Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878 Lighting the night Shooting at John Topits High schools turn on stadium lights, B1 Read about incident, A2 MOSTLY SUNNY 64 • 43 FORECAST, A8 | THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020 | theworldlink.com | $2 Shutter Creek: No more cases ZACH SILVA and was the first, and so far only, On Tuesday, the Department no (adults in custody), and the email. The World reported case in Coos County. of Corrections stated that inmates only (adults in custody) being This medical observation Brian Leon, an epidemiologist from other facilities will no lon- transported from the institution includes regularly taking the HAUSER — The second with Coos Health and Wellness, ger be transferring in to Shutter are positive for COVID-19 or temperatures of those in custo- adult in custody to be tested for said that he was aware of a few Creek. It is unclear when that releasing. All other (adults in dy plus checking for any other the novel coronavirus at Shutter other tests being conducted, ruling went into effect. Multiple custody) housed at SCCI are un- symptoms. Creek Correctional Institution including at least one from an adults in custody reported that der medical observation for the “Fever, shortness of breath and received a negative test result, employee at the facility. new transfers were coming into 14 days following the positive cough — the big three — those Coos Health and Wellness stated “There could certainly be the facility as recently as last COVID-19 test result at SCCI,” are ones that are presenting in on Wednesday. more results by the end of the week. said Jennifer Black, the commu- well over half the cases. And Last Thursday an inmate week (from) individuals connect- “Shutter Creek Correctional nications manager for the Oregon tested positive for COVID-19 ed to Shutter Creek,” said Leon. Institution is currently receiving Department of Corrections, in an Please see Virus, Page A8 Another 5.2 million file for benefits WASHINGTON (AP) — The wave of layoffs that has engulfed the U.S. economy since the coro- navirus struck forced 5.2 million more people to seek unemploy- ment benefits last week, the government reported Thursday. Roughly 22 million have sought jobless benefits in the past month — easily the worst stretch of U.S. job losses on re- cord. All told, roughly nearly 12 million people are now receiving unemployment checks, roughly matching the peak reached in January 2010, shortly after the Great Recession officially ended. All businesses deemed non- essential have been closed in nearly every state as the econ- Amanda Linares photos, The World omy has virtually shut down. Sawdust Theatre board members stand inside the empty performing arts theatre which like many other entertainment facilities was force to temporarily close its doors last Deep job losses have been month. inflicted across nearly every in- dustry. Some economists say the Please see Aid, Page A8 Sawdusters postpones season NB approves AMANDA LINARES soula Children’s Theatre show, The World will also need to be canceled or postponed, added Thurman. tree removal COQUILLE — A longtime With financial impacts ahead, tradition and community fa- Thurman also said that the board vorite, the Sawdust Theatre has is currently looking into possi- proposal provided enthusiasts with fun, ble grant opportunities to keep interactive, wholesome entertain- its doors open in the future as ADAM ROBERTSON ment for over 50 seasons. this year’s play cancelation will The World With high-energy Olio result in loss of revenue. dancers, live music and actors In the meantime, he said he’s NORTH BEND — During a shuffling in and out of scenes, still working every day to keep remote meeting streamed to You- the Sawdust Theatre has been a the facility and theater ready for Tube, the North Bend City Coun- place to have fun, to laugh and to when things kick back up again. cil voted to approve a contract enjoy one another’s company. The board is also working on for the removal and maintenance Like many other theaters, ways it can stay connected with of trees in Simpson Park during businesses and organizations community members and loyal Tuesday’s city council meeting. in Coos County, the theater on patrons online. There were four bids present- Wednesday was empty and quiet Micheal Thurman shows off some of the Sawdust Theatre’s historical memorabilia Backstage director, board ed to the city. The parks board as it was forced last month to Wednesday morning. member and actor Kim Lavey recommended Blue Sky Services cancel and postpone its 2020 sea- said she’s been working on ideas and Preservation with a bid for son in response to COVID-19. to possibly produce some sort of play was well on its way. A couple of school produc- $14,960. The bid will include the In order to remain compliant skit later this summer. Since January, volunteers have tions from Coquille High School removal of the trees and cleaning with the state’s new mandates “We could probably do a little planned, designed, rehearsed and and Myrtle Point High School up all the limbs after. The coun- related to stopping and slowing something to boost people up at worked on various aspects of were also canceled this May to cil’s vote was unanimous. down the spread of the novel a way reduced price if not just this year’s play, which was set to keep community members at City Administrator Terence coronavirus, the theatre sent on a donation basis,” said Lavey. kick off on June 6, according to home and safe, said Thurman. O’Connor presented some of the home the hundreds of volunteers “We want to do our part to cheer Thurman. “I just think it’s important that history of the proposal. The plan it relies on each year to help put people up and we can have some Unable to continue meeting we all do what we can,” said is to remove 19 trees and trim 23 on its yearly melodrama. fun too.” with social distancing guidelines Thurman. “We will be back.” others as a means of managing Michael Thurman, the According to Lavey, this and gatherings being restricted, The theater is closely monitor- the park and improving safety building manager at the Saw- year’s play featured about 20 Thurman said the show, titled ing the COVID-19 virus and will for those using the park and its dust Theatre, said it was tough volunteer actors and about 25 “The Lost Mine on Budd Creek assess in the next coming months facilities. decision that the organization’s Olio dancers. The cast, as well or Mirror, Mirror on the Wall,” is if other productions scheduled None of the trees to be re- board members had to make as as the hundreds of folks who now being put on hold until next for later this year, such as its an- moved are old growth trees, or the production for this year’s year. nual Christmas play and the Mis- Please see Theatre, Page A8 Please see Trees, Page A8 Photo gallery: Bandon’s Gorse Blossom Festival SOUTH COAST A2 COMICS A6 OPINION A4 WEATHER A8 AT THEWORLDLINK.COM OBITUARIES A5 SPORTS B1 D • Serving Oregon’s South Coast since 1878 • A Country Media Newspaper • Copyright 2015 Follow us online: facebook.com/theworldnewspaper twitter.com/TheWorldLink instagram.com/theworldlink April Special of the Month Dynaflex 230 10.1 oz. Elastomeric Your Choice Sealant 771501 775085 Dynagrip 10.3 oz. $ Coos Bay Coquille All Purpose (541)267-2137 (541)396-3161 Adhesive FOR 2 4 Sale ends 03/31/2020. While supplies last. A2 | THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020 THE WORLD Social distancing continues ZACH SILVA coronavirus still need to be to essential trips.” your residence,” the re- Wellness, stressed the im- ed reminders to avoid thing The World followed. The initial guidelines lease stated before includ- portance of being careful. such as travel, group sports, “Your efforts in physical from the state for outdoor ing more possible options. “I think we all just rec- social gatherings and hik- SOUTH COAST — distancing and following exercise are still in place. “Have an outdoor picnic ognize that as individuals ing on crowded trails. As the weather begins to the recommendation to These guidelines have at your residence with have been cooped up for “Staying close to home change, rules around social ‘Stay Home. Save Lives.’ encouraged Oregonians to the people you live with. a while and the sun starts on a beautiful Oregon day distancing remain the same. are working to flatten the practice physical distancing Have a virtual picnic with coming out and they’re is difficult. We appreciate Coos Health and curve and slow the spread while doing things such as friends. Get things done at like oh gosh, I’ve got to everyone’s commitment to Wellness issued a press of COVID-19. We must running, biking or walking. home such as gardening get out there and have a staying home and saving release earlier this week continue life-saving physi- Coos Health and Well- or washing your car. Open little bit of fun, stretch the lives. As we continue reminding individuals that cal distancing even in nice ness has continued to urge doors and windows to get legs,” he said. “We still through this uncertain time, as days with blue skies weather,” the release stat- more of the same. fresh air while remaining want them to be careful in we ask that we continue to and warm weather become ed. “Although the weather “If you’re able to main- inside.” terms of social distancing be kind to one another, give more common, precau- is nice we still need you to tain physical distancing, Brian Leon, an epidemi- and things like that.” each other grace and show tions around the novel stay home and limit travel enjoy the outdoor areas of ologist at Coos Health and The briefing also includ- gratitude,” the release read.