The Pilot/Submitted photo

Members of the Kalmiopsis/Azalea PTO have hit on an exciting, new fundraiser event for both Brookings schools that is, well ... mesmerizing.

They’ve booked family-friendly comedian and hypnotist Michael C. Anthony, who will perform at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 16, and at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 17. Tickets are now on sale for the performances at the Brookings-Harbor High School gym. 

Bi-Mart President Richard Truett meets Curry County Commissioner David Itzen at Monday’s Business Outlook Conference. The Pilot/Steve Kadel

Company President Richard Truett discussed aspects of the new store – Bi-Mart’s 72nd outlet – during Monday’s Business Outlook Conference at the Tolowa Event Center in Smith River.

Cindy Crawford, right, and Deanna Marrington have taught hundreds of Brookings-Harbor students. The Pilot/Scott Graves

That was before the U.S. economy tanked. Before parents, hurting from pay cuts and layoffs, stopped enrolling their children in day care and afterschool programs – here and throughout Oregon.

Oregon and the nation are starting to see positive economic signs although progress is gradual and could be derailed by such things as a surge in oil prices.

That was the hopeful but cautious picture Portland economist John Mitchell painted Monday during his keynote address at the Business Outlook Conference at Lucky 7 Casino’s Tolowa Event Center.

GOLD BEACH – Curry County commissioners are not optimistic that timber payments will be approved even though $1 million in funds are listed in President Obama’s budget. And if the payments are approved, commissioners say that isn’t enough for Curry County to provide essential services.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., noted that funding for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act – commonly known as “county payments” – is included as “mandatory” spending in President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget released Monday. 

PORT ORFORD – Saturday’s capacity crowd at Savoy Theatre celebrated citizen efforts to preserve the ocean environment and local jobs it sustains.

Those who watched the premier showing of “Ocean Frontiers: The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship” gave filmmakers Karen and Ralf Meyer a standing ovation when the 80-minute documentary ended.

GOLD BEACH – Leroy Blodgett, developer and Brookings’ city manager from 2000 to 2005, on Friday became the fourth candidate to file for Curry County Commissioner Position 2 in the May primary election.

“There are some challenges in front of the county I thought I could contribute to and be involved with. I think my experience can help the county,” Blodgett said.

“Obviously, the county is in financial crisis right now,” he said.

A draft bicycle plan is in place that will make riding safer and more enjoyable from the Southwestern Oregon Community College campus to Oceanview Drive in Harbor, Brookings Planning Director Dianne Morris said.

It’s one of several projects that are under way or have been completed in recent years, she said Thursday during the Brookings-Harbor Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The multi-use path for bicyclists and other non-motorized users will veer away from Chetco Avenue downtown, where the bike lane ends, and onto Railroad Street with a 10-foot-wide path separated from the road.

SALEM – Lawmakers plan to introduce measures next week that could ease the fiscal plight of rural counties dependent on timber payments.

“We are 10 days in a short (legislative) session and we’re trying to find items we can take action on that can provide some or any assistance,” said co-Speaker of the House Bruce Hanna, R-Roseburg.

The first proposed bill would grant so-called timber-counties the ability to dip into road funds to help pay for highway patrols. Currently, state law requires such funds to be used only for road infrastructure. 

John Wimberly is a reluctant honoree.

He was recently named 2011 Employee of the Year for the city of Brookings, but isn’t comfortable in the limelight.