Vote for Hillary all, and maybe we can afford, and have health care. And folks like this at the INn wont be forced to close there doors

I am sad to see the Timer Inn close, it was a big part of many in the areas lives. I grew up in that resturant and have many fond memories. I ate breakfast there every morning before kindergarten, they made my school lunches, ate dinner there most nights, and lunch every day when I got older. My wedding reception was there, all 3 kids were brought there for their first outing from the hospital, I had conferences there and it was the last place we went before we left Coos Bay. Over the 40 years that I lived in Coos Bay I met many wonderful people through those doors. It wasn't just a resturant, it was a gathering place for friends to meet.

I am sure the economy has a lot to do with it because it takes more than just tourist dollars to run on. The tourist industry is a viable industry but it doesn't pay family wage jobs nor can it be the only thing a town can count on to keep it afloat.

There seems to be some very passionate, intellegent but frustrated people on this blog. If you don't like how things are ran do something about it. Get involved in the community to make changes. Get involved in your local government and become part of the solution. You are very forturnate to still be able to live in that wonderful town...don't take things for granted...make things happen

Having been born at McAuely Hospital in Coos Bay Oregon over 51 years ago, and growing up in Coos Bay it is sad to see this Fine Old Hotel shut its doors.
Many things have changed since I grew up there. We had a Strong Economy as our parents had JOBS, something that was stolen away from them in the 1978-1980 era,. and from us.
I moved to find work, then again when I found work over in Klamath Falls in a Strong Economy the same thing happened it collapsed and again I have seen people & business suffer. Because of one group of people that want to restore everything to its past.
We now buy 80 pecent of our Lumber from Canada WHY ? Ask that one group of people that are restoring Coos Bay and Klamath Falls to its PAST; restoring it to a waste land.
No Industry, No Farming, No Ranching: Equals higher Welfare, more Alcohol use, more drug use, more Crime. Coos Bay will go backwards until this group of people are told to get out and let us live and use our lands where we LIVE for Industries, Farming and Ranching that produce a product.

Until these Towns and others around them can get WORK they will continute to decay, which Coastal Oregon and ever town and Community East of the Cascade Moutains is doing, decaying from this RESTORATION.
Our Fore fathers came to this Country as it provided them with jobs to support their families. We do not allow Factories,. we stop Ranchers and Farmers that provide jobs. More Restoration of the PAST into this State so we will continue to suffer.

What is wrong with these people? No hope for gain, no risk, no proactive mindset, no positive outlook, no forgiveness, no team mentality, no need for change. Just a lot of people who are too confortable with the status quo.
You can't win with that mentality. Change the mentality/mind set, change the city.

Why do i see numerous complaints about the addiction and waste of gambling but nothing about the amount of cash drained away from the community with alcohol, drugs and cigarettes? are those addictions any healthier? People in the area just like any area, choose where there money is spent. I know several people that drive to Home Depot in other cities. I also know people who make minimum wage, at least at Home Depot there is a chance for a few to make a bit of a better wage. The economy is slowing down, and if there is anything that might being people into North Bend I would think it would be embraced.

Sorry about the health of The Timber Inn owner. Medical bills add up and running a business with employees takes a lot out of you. I don't understand how you people are trying to blame it on The Mill Casino- our community has been slumping for at least 20 years- This community needs higher paying jobs like industrial jobs. Our future is in the younger generation. We need to attract the younger generation along with all the retirees.

I'm so sad to hear about the Timber Inn. I lived in Charleston for28 years, moving to Portland 27 years ago. As a young girl it was always fun to go to the Timber Inn for lunch. I haven't eaten there in 20 some years.
It seems like everytime you turn around, a few more businesses are going under. My dad was a fisherman, and thank god he fished when you could still make a living at it.

oh, get real eagles purchase.
People who shove cash into slot machines are just TOO easily entertained. NOT MENSA MATERIAL. we need something other than this vampire in our neighborhoods, something that will keep the money HERE!!!!

RE:NB NATIVE. NB NATIVE IS CERTAINLY AGAINST ANYTHING NEW IN THE AREA. SEEMS ANYTHING THAT HAS GONE WRONG IN NORTH BEND CAN ONLY BE BLAMED ON THE MILL CASINO.WITH THE ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE SNOW AND ICE THE OTHER DAY THES SURELY MUST HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE MILL CASINO OWNERS DOING SOME TYPE OF TRIBAL "SNOW DANCE". LET'S FACE IT! THE NB NATIVES FEAR PROGRESS. THEY FEAR IT BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT CONTROL.THEY CAN'T SEE THAT BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND MOTHER EARTH CAN COEXIST.YES WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THE PAST, BUT JUST AS IMPORTANT, WE MUST DREAM AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE.

nothing in this town last long anymore, this is such a bad area to live in, no jobs and lots of old people. If I was young I would want to get out of here fast after High School.

Sure the Timber Inn closed and a lot of other places are closing too. Because everyone is going to the Mill to eat, to lose money, to stay all night in their ever expanding Motel, to stay in the RV Park, and now the Home Depot, taking business away from local hardware stores. Every since the MILL opened up, the whole town is losing money right and left, and they are getting all the MONEY and I wonder where that money they are bring in, is going anyway, HUM ?????????????

Casino supporters are funny. I guess that's what the young generation has to look forward to if they want to stay here... a casino job for a company that has shown some racist tendencies in promotion practices, where you're off to make a small wage off of the addictions of others. I mean, WalMart is as valuable a member of this community as the casino. I really can't help but wonder what kind of strings they are pulling in local government... because it seems that the community is becoming worse off everywhere else. Though things were going downhill before with constant cut-backs in logging, fishing, and shipping industries, since the opening of the Mill, family-wage jobs just haven't developed anywhere around Coos Bay.

But the local cities sure have spent a lot of money trying to make everything look "nice"... as your average family struggles to afford rent in a depressed economy. Makes me wonder who really matters here, the people who work to make this area run... or the people who spend money at the casino (including the retirees who have moved here, or will move here, and make housing prices completely unaffordable). It seems that's where the local politicians have made their bed.

Meghan, you hit the nail on the head. The bay area residents are very unforgiving/set in their ways. It's frustrating and sad whenever a local business closes. The fact is that it costs a fortune to run a small business such as the Timber Inn. Minimum wage and gas prices and taxes make it near impossible to make money. Not to mention the inability to get good help when you as a business owner can't afford to offer benefits to your employees. Times have changed and times are very tough. Especially in the restaurant business. Good luck and good health to the Frare's.

I find it really sad that people feel the need to berate each others opinion just because they feel that they know what is right and wrong in a situation. Just because you are a business owner that has been successful or not, does that mean you know the exact circumstances of a situation? I doubt it. You may have been in a similar place, but take any pair of well worn shoes and they aren't going to fit another person. We all have to do things in life that we may or may not like, but it's too bad that a small community can't even stand by their local businesses with empathy and understanding.

Read the stroy...
Why do you care what others are saying since you didn't contibute to this topic either? Conversations in general tend to wander from one subject to another in relation to one topic.

I think that it is really sad to see how many people from our area apparently cannot read or stay on topic. The story is about the closure of a local business for those of you arguing about the casino, timber or republicans. If all of you have so many opinions about the many issues of the community then maybe you should direct them at the correct story so you can argue with the actual opponent of your topic.

Tina, where do you think the people who build with wood are going to get their materials? Just because this area is shut down doesn't mean logging is. The cutting goes on but it is done just like any good farming operation. Shutting the mills here doesn't save one tree. It just lets the money go to other areas. Like Canada.

i am glad to see the mills shut down, atleast some of the forest harvesting is slowed down, there is a way called select logging, but they insist on clear-cut. it's wrong. i would much rather see a casino, than a mill anyday. Times are changing and small town ma and pop stores are over. Many people are going to shop where they can get it cheap, and grama's prices are to high.

Giggling ..."WE" didn't shut the mills down. Why blame it on the casino....be grateful for what they HAVE brought. If you don't think they have generated jobs within the community, not just the casino, then you are wrong. Thank the tree huggers and environmentalists for the demise of timber jobs. The closing of the Timber Inn is probably not related to poor business. Good luck to Mr. and Mrs. Frare with the health issue.

A "Meth-Vending Machine"? Where did that come from?? We should just admit,,we screwed our community by shutting down the mills and "letting" the Casino open up. What happened to all the money that was supposed to increase our tourism that was supposed to come from the casino? Maybe we should take a step back and see why our money, our jobs, and our local businesses are going down the toilet and regain control of our area. "Riggs" stated not to worry, one of the local indian tribes has their eye on it,,,I'm sure they do,

Similar,

I wish it was just from the left. It happens anytime an official is mentioned or when it concerns local politics that they don't agree with. Censorship is not what a good newspaper is all about. Need I say more?

to gene: i also wish that when they do publish some of these comments in the actual paper, they include comments from BOTH sides of the issues. I have noticed their reluctance to print opinions from the left...

It is real interesting to come into these articles and read the comments. I wish the World would include a forum for local subjects, without the censorship in these, so everyone could express their concerns about the area.

of course there is no "SURE THING" just like you may not live to see tomorro. But the real point is, is that it dosn't matter where i spend my money, it's mine, if i lose it, owell. And if you want to flush your money down the toliet, then go ahead, that is your choice.

as a matter of fact I can afford to gamble, which is why I don't. It is called "gambling" not "sure thinging"...
If i decide to flush my money down the toilet, I will do it at home.

Good people, good business sense, sorry for a lose of a dream/ There are other dreams out there.

Just keep healthy and go on. Come back to Washington if you want, Washington needs you both. You were always a great asset to Washington and will be an asset anywhere. This is just a wrinkle.

Wow, it went from the Timber Inn closing to gambling vs meth. Your posts speaks great volume about your intelligence.
Regardless, Timber Inn is closed..over and done. But it will be missed and as for the employees, good luck out there! As for the owners? Good luck and get better. Enjoy the years you still have.
We still love you!!!

i can also afford to spend money at the casino, i go there all the time, it sounds like the guy putting "sh" in front of everything cant afford it. there are many of us that don't care if we lose money at the casinos, i guess because we can afford to lose the money, money is no big deal. You think the casino is the only place where tweekers are, go to walmart, or better than that charelston. that town is built on tweekers.

sure you can "affored" to spend money at the casino (can you afford a DICTIONARY?)...so then lets put in a meth vending machine too, because I am sure there are plenty of folks who could use it responsibly...

i can affored to go to the casino, everyday if i want. that is the way i choose to spend my money, just the same as some of you who like to go out to dinner, or a movie. we can all make our own choices for what we do for recreation. if you can blame the casino, then i guess you should blame the grocery store for selling beer and wine for all the drunkers. Its easy to push the blame off on places, but the real problems is the people.

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE TIMBER CLOSING , I HAVE SPENT MANY WEEKEND EVENINGS HAVING DRINKS WITH MY FRIENDS THERE, THANK'S TO ALL OF THOSE THAT PROTEST NEW BUISNESS COMING INTO OUR AREA I'M SURE THAT THERE WILL BE MORE BUISNESSES CLOSING THIER DOORS AS OUR CHILDREN HAVE TO LEAVE THE AREA TO MAKE A LIVING (LNG) AND THE LIKES WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE OUR ECONOMY, ALL OF YOU POLLITICIANS AND YOUR OLD CRONNIES NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE WELFARE OF OUR LOCALS.

I am as opposed to the lottery as I am to the casino. Using your logic, might there not be plenty of "recreational " users of meth? then why not supply everyone with everything they need legally?

It seems some people can't understand that others of us who gamble, may do it for recreation. Hey,maybe we don't smoke or drink or take drugs, maybe we even have worked all our lives and enjoy the freedom to choose what we do with our money and our time. Maybe we don't watch TV all day and beleive everything we hear on it. Maybe we don't read the gossip papers to see what Brittany is doing today. I can also remember when the T.I. was going great and it pretty much seemed to enjoy the benefits of gaming long before the Mill arrived.
And then I also wonder if Mill Shmill knows which came first Oregon State Lottery, Megabucks or local tribal gaming?

as for the MILL and all it has "brought" to this community, we might as well put in a meth vending machine. Gambling is just as much an addiction as illegal drugs are, only gambling is sanctioned in the name of the Tribes...how proud the native americans must feel, building their empire on the addictions of so many who uncontrollably squander the rent, food, and health care money...way to promote the scenic beauty of our coast and community to the tourists...take a bow.

Hey RIGGS, as PART of 'one of the local indian tribes', I am upset with you. It sounds as if it is a bad thing... Look at what the Mill has done-hundreds of people have jobs b/c of it who wouldn't have much of a chance getting a job elsewhere without having a degree. CEDCO (Also here b/c of our local tribe) is putting a Home Depot in, where more people will find needed jobs. The local tribe here also provides medical and dental to those working in tribal businesses, has a Head Start and after school program, AND gives grants to programs around the county who need the money. Don't bad mouth what we have done.

Hey people you should get off this site, the Timber Inn 's closed. I highly doubt its going to open again.
Coos Bay Kid, I agree with all that you say. Caps is amazing!

~Thatcoosbaygirlwithsunglasses

I find this to be a very interesting topic. I don't believe that you should be blaming the owners of the Timber Inn for bad management. Nor should you be blaming the employees for stealing them blind.

Leave them alone ... they moved to Coos Bay with a dream and unfortunately that dream did not work out for them. My heart goes out to them at this time.

I would like to invite anyone sitting out there with a negative attitude to attend one of the several tourism related meetings in this area. This may possibly help to change your negative attitide into a positive attitude. And see what you can do to help bring more tourists to our area. The Coos Bay visitor center could surely use volunteers during the summer months when it is the busiest time of the season as well.

It is very sad that a hotel closed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the owners and the former employees of that establishment.

"Tourism is not down, its actually up. If you go to TravelOregon.com and go to the Travel Industry section you can view the statistics. This county has enjoyed increases in visitor spending and also big increases in tourism related employment"

Nope, you're partially right and partially wrong. Tourism for the COUNTY, yeah thats slightly up but in areas of gasoline and diesel receipts and hotel tax in places like Bandon. How much is the state reaping in ORV stickers? You gotta look at the numbers alittle more closely. Given a choice, were I coming to the Bay Area from outside the area, I would travel in my motorhome, fuel up where it's cheapest, buy all my groceries/supplies at a Costco, then spend my overnight money staying in a campground or out at Horsefalls...Guess who gets the bulk of THAT money? It ain't Coos County!
Sadly, this place is a sign of the times and possibly poor management. I don't know the Frare's but I've known the Joelson's personally for a number of years and they ran a pretty tight ship down there.

moonpenny, moonbeam, or mooner. what kind of a name is moonpenny? it would be interesting to know the origin. if you can't find it in your heart to read my posts then you will surely miss the greatest advice a person could give. you don't know what you are missing. you must speak of experience when it comes to "getting robbed on the final day." interestingly enough, you bring up a good point regarding the employees stealing. i'm a success if you have read up to this point of my essay. have a great day at the penny slots. or maybe get a job and start playing for the big bucks.

I too spent many Sunday's after church having my favorite grilled cheese and french fries at the Timber Inn. The restraurant was one of my families favorite from 1976-1995. I brought my NOW family back to North Bend for a visit and took them to the Timber Inn for the best grilled cheese ever in 1995. It was still great. Although, I now live in Portland and read "The World" daily, it saddens me the restraunt is closing.

First I have to say I'm very sorry to see the Timber Inn close, the few times I have met the owners they seemed like wonderful people.

I have to disagree with the coos bay kid. Tourism is not down, its actually up. If you go to TravelOregon.com and go to the Travel Industry section you can view the statistics. This county has enjoyed increases in visitor spending and also big increases in tourism related employment, more so than the state averages.

This is a fantastic place to live and I'm glad to see more tourists visiting our beautiful area.

Coos Bay Kid, I wont even bother to read your post. The caps are an indication that you have nothing valid to say.
Patricia, there are no lines at the employment office. You can pretty much hear a pin drop. The mill casino beats sitting at home and watching The Price is Right. Even if your just on the penny machine.
The owners of the Timber Inn did what was their right to do, close their business. Informing employees of a business closing means you will be robbed blind before the final day.

Sorry to hear about the medical condition of the owners of Timber Inn.

Business is very competitive, especially in a small coastal town...I applaude all people willing to take a risk in these difficult financial times. The Timber Inn and its employees are our neighbors, friends and family...we all have a stake in this area.

IM TYPING IN CAPS DUE TO MY CRAPS TABLE LOSSES!


This a great place to live people - never forget it.

Sorry to see the "T.I" as we call it close.
My friends and I spent many a Thursday night after rehearsal enjoying each others company and the food. Our usual waitress was always friendly and accomodating, many times staying past her shift to make sure we were taken care of. The "T.I." will be missed, no matter the reason of it's closure. I hope our 'usual' waitress gets a job soon - we'll find her and start going there.

Its sad that the Timber Inn is closing and that motel is great. Great food, great people, and great place. From 1981 to 2008 is long long time. All i have to say is Farewell Timber Inn. What will happen to the timber inn the people of coos bay/north bend will never know. R.I.P. =(

I remember the Timber Inn, when it was really good. I had a couple of very close relatives work there for years.

Management...that is what it all boils down to.

I have watched this place go down and down. It used to be top notched service and excellent food. Then it just got to be hit and miss, and finally we stopped going in.

You need to have wait staff that are well groomed, and look like they know what they are doing, and food that comes out of the kitchen really looking good, and tasting better! This sadly hasn't happened here in years.

The unemployment lines and the slot machines seats are the only things filing up in this town. This is no longer a sign of the times but it is the gift from our current leadership, both local and federal.

ok, Ernie, you busted us. We had a a Civil Union last month and things were getting quite rocky.! I think we can work things out, however, as long as we seek the common good.

Okay...first I have to say that all of the arguing that doesn't really pertain to the story at hand is pretty pointless. That said, I'm going to have to agree with JUST AN OBSERVER on most of his statements that DO pertain to the story...and NO, I'm not a negative person. I'm someone who has frequented the Timber Inn for a few years and have had a few close friends who were employed there at different times...so based on what I've experienced and heard, many of their practices weren't what I'd consider "good business". Before you criticize, I AM a businessman myself, so I know what qualifies as "good business practices" and what doesn't. Also, I must defend JUST AN OBSERVER against the assumptions that he spends all of his time at his computer. He MAY, for all I know...but I take part in these discussions a lot and I DON'T spend much time at my computer at all. A couple hours a day, maybe...simply because I'm starting a business and there's a lot of online research to be done. Anyway...I don't want to ramble forever. I just wanted to give my 2 cents on the matter.

Does anyone else remember the rainbow promises for economic benefit to the Coos Bay area made by CEDCO if we welcomed in their casino years ago? Motels and restaurants certainly were supposed to be among those enjoying the good times. Just a little something to keep in mind when listening to the boosters of different sorts of projects that promise jobs and boom times for us here ......... like maybe the LNG, Methane, and Chromium hucksters?

Just one question for "Just An Observer" and "Grant Freeman": Are you two married by any chance?

JUST AN OBSERVER....IT'S PRETTY SAD THAT YOU JUDGE ME FOR USING CAPS. I CHOOSE CAPS BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT. IF I WANTED TO EMPHASIZE SOMETHING THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO DO THAT. THE JOELSON'S SAW THE WRITING ON THE WALL AND GOT OUT WHILE THEY COULD. TOURISM NUMBERS HAVE DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. FOR EXAMPLE, LOOK AT THE TOURISM NUMBERS AT THE VISITOR'S INFORMATION CENTER. THE JOELSON'S WERE NOT RELYING ON THIS BUSINESS TO PROVIDE THEIR ONLY INCOME. I AGREE THAT IT IS SAD REGARDING THE 30 OR SO EMPLOYEES BEING JOBLESS. BUT IF THEY'RE FROM THE BAY AREA THEN THEY SHOULD OF BEEN PREPARED. MY BUSINESS PRACTICES GOT ME A PRETTY GOOD SAVINGS ACCOUNT. I HAVE NO REGRETS. I GOT OUT WHEN I SHOULD HAVE JUST LIKE THE JOELSON'S DID. I ALSO TYPE 90 WORDS PER MINUTE AT WORK. SO I'LL KEEP USING CAPS JUST TO ANNOY YOU. ha ha. I APOLOGIZE IF I ASSUMED YOU DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS. HAVE A GOOD DAY HAVE A GOOD DAY.

OH,my. Ow, Ow. such pain metted from the keyboard of the Observer. Actually, I can sing quite well, thank you. And pigs are very noble creatures....and speaking of pigs, I am certain you are very well loved by your family and friends...
thank you for the whisker tweeking also, I quite enjoy it.

So you don't like Republicans? Bad vibes dude, bad vibes...LOL! Actually I have little use for them myself.


It was a waste of time to try to educate you on a netiquette point. I should have remembered the old adage of it is a waste of time to teach a pig to sing and it only annoys the pig. I'll leave you to your own devices on those kind of things Mr. Freeman.


As for me being miserable, that is your (inaccurate) assessment Mr. Freeman. My family and friends love me! I garner good recognition in other forums for my high grade of writing and participation. However when I run across people like you, it is just too much fun to let you go without a tweak or three of the whiskers!

My only point was that you are spending negative energy kicking someone while they are down. I am aware of all the issues you wasted your time pointing out, I feel bad for the employees who lost their jobs with no warning, and incidently the owners are Republicans, so I am sure I would not share THEIR ideologies any more than I'd like to be in a room with you. (and fortunately you are glued to these comment sites, and not spreading your darkness on the real world). you are more than welcome to be as miserable as you want. just as long as you stay glued to your compuuter monitor.

Grant Freeman: The time on MY hands is MINE. I spend it as I please just as I do with my dollars. If you lack knowledge regarding netiquette, then take advantage of the time I spent in explaining a point rather than knocking it and showing how little you know.

Health expenses can be onerous. However the cost of the Timber Inn would have been a multi-million dollar deal, not some sort of $500 down and $500 a month deal. First there is the location, straddling both sides of the couplet. Ever hear of the real estate's most important three words Mr. Freeman? Location, location, location! Second, the structures were already in place and they have a value to go with the property value. Motels with restaurants and lounges are not el cheapo to buy. You won't find any on eBay for 99 cents plus a small shipping charge! Finally, there was the "blue sky" that goes with having a functioning viable business, especially when one has the liquor business, a vary high margin affair to say the least, to offer for sale.


In other words, these were not poor destitute people who bought the Timber Inn. They had wealth to begin with of some sort. When one has wealth to protect, one uses insurance to portect it. These people could have afforded a variety of health plans including catastrophic coverage in order to make sure that a health cost or the death of a key person did not kill the business, with the result of not properly insuring being a revenue stream dries up as well as the end of the jobs for 30+ people.


If you are a leader who has that many people and obligations to deal with, you have a plan for the worst possible circumstances other than closing the doors if you are on the ball and up to snuff in regards to being a responsible leader.


New Year's Eve is a Big Profit night for the restaurant/bar/motel business. Believe me, these people did not spend their last dime and likely did not even have the tills all counted before the decision was made to hit the employees with the bad news.


Wise up Mr. Freeman. The "sympathy card" being played of "sick and broke" is a good spin on trying to deflect attention from what REALLY happened, which is the end of a lot of peoples' livelihoods. How would you like it if you, a family member or close friend got torpedoed right out of the blue and lost their job due to someone being unable to keep their multi-million dollar business afloat? This was not some sort of mom-n-pop operation, it was Big Time and apparently it was poorly run based on what happened as well as what has been reported. Study the actions, not the words (spin) and look at past performances by the Timber Inn under previous management as well as other places to see there is plenty of room in this area to make a profit providing drink to those wishing intoxicants, gaming tables to those wishing to gamble away their money, food for the hungry traveller and local alike as well as shelter. The Mill Casino could hardly handle every single tourist in this area after all...LOL!

It is sad that JUST AN OBSERVER has nothing better to do than to add insult to injury. Kick 'em when they're down, eh? I suspect that the health problems probably contributed to the difficulty in keeping the business afloat. You have no way of knowing what kind of expenses may have been incurred. I also suspect that competition from, say, the Mill Casino (which I will never set foot in) may have contributed to the loss of tourism money, as well as WHO KNOWS WHAT else can go wrong while running a business...the list is endless. I agree wholeheartedly with "JUST ME"; you have entirely too much time on your hands. I bet you are a miserable person to be around. Your negativity is appalling. your "netiquette" (ew, did you use that word to be fashionable or to prove how clever you are?) is indicative of what is wrong with this world...and then you waste your time criticizing the use of all caps...what are you? the NETIQUETTE POLICE????? grow up.

COOS BAY KID: I do know what it takes to run a business in the Bay Area. I also know how to do it successfully in the face of a recession. I will NOT refrain from criticism because you asked me to. This story begs for it! After all, around 30 employees got the shock and awe treatment to start the year from being pink-slipped while winter travellers with reservations were left high and dry. Seasonal ups and downs are part and parcel of this town's economy and it has been that way for 100+ years. The Joelsons knew how to deal with that. So have plenty of others.


So when you say "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS LIKE TRYING TO RUN A BUSINESS IN THE BAY AREA," you state something that is not true and by using ALL CAPS in your post, you show a problem with net literacy on your end. The use of capital letters is meant to draw EMPHASIS or to SHOUT. If your business practices were on the level of your netiquette, then you likely failed your test as a businessperson.

Well the last 2 times we were in there the waitresses were old and cranking. They acted like they didn't want anybody there. Your help can hurt you.

I sm sad to hear about the Timber Inn. I just hope all those employees will be able to find new jobs.

Sorry to hear about another business going under, seems to be a trend working here.

I'm so sad the Timber Inn is closed. Now there's really going to be nothing to do around here.

Why be so insensitive to these people, especially now when he's in the hospital. Maybe they went broke because for once the Timber Inn paid above the table.

I am sorry for the owners. Having to quit because you spent your last available dollar is a hard thing to do. But, it happens every day to many business owners. The strong just find a way to start again. The rest have to find a way to just keep going. These times are not the times to own something that is tourist dependent. The drinking laws and the high cost of travel killed the Timber Inn, not the Frares. Those who are quick to judge are often given the opportunity to walk in those shoes themselves at some time in their life. Be careful how fast you judge, lest you be judged.

TOURISM IS VERY SEASONAL. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PAY A YEARS WORTH OF BILLS ON THREE MONTHS WORTH OF BUSINESS (TOURISM). TOURISM ISN'T THAT GREAT. LOOK AT PONY VILLAGE FOR EXAMPLE. OK DURING CHRISTMAS BUT NOTHING THE REST OF THE YEAR. THOSE ARE FACTS. BRED FROM EXPERIENCE. REALITY.

I GREW UP IN COOS BAY AND ATE MANY TIMES AT THE TIMBER INN. IT WILL BE MISSED. BELIEVE ME, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO RUN A BUSINESS WHEN IT IS YOUR ONLY INCOME. MR JOELSON WAS/IS A LAWYER AND A VERY GOOD ONE AT THAT. I USED TO OWN SEVERAL RESTAURANTS IN THE COOS BAY/ NORTH BEND AREA. I ADMIRE THE OWNERS FOR TAKING ON SUCH A LARGE TASK WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF ANOTHER INCOME. THAT TAKES MORE GUTS AND MORE RISK. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CRITICISM. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS LIKE TRYING TO RUN A BUSINESS IN THE BAY AREA

When negative things occur, negative comments and sentiments follow. That's just the way the river flows! Quick to judge and usually accurate too is my MO. Beats the heck out of being slow and unsure, especially at the poker table...LOL!

Glad to see you're such an understanding sort who has all the answers. I bet you like Up With People performances too...LOL!


Have a Happy New Year!

I grew up eating breakfast at the Timber Inn virtually every Sunday morning before church, eating "Greasy burgers" after coming home from basketball games in Eugene. The Timber Inn reflected Coos Bay in so many ways. I saw Prefontaine back from the Munich Olympics, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West (when they played at the Pirate Palace along with Wilt and Mel Counts) in the upstairs banquet room.
It's just another sad day of reckoning for a town now controlled by the state (Port) and gambling industry (tribe).

Yeah, right. I've walked the path too. But you're quick to judge and run people down on every story you comment on. You obviously have too much time on your hands. Maybe you should channel your energy into a positive comment or a way to help others.
Be careful your glass house doesn't shatter.

I've done the walk so I can talk! So have other members of my family. What about you Just Me?

If you've never walked in one's shoes, you should not talk about the path or steps they've taken.

How can one go broke with a motel in a tourist town on 101 that includes a restaurant and a lounge? Bad management? In the summer one will find every single room taken everywhere and motels have made money from seasonal ups to survive the winter for decades. I guess the Washingtonians aren't as smart as the locals (Joelson) at handling business affairs. Who pays the price? The employees and travelling public. Most workers are good workers but management is the usual culprit when things go down the tubes.

“The last thing we need in this town is another shuttered building”

Not to worry, one of the local Indian tribes has their eye on it.