As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 27, 2024
A headline on the front page of the Western World of July 25, 1929, read: "Leep Memorial Is Considered."
"The branch U.S. hydrologist office at San Francisco is considering the changing of the name of Table Rock -- the main rock of the Cape Blanco reef-- on which Dr. R.V. Leep of this city met death, to 'Leep Rock' as a memorial to the late physician and surgeon."
The first picture is of Leep Memorial Hospital, named after Dr. Leep, which was in several Bandon locations before and after the Fire, including First Street, where this picture was taken in 1978.
Leep Memorial Hospital, 1978
"Dr. Leep was the official U.S. medical inspector here and was held in high esteem in government circles as well as with all the people of Coos and Curry counties. The suggestion of naming the rock for him came from an official of the hydrographic office who was camped in Curry county at the time of the accident and who marveled at the universal expression of grief on the part of the populace. He took the matter up with his superior and a letter to Ena McKenzie of Port Orford asked that the suggestion be placed before the Bandon Chamber of Commerce.
"The chamber adopted a resolution in favor of the memorial, providing the same meets with the wishes of the relatives of Dr. Leep."
In June of the same year, Dr. Leep, 41, was hunting sealion at the Cape Blanco Reef with three Portland doctors, as well as Ed Capps and Archie Rosa, both of Bandon. As they neared the large rocks where they were to land, the waters became rough and Dr. Leep suggested they put on life preservers. He apparently put his shotgun down without removing the shells. Later they decided to lash the guns together to haul them up the side of the bank.
One man yelled up at the men, asking if any of the guns were loaded, but because of the strong winds, apparently the guy did not understand Dr. Leep. And in the process of moving the weapons, the gun discharged and killed Dr. Leep instantly.
Dr. Leep was raised in Myrtle Point, where his father was a doctor. He began practicing medicine in Bandon in 1911.
The second picture, taken in the early '70s, illustrates the story about a paving project at the Bandon State Airport, which appeared in the July 28, 1966, Western World.
Bandon State Airport, early '70s
"Capping a number of years of concentrated effort by Bandon Aero Club members, a cooperative plan to pave the local airport strip, taxiways and parking areas was given 'the green light' this week by heads of three agencies.
"The paving will be financed by the State Board of Aeronautics, Coos County and the City of Bandon, with the state and the county each putting up $5,000 and the city contributing $1,000 toward the total cost of the project which is in the neighborhood of $18,000. Actual work will be done by county crews.
"The project will include at least three inches of cold pavement mix over an area of 50 feet by 2,600 feet, in addition to the paving of the taxiways (in photo) and parking areas.
"Another stage of the airport is also being considered by the State Board and the Aero Club to extend the overall length of the present strip by at least 500 feet bringing the proposed new length to 3,100 feet.
It was pointed out by one official that with the additional length, the Bandon airport could easily handle twin-engine Beachcrafts and others. In fact, 95 percent of all private aircraft could then land safely at Bandon.
"'You can't imagine how much business comes into an area through its local airport,' said Ralph McGinnis, deputy director of the State Board of Aeronautics. 'New business and industry are often attracted to areas where airport facilities are developed to such a high degree,' he said."
"Boys Rebuilt Boat" is the headline in the April 9, 1936, Western World ... only five months before the Bandon Fire.
"Filled with the spirit of adventure two local grade school boys, Melvin Erdman and Fred Hansen, have engaged in building a sailing boat to be used in exploring the recesses of the Coquille river during their vacation days. They found the frame work of a skiff some 16 feet long and five feet in width at the boom of the Moore Mill & Lumber company. This they reconstructed into a full-fledged sailing boat, equipped with a cabin, which even has a stove in it, and two sails. They have painted the craft black.
"The boys worked several weeks in rebuilding their skeleton and were successful in launching it Monday. Since then, anchored in mid-stream, it has become a veritable pirate's roost for youngsters with seagoing ambitions."
Many years later, Melvin Erdman built the Kelori (third picture), which made many a commercial fishing trip out of Bandon through the years.
The Kelori
The vessel was named after his two daughters, Kelly and Lori Erdman, and often fished by his son, Mike.
* * *
The Bandon VFW Post 3440 is sponsoring a Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration event Friday (March 29) with a motor parade from the VFW Hall to City Park, beginning at 11 a.m., winding its way through Bandon, and arriving at City Park around 11:45, where there will be a program at the Veterans Memorial. Bill Russell, U.S. Air Force Bronze Star recipient, will be the speaker.
Following the program, the VFW will be serving a barbecue lunch at the Post on Bates Road beginning at 12:30; the cost is $10, and free for Veterans, according to Quartermaster Preston Wayte.
* * *
You've probably seen the posters all over town, put out by supporters of the Kids' HOPE Center at Bay Area Hospital, heralding April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
"This year's program is more important than ever as child abuse continues to be a very big problem in Coos County. The Kids HOPE Center serves children who have been abused or are suspected to have been abused. The center is under the Bay Area Hospital, but is primarily funded through grants and donations. This event is to bring awareness to this serious problem, but also to celebrate HOPE that the center and the partners strive to restore in the lives of the children served each year," said a spokesman.
Mary Carol Roberson, who has been an advocate for the mission for years, said, "We have been so grateful to Bandon's residents and businesses for supporting the Kids' HOPE Center. This year we are giving out the prevention posters, but we really need your help. We would appreciate a donation to help us continue our work of education and prevention in Coos County. The money will only be used for this purposes. Please mail checks to Kids Hope Center, 1925 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420 or call our center (541-266-8806) and make a credit card or debit card donation."
* * *
Sunday, March 31, is Easter Sunday. Saturday, the Bandon Lions Club will sponsor the annual Easter Egg hunt, beginning at 1 p.m. in city park. Children are reminded to bring their own baskets.
* * *
The Association of O&C Counties, representing the western Oregon counties, is going to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn the 2016 Resource Management Plan for the O&C Forest, according to Bob Main, Coos County Commissioner and AOCC vice president.
"That means the O&C forest of two million acres would be back into production as the congressional act of 1937 intended. The O&C Act designated 2 million acres of forest land in western Oregon for the sole benefit of the western Oregon counties.
"In the mid 1980s (in today's dollars) Coos County received logging receipts of $25 million for the general fund. Now, the county receives almost nothing. Why have the funds diminished to almost nothing? Washington D.C. has constantly reduced the harvest of O&C timber to almost nothing," Main said.
"Due to the lack of logging receipts, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools Act which was a small stop gap fund for the counties. The SRS Act expired this year and the county doesn't have that source of funds coming in leaving many counties, like Coos, desperate for general fund dollars to fund the sheriff, jail and the District Attorney. AOCC hopes to bring back the economic vitality that we had in the '60s, '70s and '80s," said Main.
* * *
Coos County Commissioner John Sweet will be at the Meet and Greet Tuesday (March 26) to talk about the proposed public safety levy, on which people will vote in the May primary election. Seating opens at 11:30, with his talk to begin at noon.
Also coming to Bandon to talk about the levy, at the April 1 city council meeting are Commissioner Sweet, DA Paul Frasier and Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend.
* * *
Music lovers are reminded that the Redfish Music Festival, featuring a flute and piano, will be performing in Bandon, at Holy Trinity church, Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m. The cost is $20 on Eventbrite or at the door. They will be at Zion Lutheran Church in Port Orford on Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m.
* * *
I received word recently from Fred Messerle, who has been superintendent of the beef department at the Coos County Fair for more than 40 years, that he was not reappointed to the position by the Fair Board.
"It has been my privilege and honor to be a part of the Coos County Fair as the Beef Superintendent since 1983. To be a part of the generational growth of our Fair Family and the success of the 4-H and FFA programs for the benefit of our local youth has been an inspiration," said Messerle, a former Coos County Commissioner. "Apparently my 40-plus years of service, effort and experience did not warrant my continuing in that capacity," he said.
* * *
Coming events: Bandon B'fast Bunch, Saturday, March 30, 10:30 a.m., Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, info at moy_seaglass@msn.com; Bandon recyclers, 4-7, Bandon Library, third Wednesday of each month; Good Earth Community Garden class, March 30, 11 a.m., in the garden, weather permitting.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 20, 2024
Just less than a hundred years ago, a headline on the front page of the Western World, June 26, 1924, read: "J.F. Kronenberg Announces Plans for New Enterprise that will Make Bandon More Attractive as a Pleasure Resort."
Kronenberg, better known as Jack, told the paper that he was preparing for the immediate construction of a salt-water natatorium (first photo) and two groups of beach cottages, each group to contain twelve houses, modernly equipped and furnished."
Salt-water natatorium
"The location is near the U.S. Coast Guard lookout station (second photo) and about one and a half blocks from the new dance pavilion," said the article, referring to the Silver Spray dance hall. All were located on what we now call Coquille Point at the west end of 11th Street.
U.S. Coast Guard lookout station
"The natatorium building will be 60x70 feet with a concrete swimming tank 50x60 feet. The building will be located in a gulch so that the walls will extend not more than seven feet above the ground, thereby not obstructing the view of the ocean from the cottages. The roof of the building will be similar to that of the new pavilion.
"The tank will be constructed so as to give any desired depth of water from 18 inches at one end for the smaller children to 12 feet for the divers (third photo) on the other end.
Salt water will be pumped from the ocean and heated to between 70 and 75 degrees. The average temperature of seawater is 52 degrees. A circulating pump will keep the water constantly changing.
"In addition to the big swimming tank the building will contain both fresh and salt water tub and shower baths, dressing rooms, a big fire place and seats for spectators.
"J.A. Gamble will have charge of the construction work, and it is planned to have the 'Nat' ready by the middle of August, if possible. The estimated cost of the plant is $15,000.
"Mr. Kronenberg has resigned as an officer and director of the C. & C. Lumber Company to give his full time and attention to the new undertaking. He plans to manage the business himself and states that it will be made as up-to-date in the way of service to beach visitors and summer vacationists as is possible at this time."
"An important feature in connection with the bathhouse will be a stairway leading down to the surf. Bathers will be able to take a dip in the surf and finish in the big tank or in the private baths."
Jack Kronenberg was the father of Jean Kronenberg Rittenour, who has a home in Bandon as well as in Portland.
* * *
If you want to learn more about the Public Safety Levy that the Coos County Board of Commissioners are putting on the May primary ballot, there are several opportunities in the coming weeks.
At the Tuesday, March 26, Meet and Greet at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, Commissioner John Sweet will talk about the levy, with seating beginning at 11:30 and his talk starting at noon.
His first presentation focused on the justification for the tax derived from the challenge of managing a deficit budget for the county. The second presentation will be how we got here and involves an historical perspective involving a dramatic shift in how property taxes are assessed and then allocated out to the counties, and a dramatic shift in the timber industry that impacted income to the county. Both these issues burst on the scene in the mid-1980s, so citizens need to understand the historical context in order to think creatively about long-term solutions.
Giving a presentation at the Monday, April 1, Bandon City Council meeting will be Commissioner Sweet, District Attorney Paul Frasier and Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio. The meeting starts at 7. You can also watch via Zoom.
* * *
Don't forget that Jim Proehl, representing the Bandon History Museum, will be speaking this week (Tuesday, March 19) at the Meet and Greet. His topic is "Tales of the Treacherous Bandon Bar," which opens with seating at 11:30 at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, and the talk at noon.
If you haven't heard Jim speak, or listened to one of his history minutes on the radio, you are in for a real treat.
* * *
Mike Keiser, owner of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, has been recognized with the Golf Writers Association of America's 2023 William D. Richardson Award, given to recognize an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to golf.
Some notable recipients of the award include Bing Crosby, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan. While Bandon Dunes was the first step in Mike Keiser's dream of "golf as it was meant to be," he's now reached far beyond Bandon as new dream golf resorts continue to be dreamt up by Mike and his sons, Michael and Chris, more recently at Sand Valley in Wisconsin and Rodeo Dunes in Colorado.
* * *
I recently saw some interesting information about the median list price for a home in Southwestern Oregon, as well as the median rent.
In Bandon, the median list price was $799,725 and the median rent was $2,595; Coquille, median list price $299,999, rent $2,000; Coos Bay $399,900 and $3200; North Bend, $444,500 and $2550; Brookings, $699,900 and $1,950; Gold Beach, $556,500, $2500; and Port Orford, $524,000 median list price for a home, but no information for median rent.
* * *
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Bandon Lions Club, will be held Saturday, March 30, at 1 p.m. in Bandon City Park. Children are advised to bring their own baskets.
* * *
Not sure who designed the latest television commercial for Gold Beach but they may want to listen more carefully to the squeaky little voice that cut the ad and see if that is really the vibe they want to send to prospective visitors.
* * *
I don't know if anyone ever falls for these email scams where you get an email from someone who appears to be a friend .... until you see their message. I received one last week from a Bandon woman, with whom I serve on a committee, which read: "How are you? I've been really sick with a serious sore throat, I was hoping if you could do me a favor! I'm unavailable for a phone call," and gave her name.
Realizing it was a scam since people in the city, particularly on the council, often receive things like this from "me." So I responded: "I would be glad to help you. Just let me know."
The person with the phony email address responded: "Sorry for the inconvenience, due to the sore throat I can't talk on the phone right now. I was hoping you could get an Apple gift card for my nephew who's sick with cancer, and it's his birthday today, I'm down with Covid. You can get the card from any local store around you, money will be refunded back tomorrow."
Let's assume that I fell for it and really wanted to help, I would have had no idea where to send the gift card. So how does this scam work??
* * *
I learned that Frank Scott, who was a member of the BHS Class of 1966, died March 15th in Salt Lake City on his 77th birthday. He is survived by two daughters, a son and three grandchildren, as well as three sisters, Beverly Snyder of Bandon, Cindy Scott of Chico, Calif., and Jolene Scott Zimmerman of Boise, Ida., and brother Dan Scott and his wife Claudia of Salem. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Robin.
* * *
While having coffee at Coastal Mist one day last week, I met a neat couple who live in Broadbent ... in the old Broadbent school, which they have lovingly remodeled.
And the dad, Paul Janowski, is in the remodeling business, owning Oregon Curb Appeal LLC, which specializes in kitchen and bath remodels. He is also a master wood crafter and his wife showed me a number of photos of guitars he has fashioned.
I told him that it is often hard to find someone local to do a remodel job because so many of our contractors are building high-end homes. He's hoping to pick up some work in this area, and anyone who would like to talk with him can call 541-901-1777.
* * *
I did two things recently that I should have done a long time ago. First I was fitted for hearing aids, and they have made a tremendous difference in my ability to hear, particularly during a meeting, which is where I spend a lot of my time.
The second is I purchased a Greenworks battery powered lawn mower from Hennick's Home Center. It only took a couple of hours to charge the batteries and I began mowing everything in sight this weekend because it is so easy to operate. No pull cord, no gas ... no extension cord. My only regret is that I didn't buy one sooner ... because maybe my lawn would look better than it does today.
* * *
Coming Events: Bandon Breakfast Bunch, Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, Saturday, March 30, 10:30 a.m.; Plastic recycling, third Wednesday of the month, 4 to 6 p.m., Bandon Library; Redfish Classical Music program, Sunday, April 14, Holy Trinity Church, 3 p.m; Good Earth Community Garden classes: March 30, April 13, April 20, June 15 and July 20, 11 a.m., for info contact Sheila Howe at sheilahowe5@yahoo.com/602-885-7805; Circles in the Sand, April 26, 27, 28; May 9-10, 11-12, 24-25, 26-27; June 7-8, 9-10, 22-23, 24-25, July 6-7-8, 9, 21, 22-23, 24; Aug. 4, 5, 6, 7, 21-22-23.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 13, 2024
"A merchants branch of the chamber of commerce may be organized in Bandon as the result of a discussion which took place at the noon luncheon of the directors, held at Queen Anne (first picture) yesterday," according to the Nov. 3, 1927, issue of Western World.
Queen Anne
"Close to 30 business men were present. The subject was brought up as the result of a solicitation made by C.H. Crockard, general manager of the 'Good Will' service system, a community advertising and trade-building proposition, which is designed to draw the merchants together in pulling for more business in the community.
"While the Good Will plan was not taken up, the idea of a merchants group to discuss community matters, as they relate to the retail businessmen, will be the main topic for discussion at the luncheon next Wednesday to be held at the Gallier Hotel (second photo).
Gallier Hotel
The third picture I am sharing is of the early-day lighthouse keepers residence, to illustrate a Western World story from Feb. 17, 1927, when the lighthouse keeper received an efficiency star.
Lighthouse keepers residence
"For the second time in its history, the Coquille river light station received federal recognition for its high standard, when O.R. Langlois, present keeper, was last week signally honored by the award of the U.S. Lighthouse efficiency star. These gold stars are awarded to the keepers for their efficiency in the lighthouse service, and their award signifies that the station is in perfect condition; cleanliness must be 100 per cent, and harmony must exist between the keeper and his assistants. Stars were awarded to keepers of six light stations in the 18th district this year. The district comprises the coast of Washington and Oregon to the California line.
"The Coquille river light station was first established as a harbor light in 1896. Mr. Langlois will have been in the service 21 years on April 1 of this year. O. Wiren, former keeper here but now at the Winchester Bay light station, was the only other keeper to be awarded the efficiency star.
"This station is known as a fourth order light. It has a 490-candle-power light, stands 50 feet high, and can be seen 12 miles at sea."
* * *
Ever since the courts ruled in favor of a person who sued the City of Newport after falling on a bridge en route to the beach, recreational trails up and down the coast have been closed on the advice of local insurance agents.
Although temporary, during the recent special session, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 1576 to restore the legal power of recreational immunity -- a law that protects public and private landowners who open their land for recreational purposes.
Not only did the fear of litigation close 22 trails along the coast, but it also halted or postponed projects considered by other cities, including the City of Bandon.
The fix is only temporary and will come before the legislature next year for a more permanent solution.
* * *
One of those who was strongly against the decriminalization of hard drugs was long-time Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier, who issued a statement last month as the legislature prepared to tweak the controversial measure.
"There have been unintended consequences since Measure 110 passed," said Frasier. "For example, in the last three years in Coos County alone, the number of accidental overdose deaths has tripled. Of even more concern is the death of young children. I have been a prosecutor for 39 years. Never in my career until the last couple of years, have I seen young children die of methamphetamine overdoses. In 2022, there was a four-month-old baby that died as a result of meth. Later that same year, a three-year-old child died of meth intoxication," said Frasier.
Small amounts of street drugs have been recriminalized, and users can be cited for a misdemeanor that carries a potential six months in jail. But it also calls on counties to set up "deflection" systems in which users are offered multiple opportunities for treatment. A spokesman for the legislature said "the idea is to emphasize a health response aimed at helping a user connect with services rather than a criminal response. The bill also called for expungement of charges following completion of treatment."
The Coos County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio have said they will not be establishing a deflection center, but rather will provide a sobering center, based on Douglas County's successful model. The center will be run by ADAPT.
"As it stands now, there is no appropriate place to send a sobering drunk," said commissioner John Sweet. "Certainly the jail is not the place, nor is a hospital ER. A sobering center will hopefully give the county an appropriate spot."
"Deflection, as it's indicated in the bill, indicates a pre-charging instrument at time of contact by the officer or deputy on the street. It's tantamount to a warning for possessing hard drugs, which would carry no follow up," said the sheriff. "I don't believe any of the police chiefs or I are terribly interested in that at this time, except in unforeseen exceptional circumstances."
The 140-page HB 4002 goes into effect Sept. 1.
* * *
I have been reading on Facebook about the upcoming closure of 101 Plants and Things, where many of us have been buying our plants for many years. At the present time, there is a 50 percent off sale on plants, pottery and garden supplies (Wednesday through Saturday, 10-4) as the owner, Pat Kerker, prepares for closing March 16.
Certainly sorry to see this long-time business close.
* * *
The Bandon High School girls basketball team, which finished second in the state to Western Christian 45-40 at the recently completed state tournament in Pendleton, garnered many honors in the Valley Coast Conference all-conference selections announced last week.
Katelyn Senn was named Valley Coast Conference player of the year and a member of the first team. Olivia Thompson was named first team all conference, as well as to the defensive team. Makenna Vierck was named first team all-conference and to the defensive team. Nyah Dimitruk was named second team all conference, and Caitlyn Michalek, received all conference honorable mention. Katelyn, Olivia and Nyah are seniors; Makenna is a junior, and Caitlyn is a sophomore.
Head coach Jordan Sammons was named All Conference Coach of the Year. His assistants are Daniel Senn and Kerry Twyman.
League honors were also announced for the boys teams, with Tiger Colton Siewell named to the second team all conference, and Sean Ells and Peyton Simonds receiving all-conference honorable mention.
* * *
My weather guy has only been providing me with stats for the last 20 years, but this February's 11.09 inches of rain, coupled with the 19.69 inches in January (total 30.78 inches), made it the wettest January and February in two decades. The only other year with over 30 inches was 2017, with 30.19. And with the way it's been raining in March, who knows, we may break all records.
* * *
Two people, Rogelia S. Espinosa, 40, and Diana Gonzalezsolis, 52, were arrested March 3 after the South Coast Interagency Team served a search warrant at Shooting Star Motel where they seized almost a pound (358 grams) of methamphetamine, 66 grams of heroin, 21.32 grams of fentanyl, and $13,000 dollars in U.S. currency.
Officers received a 9-1-1 call of a man needing medical attention from an overdose at a motel in Bandon. Sergeant Matt Whitmer responded to render medical assistance and subsequently contacted SCINT, who sought and obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and the suspect's car, a 2021 Polstar.
The two were arrested on numerous drug charges and transported to the Coos County Jail. However a short time later, the sheriff's department issued a statement that said the two were to be released from jail due to Oregon Revised Statute 475.898 giving offenders immunity from some drug-related offenses when calling for emergency medical assistance.
I later learned that although they were to be released because of an Oregon law, the feds stepped in and took possession of the suspects, charging them with federal drug crimes which kept them from being released from custody.
* * *
It was a full house Saturday evening at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse for the crab feed, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, with part of the proceeds going to the booster clubs of Pacific and Bandon. Students from both schools assisted in the serving line.
This coming weekend, (March 16-17) Bandon Fisheries Warehouse is hosting a St. Patrick's Day wine and Irish food event, Saturday (11-7) and Sunday (11-4), with a $10 entry fee, which entitles you to a glass for wine tasting.
* * *
I wish I had more positive news to share about Coast Community Health Clinic, but my sources say that they are, or soon will be, down to one provider, although a new CEO arrived Thursday, replacing the one who was fired several weeks ago. I keep hoping that the board of directors will issue a statement so that the community, not to mention their patients, will have some idea as to what is happening and what to expect. I do know that in the past year, they have fired two CEOs and two doctors, and others have left.
I did learn, from talking with a spokesman for the Coast pharmacy, that they are a separate entity, and hopefully they will continue regardless of what happens to Coast.
* * *
I know you don't all see my column at the same time, and because of printing schedules, some may come out after an event has occurred, but others read it first thing Monday morning, so events are current.
At Tuesday's Meet and Greet (March 12) at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, Roger Straus is expected to talk about the Bandon Lions Club, starting at noon, with seating opening at 11:30.
"Shipwreck Stories: Tales of the Treacherous Bandon Bar" is the title of a program from the Bandon History Museum at the Meet and Greet March 19. At noon, Museum volunteer Jim Proehl will share stories and pictures of maritime disasters and mishaps at the mouth of the Coquille River.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 06, 2024
The first picture I am sharing this week is the Central School, which was on the site where Ocean Crest School now stands, and was the school involved in the trial of the school superintendent, brought by a Bandon businessman on behalf of his son, Voyle (Sid) Perry, in 1925.
Central School
Here is the story:
"The trial of R.H. Watson, superintendent of Bandon schools, on a charge of having used profanity in speaking to Voyle Perry, a pupil in the Central School was concluded Saturday night at nine o'clock when a verdict of 'not guilty' was handed down by the school board, after having consumed about ten hours of listening to the testimony of more than twenty teachers from the public schools, and a number of other people, who were asked to testify in the character and standing of the defendant.
"The complaint was admitted to imply the charge of incompetency and that phase of the question was thoroughly covered. The school board sitting as judges passed on all questions as to the admissibility of evidence. They were assisted in their work by C.R. Wade, attorney for the board. L.J. Radley conducted the case for the plaintiff, Frank Perry, while F.L. Young and J.T. Brand appeared for the defendant. Four different court stenographers were enlisted in an effort to take down the evidence as it was presented. At the close of the trial it was understood that the plaintiff would appeal the case to the county superintendent."
Western World carried a story a month later indicating the county superintendent C.E. Mulkey would not consider the case on the grounds of insufficiency of record. The case was dropped.
I have chosen the waterfront to illustrate my second story, which appeared in the Aug. 7, 1930, Western World.
Bandon waterfront
"The Bandon waterfront has been lined with fishing craft during the past week and the local fish receiving stations have been taking in big catches. The mosquito fleet has been putting to sea early each morning and coming in over the bar at sundown. Their cargoes are discharged during the night and the fish are cleaned, iced and shipped the following day. One plant here has been getting as much as 7,000 pounds a night.
"One of the little gas boats, The Crusader, with F. Perry as master and crew, went high and dry on the beach north of the north jetty. Instead of remaining at sea all night as he had intended, Perry decided to come into the port late at night by moonlight. It was so light he said that he didn't follow the range lights and before he knew it he was in shallow water. The sea was so calm that there was practically no surf. When he found himself high and dry on the beach he went to bed in the boat until morning. Oscar Langlois, lighthouse keeper, discovered the boat and sent word to the coast guard station. There was no danger so the boat was left until the following day when an attempt was made by the coast guard to pull it off, but without success.
"The Crusader had 600 pounds of salmon aboard. These were taken across to the receiving station in a row boat."
The F. Perry mentioned in this story is the same man as in the earlier story who sued the school superintendent.
I have chosen a picture of First Street in the early days to illustrate this story headlined "Gasoline Fire," which appeared in the July 2, 1925, Western World.
First Street
"Charley Page's baseball instinct probably saved the business section of the town from a bad fire Monday. Shortly before noon at his place of business he was engaged in filling a cigar lighter from a quart bottle of gasoline when someone approaching from behind slapped him on the shoulder. The cigar lighter jiggled and a spark caught the gasoline. In jerking away, the bottle of gasoline was spread over the floor, ceiling and showcases and all ablaze. Things were getting pretty hot for Charley by that time so with one big swing, and perfect aim, he pitched the bottle through the center of the large plate glass door, demolishing the door but saving the place from a fire that might have licked up the block and then some. The frame work of one of the large candy cases was blistered, otherwise there was little damage done inside."
Charley and Kitty Page and Curly Woomer (fire chief at the time of the 1936 Fire) built the Arcade Garden Tavern on the corner of Second and Chicago after the Fire. Today it is owned by Bill and Louise Moore and houses several shops, including Pablos.
* * *
I saw the tragic story of the young kindergarten teacher, whose pickup was found in the North Umpqua River Thursday morning after she failed to arrive at Glide Elementary School where she taught kindergarten. She had apparently skidded off Highway 138 in the slushy conditions.
I later learned that the young woman, Rachel Kathryn Merchant-Ly, was the granddaughter of Bandon High School graduate Stuart Merchant. She lived in the Idleyld Park/Dry Creek area of Douglas County. Although family members continue to search for her body after her pickup was found submerged in the river, the sheriff's department called off the search because of the condition of the swollen river.
Among her survivors are her parents, Steven and Nancy Merchant, and her spouse, Hao Ly, all of Idleyld Park.
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Although I did not see a press release about the incident, I have learned that a man who was flushed out of a vacant house on Highway 42S recently made it a short ways to a neighboring farm, owned by the Albertson family. He was reportedly located by a police dog in a barn on the property, owned by Eric and Betty Albertson and his mother, Faye Albertson. They are assuming he was taken into custody, but did not learn his name, according to Faye.
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A 42-year-old Bandon man, Jesse B. Sweet, was arrested for second degree assault and domestic menacing by the Bandon Police department on Feb. 28 after Sergeant Matt Whitmer was dispatched to the report of a disturbance on Delaware Avenue, where it was determined a significant assault had occurred, according to the police report.
The police report said there was information that the suspect was enroute to an address on Sealander Road to confront an individual, which ultimately did not occur. At 4 p.m. he was located at Whiskey Run Beach Access.
Upon arrival, he drove south down the beach to avoid law enforcement but after a short time he returned to surrender.
The sheriff's office said there was a heavy police presence during the day in that area to assist the Bandon Police Department, who thanked other departments for their assistance.
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The Oregon State Legislature recently passed two resolutions honoring two Oregonians who died in 2023, one of whom was Bill Bradbury of Bandon.
Senate Current Resolution 204 was passed in memoriam of Bradbury, who served for a decade as Oregon's 23rd Secretary of State.
"Former Secretary Bradbury is responsible for transforming our elections system by establishing ORESTAR, Oregon's online political campaign contribution system, and by establishing Oregon's vote-by-mail system 24 years ago -- the first in the country," said a press release.
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I finally found time to attend the Bandon Playhouse production of "Radium Girls," which ended a two-weekend run Sunday. Was I ever glad I did not miss this superb production, which was attended by about 180 people on Sunday, and held the audience spellbound for two hours. Through the years I seldom miss anything produced by Bandon Playhouse and MarLo Dance Studio or sponsored by Bandon Showcase. We are so fortunate to have a theater the caliber of the Sprague, which was built nearly 25 years ago by the Bandon Lions Club, chaired by Dan Almich and Ray Kelley, and later turned over to the City. I doubt that you will ever find a city our size with a library, community center, and theater complex like we have in the City Park.
And if you don't find time to support these plays and concerts, that's on you!
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Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant has announced their fresh pasta gift, and the details can be found on their Facebook page. March 10 will be the date for pick up but you need to get your order in soon.
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Good Earth Community Garden has announced its five-part series of classes, which will be held on Saturdays at 11 a.m., weather permitting, on March 30, April 13, April 20, June 15 and July 20.
The series will teach about gardening in Bandon, mindful self-care and community engagement. For more information about the classes, contact Sheila Howe at sheilahowe5@yahoo.com (602-885-7805).
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I wish I had more information, but I know the town is very proud of the Bandon High School girls basketball team, who finished second in the state after a heartbreaking loss to Western Christian, 45-40, in the Class 2A Championship game in Pendleton Saturday night.
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In the Meet and Greet, held each Tuesday at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse at 11:30 a.m., the program for March 12 is Roger Straus, and Jim Proehl of the Bandon History Museum will give the program on March 19.
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Threatened with the possibility that an initiative petition would reach the voters in November repealing Ballot Measure 110, the legislature voted to recriminalize drug possession in Oregon.
Class E violations, created by Measure 110, are repealed under HB4002. Instead a person stopped with small amounts of illicit drugs will face an entirely new "drug enforcement misdemeanor" as of Sept. 1.
If a county offers a deflection or diversion program and a prosecutor uses them, the individual could remain on probation for 18 months. If they violate probation, the person could face a 30-day jail sanction. And if probation is revoked, the individual could be ordered to a maximum of 180 days in jail.
I understand that Coos County will not offer the deflection program, but I will explain more in the coming weeks.
Many Republicans, district attorneys and law enforcement officials favored outright repeal of the measure, but were aware that the votes were not there in either the House or the Senate, which are controlled by the Democrats.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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