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North Bend Public Library reopens after months of renovations and updates BY NATE SCHWARTZ Editor
The atmosphere at the North Bend Public Library (NBPL) was a bit louder than usual on Saturday, March 15th, and for good reason. After a multi-month period of renovation, library and city staff finally cut the ribbon to re-open at full capacity. We spoke with Library Director Haley Lagasse about the upgrades and celebration. “It’s an incredible feeling to be able to welcome our community back into their library,” said Lagasse, “and provide this new space for them to spend time, to continue learning, and to enjoy each other’s presence as community members.” Community members were invited to partake in the celebration with refreshments and appearances from recent Miss
Coos and Miss Teen Coos County Winners. The list of new features at the library is a long one. It includes enhanced accessibility, as seen in the newly renovated restrooms. Greater resources for community meetings, such as updated technology in the meeting rooms. And above all, lots of space for the youth of North Bend, including an expanded children’s room and an all-new teen area. “The library has gotten a facelift!” said Legasse, “In the main part of the library, the children’s room has been renovated. There’s more space for families and children to spend time together.” The children’s room, in addition to housing a wide selection of
See LIBRARY Continued on Page 3
Governor declares State of Emergency after storms cause flooding, rescues needed dents not to travel if possible. “Our biggest problem has been flooding throughout the county A particularly wet weekend which has left us with damaged caused chaos all over Coos County culverts, landslides, and flooding as numerous slides and instances up over areas where the waters of flooding were reported by the don’t normally reach quite so Coos County Road Department high,” said Debbie Mueller, (CCRD) and Emergency ManEmergency Coordinator with the agement Department (CCEM). Coos County Office of Emergency Emergency notifications for high wind warnings and potential flood Management. “The river extended well risks went out all weekend, with beyond our normal winter lakes. some wind warnings continuing after rains had cleared. On Sunday, It has, so far, nicely receded. At March 16th, CCEM advised resithis point, we’re trying to figure BY NATE SCHWARTZ Editor
out who still needs help out there. Most of our community is pretty self-sufficient.” According to a release from the Coos County Sheriffs Office at least four individuals had to be rescued from significant flooding along the Coos and Coquille rivers. Though it is advised to not attempt to drive through standing water, one individual had to be rescued by Coast Guard helicopter after attempting to ford floodwater. During that incident responding officers’ vehicles were also strand-
North Bend & Coos Bay bring back community cleanup event after five-year hiatus
ed in rising waters and had to be towed out. In another instance, home flooding led to the evacuation of a family of three and their dog via boats and jet skis. According to CCRD two slides caused blockage across the entirety of Fishtrap Road and South Coos River Lane. On East Beaver Hill Road, several large trees took out power lines on their way See FLOODING Continued on Page 9
After a five-year break, a beloved community event is making its return. The 14th City Clean Up Day is officially scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving residents of North Bend and Coos Bay the opportunity to clean up their homes while supporting local families in need. The event, dubbed “Give a Can, Ditch a Can—Spring Clean for a Cause,” is a partnership between Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAB), South Coast Food Share, Les’ Sanitary Service, Coos Bay Sanitary, the City of North Bend, and the City of Coos Bay. Participants can bring up to four cans (35-gallon size) of household garbage for disposal in exchange for a donation of at least four canned food items or $4 to benefit South Coast Food Share.
2 arrests made in connection to suspected homicide at Johnson Mill Pond STAFF REPORT
Drop-off locations include:
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has made a pair of arrests and released information about the deceased in relation to the body found at Johnson Mill Pond on the morning of March 13th, 2025. Officers arrived on the scene after being informed of a potentially deceased man found in the pond that morning. The deceased was later revealed to be Larry Burkhow, and the cause of death was suspected to
North Bend: Pony Village Mall (by Mini Pet Mart) Coos Bay: South Fourth Street Parking Lot (between Anderson & Curtis) Coos Bay: Eastside Fire Station (365 D Street) Coos Bay: Empire Parking Lot (S. Wall & Newmark) See CLEANUP Continued on Page 5
See HOMICIDE Continued on Page 5
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