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Gardner hired as interim superintendent of CB BY DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
The Coos Bay School District hired an experienced superintendent to lead the district while the search continues for a permanent superintendent. The board of directors approved a contract with Brian Gardner as interim superintendent Tuesday
morning. Gardner brings a wealth of experience to the position, most recently as superintendent mentor for the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators from 2021 to 2023. In that role, he mentored other district leaders. During 2022, her served as interim superintendent of the Jewell School District, where he helped the district navigate
a turbulent period. Gardner also served as superintendent of Central Linn School District from 2011 to 2021. During that time, the district saw its K-6 program transform from a focus school to the top 11% of all elementary schools in the state and the 7-12 program moved from the bottom third in student success to the top
25% of the state. Gardner will replace Charis McGaughy, who resigned in 2023 after around 18 months of the job due to health concerns. Gardner will likely serve as interim superintendent through the end of the school year as the school board searches for a permanent replacement. At its last regular meeting, the board voted to ask outside
recruiting firms to apply to help find the next superintendent. Nine firms were invited to apply, and several have already done so. Once the firm is hired, it will accept applications and narrow the field down to several finalists that will be interviewed by the school board. The board will ultimately decide who to hire after the interview process.
Arrest made in homicide investigation BY NATE SCHWARTZ The World
In connection with the homicide investigation started on December 12, 2023 following the killing of William Averill, a North Bend resident was apprehended by the Coos Bay Police
Department (CBPD) on charges of murder. The CBPD, in collaboration with the Oregon State Police, Coos County Emergency Response Team, Coos County Major Crimes Team, Douglas County Emergency Response Team, and the South Coast Interagency Narcotics
Team, executed a search warrant at a North Bend residence on January 4 at approximately 10:30 a.m. Officers were at the home most of the day. Follow-through on the search warrant resulted in the arrest of Kelton Dickens, a 30-year-old North Bend
resident, who is currently detained on second-degree murder charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and individuals with additional information are encouraged to contact the CBPD at 541-269-8911 or Coos Stop Crime at 541-267-6666.
Massive waves crash at Cape Arago
Staying safe on winter trails BY NATE SCHWARTZ The World
As we head into the midst of what many describe as a “slow” period for the Pacific Northwest, it is important that we still find ways to engage with meaningful activity. In a time of year colored with gloom and, for many, seasonal dysphoria, we must take advantage of the milder days when we have got them. I know I am not alone in my sadness over a reduced opportunity for outdoorsmanship. I hope I am also not alone in trying to make do regardless. With a bevy of state and county
Please see WINTER Page 2
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Coos Bay to ban leaves in city streets BY DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
After an in-depth discussion, the Coos Bay City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that will make it illegal to rake, push or blow leaves into city streets. The current code says property owners or tenants can clean their gutters, yards of sidewalks by sweeping leaves into the street. Deputy Public Works Director Jennifer Wirsing said the change would help the city street sweeper while also protecting the sewer system. “Leaves in the street can contribute to stormwater pollution and clogging storm drains,” she said. “This can lead to increased maintenance costs, flooding of streets and wet leaves cause slippery road surfaces.” The code change Wirsing presented simply removed the portion allowing leaves to be pushed into the street and said leaves cannot be put into the street. Leaves that fall naturally into the street do not have to be removed. The city council had a lot of questions before ultimately voting in favor of the ordinance. “I appreciate that we want to do this and want to protect our sewer lines,” Councilor Lucinda DiNovo said. “How will we enforce this. There are a lot of people who rake their leaves, blow their leaves. I’m concerned if we enact this there is no way to hold anyone accountable.” “Enforcement to us is more about education,” Wirsing said. “We’re just wanting to reduce the amount of leaves in the streets. We don’t want to go out after violators.” In fact, the ordinance does not include a punishment mechanism, but Wirsing said most people will do as asked if the rules are changed. Councilor Troy Cribbins also expressed some concern. “The gentlemen who do my yard pick up most of the leaves, but they then blow it off so my sidewalk looks perfect,” Cribbins said. “Some of that goes in the street. Does that count Please see COUNCIL Page 2
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