Sergeant A. Slater.
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Over the years, I have seen a number of local photographer Wood Sabold's unforgettable images of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort courses, as well as many scenic shots, but until I attended a reception for his show, which had recently been hung by Attorney Robin Miller in his Bandon Professional Center building, I did not know that he loved dahlias.
Having taken a few hundred dahlia photos myself, although nothing to compare with Wood's images, I was thrilled to see how he captured the beauty of my favorite flower in vivid detail.
I am not sure how long the photos will be on the walls, but I know that if you'd like to see them, you could stop by and browse the halls of the office building, where they are hanging.
Adding to the evening's enjoyment were the hors d'oeuvres catered by Coastal Mist.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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