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New wasp species with unique antennae discovered in 100-million-year old amber.

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Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023

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Council waits on deciding on trash service increase BY DAVID RUPKALVIS For The World

A proposal to raise the city of Coos Bay’s trash service cost by 8.5% was put on hold after the council asked to hear from representatives of Coos Bay Sanitary and Les’ Sanitary Services. The council chose to keep a public hearing on the rate increase open for two weeks until their meeting scheduled Oct. 17. Members of the public will be allowed to share their opinions on the issue before the council vote. City Manager Nichole Rutherford said the trash

companies have an exclusive license in Coos Bay and every year, they request an increase. “Recently, staff received a formal request from Coos Bay Sanitary and Les’ Sanitary Services for a residential and commercial rate increase of 8.5%,” Rutherford said. “If approved, the adjustment would result in a $2.13 per month increase for a basic 35-gallon residential cart service. The proposed rate increase, if approved by the Council, would take effect on or after November 1.” Rutherford said the city recently did a survey of other

cities in the region to see what trash service costs, and the city of Coos Bay lands in the middle. Before any increase, Coos Bay has a rate of $24.90 a month, which is equal to North Bend. “8.5% seems to be a large increase,” Mayor Joe Benetti said. “Typically, it’s about 3%.” Rutherford agreed, saying the requested increase yearly is often based on the Consumer Price Index, which went up by more than 8% in 2022. “Isn’t the proposed rate in line with the city of North Bend,” Councilor Lucinda

DiNovo said. “I would say we’re actually on the lower scale. There are only two cities, Bandon and inside the city of Coquille, that are actually lower.” Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Florence and others have higher rates. Despite that, the council said it would like to hear from company representatives before voting. “8.5% is a pretty significant increase,” Councilor Stephanie Kilmer said. “Typically, they do come and answer questions, which helps the public. It would be nice to have somebody

come.” Rutherford said she did not know why no one came to the meeting, but said she could get one for the Oct. 17 meeting. Benetti said while raising rates is not popular, it is common. “Every year they come to us and there’s always a rate increase of some sort,” he said. While a rate increase is still likely, the council wanted to hear from the company before voting. “I think we should wait until the next meeting,” Councilor Carmen Matthews said.

Bulldogs induct new hall of fame class Wright eager to continue work for District 9

BY JOHN GUNTHER For The World

NORTH BEND — A common thread among the new members of North Bend’s Hall of Fame was student-athletes going on to compete in college. Amanda (Larsen) Dudley, Sammie (Clark) Dobson, Kevin Waller and five members of the 2006 state champion volleyball team all went on to compete at the next level. The other inductee, 1944 graduate Richard Ellings, turned down that chance to serve his country. Ellings’ daughters recalled during the ceremony Friday that he never told them he had a chance to play football at Oregon State University when he entered the military upon graduating from North Bend during World War II. Ellings followed the war by

BY DAVID RUPKALVIS For The World

Please see NB HALL Page 3

Siuslaw grad keeping a close eye on playoffs National League

American League

Division Series Rangers v. Orioles Twins v. Astros

Division Series

Phillies vs. Braves Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers

BY RODNEY HARWOOD Country Media

KENT, Wash. – As America settles in to see how the Major League Baseball playoffs play out over the following weeks, everybody tends to watch or see things a little bit differently. That’s especially true if you play the game for a living former Siuslaw High School/ Oregon State standout Jake Thompson said. The 6-foot-1 righthander was a fourthround selection in the 2017 MLB June amateur draft and was at one time ranked as the No. 24 prospect in the Red Sox minor-league system in the most-recent MLB.com

prospect watch. “I did like the Rays chances, but they got swept by the Rangers. So, I might be on the Rangers bandwagon now,” Thompson said in a telephone inter from Kent, Wash., where he’s working out with Driveline Baseball, the world’s best data-driven baseball player development program. “When I watch (baseball on television), I pay attention to the relievers, because that is what I do. I like the pitch choice and why they throw them in certain situations. How do they set them up or why did this guy swing at it or Please see PITCHER Page 4

Boomer Wright will be seeking a third term as state representative in District 9, saying there is still work to do. Wright, a Republican from Reedsport, said he has high hopes that the Legislature and a new council the governor put together, will be able to help improve education in Oregon. After 31 years as a teacher, principal and superintendent, education remains a huge priority for Wright, and he is excited to see progress made. “I think there’s still a lot left to do,” Wright said. “I’m now on the governor’s council for literacy, so I’m working with schools to help them. I’m going to help our governor do some training for our teachers in the classroom.” Wright said 60% of students tested below the state average in reading, and he is determined to help find an answer. “I’m looking forward to making some real changes in our education system,” Wright said. As he looks forward, Wright said there is work to do. “There’s still some bills I want to push forward,” Please see WRIGHT Page 4

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