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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Brookings, Oregon

Council appoints Battling holiday new mayor, two other members

depression Don’t ignore the warning signs

Isaac Hodges

Phoebe Pereda

Clayton Malmberg

Selections made last week NATE SWARTZ Country Media, Inc.

found most pertinent. The questions were as follows:

New details about the Brookings City Council have emerged following special meetings last week. The council conducted the meetings to interview 13 candidates for the open city council position and mayor following the Nov. 7 recall election. City Councilmen Issac Hodges and Andy Martin were joined by new Councilwoman Kristi Fulton and City Manager Janell Howard during public meetings Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, which lasted almost four hours over the two days. The entire meeting is available in video form on the Brookings city website. After a long session of interviews, the three councilors deliberated rather quickly. Interviewees were asked the same six questions, with each councilor choosing the two they

Councilor Hodges What are three goals you’d like to achieve in the appointed term? If the city had an unexpected budget surplus of $1 million, how would you use the money? Councilor Martin There are efforts to overturn Measure 101, which decriminalizes many hard drugs and was opposed by many state law enforcement leaders, what impacts has it had on Brookings and do you support repealing it? What services, if any, should the city provide to houseless people? Councilor Fulton What do you perceive to be the most positive issue

RODNEY HARWOOD Country Media, Inc.

olidays and family gatherings have a way of increasing stress and anxiety levels this time of year and, according to experts, people tend to underestimate the impact mental health can have on an individual or family. According to the American Psychiatric Association, nearly one in three Americans can expect to be more stressed this holiday season than last year. Leading author and Penn State graduate Stan Popovich, who has dealt with fear and anxiety for more than 20 years, emphasizes not to overlook the warning signs of increased anxiety and distress this holiday season. “Everybody struggles with stress and depression throughout the year, but certain parts of the year like the holidays make people more susceptible,” said Popovich, who is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear.” “The issues are still there. But the holidays can make it worse, like dealing with the loss of a loved one or reliving situations. Mental health has been a taboo for years, where people never said anything. With social media and with mental health awareness, people are starting to open up by saying they’re having issues that need to be addressed.” His book and website focus on six reasons why people need to take mental health seriously because there are options through professional help. Before you can let it go, you have to let it out, Popovich said. “It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. In the past, people would never say anything. They would just keep it to themselves and deal with it,” he said. “With the changing culture, people are more receptive and open. “The first thing is to talk to your doctor or primary health care physician. Don’t go to your friends or Google it because they’re not professional. You go to your doctor for physical health issues. The same holds true for your mental health because it affects us all, rich or poor, educated or not. Everybody needs help every now and then.”

See COUNCIL, Page 9

See HOLIDAY, Page 5

Fast Facts Nearly one in three Americans can expect to be more stressed this holiday season than last year. Author Stan Popovich emphasizes not to overlook the warning signs of increased anxiety and distress this holiday season.

‘Pineapple express’ triggers flooding, rescues Courtesy photos from the U. S. Coast Guard Left: A Coast Guard member is lowered to the stranded motorists in the raging flood waters below. Center: The Coast Guard member was able to get to the vehicle’s top and secure the driver for a lift to the helicopter above. Right: The Coast Guard member cradles the stranded driver as both are lifted to the helicopter above.

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from the Coast Guard Air Station in Astoria assist. The aircrew arrived on scene at 11:08 a.m. and was immediately diverted to assist an individual who was reported to be trapped on a truck in flood waters. The aircrew hoisted the individual from the truck to the helicopter and returned to the flooded house. The aircrew hoisted the remaining four people and transported them to Coast Guard Air Station Astoria to awaiting emergency medical services. All individuals were reported to be in stable condition following the rescue. The Coast Guard advises the public to heed weather warnings and to check

Flooding in the Pacific Northwest can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Last week’s flooding challenged drivers and property owners all along the Oregon Coast and inland. In Washington State, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue at Rosburg, Dec. 5, illustrated the extreme danger flooding can bring. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Astoria received a request at 10:20 a.m. by the Cathlament Fire Department requesting helicopter support with a rescue of four individuals who were reported to be trapped in their home with four feet of water surrounding it.

INDEX

https://www.weather.gov/ for flood warnings. In the event of an emergency call 911. The Coast Guard rescue was just one of the efforts conducted by Pacific Northwest first responders during the rain event. Law enforcement agencies warned drivers to avoid the high water along area roads and streets. Pineapple express The Pineapple Express, also known as an atmospheric river, brought significant accumulations of rain to the region last week. Flooding advisories, watches and warnings were posted all along the Oregon Coast. The National Weather Service reports rainfall totals from 2 to 6 inches

along the southwest Oregon and northwest California coasts from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7. Atmospheric rivers are relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “While atmospheric rivers can vary greatly in size and strength, the average atmospheric river carries an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River,” the NOAA website reads. “Exceptionally strong atmospheric rivers can transport up to 15 times that amount. When the atmospheric rivers make

landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow.” The largest amounts of water vapor and the strongest winds from the atmospheric rivers can create extreme rainfall and floods, often by stalling over watersheds vulnerable to flooding. These events can disrupt travel, induce mudslides and cause catastrophic damage to life and property. The National Weather Service and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) issued travel warnings during the latest rain events. Following such weather events, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) issues alerts about the landslide and mudslide dangers.

“Not all atmospheric rivers cause damage; most are weak systems that often provide beneficial rain or snow that is crucial to the water supply,” the NOAA website states. “Atmospheric rivers are a key feature in the global water cycle and are closely tied to both water supply and flood risks — particularly in the western United States. While atmospheric rivers are responsible for great quantities of rain that can produce flooding, they also contribute to beneficial increases in snowpack.” Read more about the landslide dangers following heavy rain events and follow weather developments at currypilot. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Pilot.

Phone Number: 541-813-1717 • Address: 519 Chetco Ave, Ste 7, Brookings, 97415 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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