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Published By Your City Hall |
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Community Champion: Kathe McNutt Honored as Bay Area Citizen of the Year
 Last Saturday, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards banquet, with over 300 community members in attendance. The event was held at The Mill Casino and RV Resort, and provided a great opportunity for everyone to gather and celebrate 2024. Several awards were given out during the event, including Citizen of the Year which was presented to Kathe McNutt. The City Council was proud to nominate her for this award, acknowledging her decades of service to the community through her role as Mingus Park Pool Director.
For nearly 50 years, Kathe McNutt has been a dedicated leader at the Mingus Park Pool, playing a pivotal role in creating opportunities for children and families in the Bay Area. As the pool’s director and coach, Kathe’s commitment goes beyond teaching swimming; she fosters a sense of community, safety, and growth for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Under Kathe’s leadership, the pool has thrived as a hub for education and recreation. She has spearheaded programs like the beloved swim lessons for kindergarten through sixth grade, which began with a single teacher’s initiative and have now become a foundational part of Coos Bay’s school curriculum. These lessons ensure that children gain essential water safety skills—a critical need for a coastal community. Kathe has also introduced innovative offerings like free after-school swims on early-release Fridays, providing kids with a safe, engaging space to be active.
Kathe’s passion for serving youth extends to her work with the Gold Coast Swim Team and the Marshfield High School swim team, where she nurtures young athletes both in and out of the water. Many of her swimmers start with her as young children and grow into high school competitors, forming lifelong memories and skills along the way.
Her impact isn’t limited to the pool deck. Kathe has been instrumental in securing funding and partnerships to keep the pool running efficiently. Thanks to her stewardship of a generous endowment from Vera, a local supporter, the pool operates sustainably while offering scholarships to graduating seniors. These $1,000 awards honor Vera’s legacy and support the next generation’s aspirations.
Whether it’s coaching a young swimmer, advocating for the pool’s future, or mentoring high school lifeguards, Kathe McNutt embodies what it means to serve her community. The Mingus Park Pool is not just a facility; it’s a reflection of Kathe’s dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of Bay Area kids.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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City of Coos Bay Announces Changes to FY 25-26 Community Grants Program
The City of Coos Bay announces that the Community Grants program will not be available for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This decision was made in consideration of the many generous grant opportunities currently available from various organizations that support community work, as well as the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a consistent level of service to the entire community.
While the City has historically provided grant funding to support local non-profit organizations, the abundance of external funding sources available to community organizations has led to a reassessment of the City’s direct grant offerings. The City remains dedicated to fostering a strong and vibrant community and will continue to seek ways to support local initiatives within the scope of available resources.
We encourage non-profit organizations to explore alternative funding opportunities through local, regional and state grantors who provide critical financial support for community programs and initiatives.
For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 541-269-8912 or via email at csylvester@coosbayor.gov.
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Fighting Fire and Fighting Cancer
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Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, observed each January, raises awareness of the elevated risk firefighters face due to carcinogen exposure. It emphasizes prevention, early detection, and support for affected firefighters through screenings, protective gear, and decontamination. The observance highlights the role of fire departments, unions, and advocacy groups in promoting education and policies to safeguard firefighter health. |
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National Burn Awareness Week &
EPA Burn Wise Open House
 The City of Coos Bay Parks Commission Adopt-a-Park Pilot Program along with the City of Coos Bay Fire Department/EMS and the Hillah Shriners Coos County Shrine Club will host a free public open house on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Mingus Park Community Building-Historic WPA Scout Cabin from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. The location is 850 West Park Roadway in Coos Bay’s Mingus Park. This event will promote the EPA Burn Wise Program and National Burn Awareness Week.
The American Burn Association partners with communities to promote burn awareness and prevention during National Burn Awareness Week (NBAW). This year NBAW will be February 2-February 8, 2025. This year’s theme is, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work and Play-Preventing Burns in the Home." Simple, proactive changes can help prevent life-altering injuries and create safer living environments for everyone. Burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021, according to the CDC. Compared to the overall population, children under five were 2.0 times as likely to be seen for burn injuries at a hospital emergency department. Many of these injuries occur in the home and are preventable through awareness and education.
The City of Coos Bay supports the US EPA Clean Cities and Burn Wise Program and will have information available for the Burn Wise Program for safe clean firewood burning. Stop by and see an example of an easy to build firewood storage bin at the cabin and obtain the information on the exact supplies needed to build* this structure to keep your wood dry. (*Check your local building codes for any permit/approval information before building this structure)
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Learn Something New and Enjoy Family Fun at the Library
February is here and its National Library Lover’s Month so come check out some of the great programs this week at the Coos Bay Public Library.
On Monday, Community Yoga will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and is open to teens and adults. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat if you have one! Also on Monday, the Open Men’s group will be meeting from 6-8 p.m. This group is open to all adult men who are looking for a chance to hang out and make some new friends.
On Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. all ages are invited to participate in Jukebox Bingo. The theme of this game is “The Day the Music Died” so come listen to some great tunes and see if you have what it takes to get Bingo!
On Thursday afternoon from 12 -2 p.m., everyone is invited to stop into the Myrtlewood room and try some delicious tea and treats brought to you by Teas, Tinctures, and Tonics. And then from 6-7 p.m. all ages are invited to attend a celebration of Black History Month. Enjoy a delicious dessert and make art inspired by the Harlem Renaissance while listening to music from that period.
On Friday, tweens and teens aged 10-14 are invited to the Cooking Club from 1-3 p.m. All ingredients will be provided, and each session focuses on a different recipe or technique. Sign up at https://www.coosbaylibrary.org/event/tween-cooking-club-12733 to reserve your seat!
Also, on Friday from 5:30-7 p.m. join us for Family Game Night with a focus on financial literacy games. Paint a bank, play some games, and share some pizza. Games are focused on helping kids learn positive financial literacy habits.
Saturday teens and adults are invited to a class on how to use Google Drive. Do you have Gmail? If so, then you also have Google drive. Sign up now for this free class and make the most out of your Google account! Register by calling the Library at 269-1101 or online at https://www.coosbaylibrary.org/event/google-drive-class-14114
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 The City of Coos Bay is seeking volunteers to fill positions on the Parks Commission and Bicycle & Pedestrian Fact-Finding Committee. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, by calling 541-269-8912, or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/boards-commissions/committee-application. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5 p.m., January 31, 2025. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews with the City Council.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Fact-Finding Committee
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Fact- Finding Committee is charged with researching and presenting information to the Parks Commission on pedestrian and bicycle issues affecting the City of Coos Bay. This includes but is not limited to specific projects in Coos Bay, funding opportunities, and state and federal regulations. Its sole purpose is to provide information to the Commission and not to make recommendations. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Fact-Finding Committee has eight members. The Committee will be made up of two Parks Commissioners with the six remaining members being members of the community. Members shall reside or have a business within city limits for a minimum of one year. Four members will serve an initial one-year term and four will serve the standard two-year term.
Parks Commission
The Parks Commission is comprised of one City Councilor, one Planning Commissioner, and the remaining positions are filled by interested people. Membership, if possible, should include a landscape design professional, landscaping business professional, design professional, parks management professional and a bicycle or pedestrian enthusiast with subject matter expertise. Applications must be a resident of the City of Coos Bay or own property in the City. The Parks Commission meets once a month. There are four terms expiring on December 31, 2024, and one term expiring December 31, 2026.
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 Please join the Community Coalition of Empire (CCE) for their Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, February 20 beginning at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at Alternative Youth Activities (AYA) at 575 S. Main Street. Enjoy refreshments and see how CCE is planning to help the historic Empire District improve!
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Coos Bay Library Board Opening
The City of Coos Bay is seeking volunteers to fill a position on the Library Board. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, by calling 541-269-8912, or on the City’s website at coosbayor.gov/government/boards-commissions/committee-application. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5 p.m. February 21, 2025.
Library Board – The Library Board, Coos Bay Municipal Code 2.25, was established by Ordinance No. 57 and consists of seven members. The term of office is four years except when a vacancy occurs, the council shall appoint a new member for the unexpired term. Members shall be limited to serving no more than two full consecutive terms; however, any person may be reappointed after an interval of one year. There is currently one opening on the Board (term expiration date is 6/30/2026). To apply for this position, you may reside in Coos County within the boundaries of School District No. 9, but outside the city limits of Coos Bay. Two of the three allowable outside of Coos Bay city limits positions are filled.
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 8Join your friends for a feast of delicious Dungeness Crab at the 40th Annual Charleston Crab Feed on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The event will be hosted at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) on Boat Basin Road from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., 63466 Boat Basin Road, Charleston-across from the Charleston Marine Life Center in the Marina Complex.
More than 900 pounds of Fresh Dungeness Crab will be served. Dinners - whole or half crabs at market price - include side dishes and a roll. Add a dessert for the perfect Oregon Coast meal, provided for donation by the Charleston Fishing Families. Area businesses provide items for raffle drawings. For those who want to attend but don’t want to eat crab, a gourmet hot dog lunch with sides will also be available.
Tickets will also be available at the door as well!
Fresh Crab Meals, Whole or Half Crab; or choose the Hot Dog option for those who don’t like crab!!!
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 Jay Glittersby’s mansion is buzzing with jazz, cocktails, and endless celebration… until a shot shatters the revelry. A guest has been murdered. Was it revenge, jealousy, or greed? Could the culprit be a flapping dancer, a smooth-talking musician, or a watchful server? The only way to find out is to immerse yourself in the intrigue at Coos Art Museum’s thrilling 1920s Murder Mystery Night!
Date: February 15 Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Location: Coos Art Museum
Want to be part of the action? Step into character for $40 and receive your script ahead of time—your moment to shine is here! When you arrive, leave your everyday self at the door and bring your best sleuthing skills while enjoying a delicious meal.
Prefer to watch the mystery unfold? For $35, sit back and enjoy the intrigue, savor a wonderful meal from Black Market Gourmet, and help crack the case from the sidelines. While you won’t have a speaking role, you’ll still be fully immersed in the twists and turns of this thrilling whodunnit.
Dietary preferences? No worries! If you’re vegan or vegetarian, simply email development@coosartmuseum.org, and we’ll ensure a delectable alternative just for you. Click here to purchase a ticket for the event. Actor spots are limited, so don’t wait—reserve your seat today!
For questions call Sierra at (541) 267-3901 or email development@coosartmuseum.org.
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 For the ninth year, the Coos Watershed Association and Villers Family of Blue Ridge Timber Cutting will offer a scholarship to a passionate and dedicated local student pursuing a career/degree in a natural resources field. This scholarship honors Teddy Villers, son of Mark and Adela Villers, who lost his life while working on a salmon habitat restoration project with his dad in September of 2015. Teddy had a strong curiosity and deep passion for the natural world and loved working in the woods on projects that improved the watershed for both wildlife and people.
The Villers family established a scholarship in Teddy's name, which is awarded each year to a current high school senior or community college student (or recent graduate). Applicants must either currently reside, or plan to attend college/trade school, within the Coos watershed geographical area (Coos Bay/North Bend and immediate surrounding area, including Charleston and Allegany). Candidates must demonstrate passion for and commitment to pursuing post-secondary education from an accredited institution in the field of natural resources, such as environmental science, forestry, fish and wildlife, marine sciences, zoology, environmental policy, or other related fields.
The award amount this year is $3,000 and the application deadline is February 19 by 4 p.m. We will announce this year's recipient at the Coos Watershed Association’s annual meeting on March 19. For more info about this scholarship visit the Coos Watershed Association website: www.cooswatershed.org.
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 The Oregon Department of Administrative Services is excited to announce the “Oregon Small Business Summit Coos Bay" event, taking place on Wednesday, March 19, at the Southwestern Oregon Small Business Development Center. This invaluable educational event is designed to empower small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.
Registration is free, space is limited. Lunch will be provided.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a morning of business-related workshops, aimed at helping small businesses build stronger relationships with community-oriented partners. Participants will also learn about the resources and opportunities available locally through City, State, Federal and Higher Education partners. Additionally, 4 Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board (CCB) continuing education credits will be offered to those attending the event.
Join us for a productive and informative morning, where you can enhance your business skills, network with key contributors, and explore new avenues for growth and collaboration. Don't miss this chance to connect with Oregon’s Department of Administrative Services and other essential agencies.
Event Details:
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Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
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Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Location: Southwestern Oregon Community College-1988 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay. Located in the Lakeview Rooms inside Empire Hall.
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Cost: Free (Registration required)
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Includes: Refreshments, presentations, lunch, networking and workshops
For more information and to register for the event, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/das/Procurement/Pages/equity-outreach.aspx
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting the growth and success of small businesses in South Coast Oregon!
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 The Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board is excited to offer an immediate opportunity for a dedicated and motivated Utility Worker to join our team.
This essential role is an excellent first step in a career path with opportunities for growth and advancement within our organization and the water industry. As a Utility Worker, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience and learn how water distribution systems operate to serve the needs of our community.
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
- Operate and maintain water distribution facilities, including conducting repairs to valves, pumps, hydrants, main and service pipes, wells, and other associated infrastructure.
- Perform key operational tasks such as valve turning, hydrant flushing, leak detection, and the inspection, cleaning, and operation of reservoirs and pump stations.
- Install and construct water distribution facilities, including service and main lines, hydrants, valves, pump stations, and related components.
- Operate and maintain a variety of light and medium power equipment, such as compressors, tapping machines, power saws, boring machines, backhoes, cranes, and other construction tools. This includes conducting pre- and post-operation checks, maintaining fluid levels, and cleaning and replacing parts as needed.
- Repair and replace piping, pumps, and equipment associated with the utility’s water treatment facilities to ensure efficient and reliable operations.
- Carry out building and grounds maintenance tasks, including carpentry, electrical, and plumbing duties that do not require a license.
- Become an integral member of a supportive and collaborative team.
- Interact with and serve members of the community, making a direct impact on their access to reliable water service.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION - One year experience or combination of experience and education in performing public works equipment operation, laboring duties, or distribution operations and maintenance; graduation from high school or GED program.
MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES - Knowledge of equipment, materials, and methods used in the construction, maintenance and operation of public works facilities; knowledge of safety methods and measures in the assigned work field; ability to work at strenuous tasks outside in all types of weather; ability to understand and apply oral or written instructions to fairly complex equipment, materials, or construction; ability to obtain and maintain required safety certifications and Oregon commercial driver's license; ability to develop and maintain positive, cooperative, team‑oriented working relationships with supervisors and co-workers; ability to maintain a professional appearance and a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward customers and the general public; satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES - Possession of Grade I State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate within two years of appointment; must possess a valid driver’s license upon hire; obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire; obtain valid Oregon Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements within six months of appointment.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS – Possession of State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate at the time of hire; possession of Class A Commercial Driver’s License at time of hire.
A preference will be given to qualified veterans who apply for this position pursuant to ORS 408.225 to 408.237. Any veteran who has special qualifications and/or transferable skills in the management and operation of a water treatment plant should reference those skills and qualifications in their application. Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board is an EOE.
TO APPLY: Visit our website at http://cbnbh2o.com/about/jobs to download an employment application. Please e-mail application and supporting documents to stacey_parrott@cbnbh2o.com. Position is open until filled with first review of applications on February 12, 2025.
For more information contact Jason Mills at 541.297.3128, ext. 221, email Jason_mills@cbnbh2o.com or Stacey Parrott at 541.267.3128 ext. 231, email stacey_parrott@cbnbh2o.com
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 Library Assistant I - Part Time
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Library Assistant I with a preference for bilingual, English/Spanish, candidates. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the Human Resources Office in person, by mail, or email to jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov or on the City’s website: Job Openings | City of Coos Bay.
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Type: Part Time
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Salary/Pay Rate: $1714 - $2137 DOQ
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Deadline to Apply: 1/31/2025, 5 p.m.
JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs clerical and semi-professional work assisting in various phases of library activities including circulation and technical processing. Performs related work as required. Employees in this class may be assigned to more than one library service division where considerable judgment is exercised and the work only reviewed periodically.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of customer service experience preferred. Graduation from high school or the equivalent GED certificate required. Any other satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which demonstrates the ability to perform the work may be considered.
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