Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025 |
theworldlink.com
|
$2
Bay Area Hospital update: Moore resigns, board appoints interim CEO BY NATE SCHWARTZ Editor
In a whirlwind week at Bay Area Hospital CEO Brian Moore penned his resignation after 6 years of service to the hospital. The board announced it would be “seeking a different strategic direction” in a press release on July 17 that announced a search for an interim CEO would be taking place as soon possible. Moore managed the hospital through the Covid-19 pandemic and attempted to pilot it through the difficult financial times that followed. Rumors that his position may be in jeopardy began to swirl ahead of the swearing in of the new board, as it was clear he believed that acquisition by Qurom Health was the hospital’s best chance at long term financial stability. Despite this, in a statement to community stakeholders, Moore was thankful and positive about the future. “Serving Bay Area Hospital over the past six years has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career. This is a hospital full of dedicated people – caregivers, staff, physicians and volunteers – who show up every day with heart and determination to care for the South Coast,” Moore said. “While change can bring uncertainty, I believe in the resilience of Bay Area Hospital, its people and this community. The hospital plays an essential role in the health and wellbeing of our region, and I have every confidence that with the
continued support of community partners like you, it will remain strong and vital.” In the aforementioned press release, new board chair Simon Alonzo Jr. thanked Moore for his service citing that “frank conversations” were had. “On behalf of myself and members of the board, I want to thank Brian for his service to Bay Area Hospital, commitment to our teams and dedication to the people of coos Bay,” said Alonzo Jr. “We respectfully accept his resignation and appreciate the frank conversations over the past few weeks as he pursues a new path.” This all happened in the week following the appointment of the new board members, indicating their intention to move quicky and judiciously. This was proven to once again be the case when within another week from Moore’s resignation they held a meeting on short notice to appoint an interim. On Monday July 21, during a 3:00 PM meeting in the hospital’s Spruce Room, the board introduced Kelly Morgan to the executives and gathered public. Alonzo opened the meeting by addressing BAH’s current status with the bank. Despite being in technical default on their loan with Bank of Montreal, Alonzo assured that they were aware of, and willing to work with the hospital during, the leadership change.
See BAH Continued on Page 16
Coos Bay School District announce superintendent resigns, appoint interim
Coast Guard Air Station North Bend: No strangers to rescues
STAFF REPORT
On July 24, the Coos Bay School District (CBSD) announced that Dr. Justin Ainsworth would be stepping down from his role as superintendent due to unforeseen family-related circumstances that will take him out of the area. A Coos Bay local, Ainsworth was appointed just over one year ago in what the district hoped would be a longterm appointment. That would not be the case, as difficulty in transitioning his family from their home in Alaska proved too much and he made the necessary choice to focus on his loved-ones’ well-being. Despite the short tenure, the Board of Directors were very positive about Ainsworth’s time. “While we are saddened by Dr. Ainsworth’s departure, we understand and respect his decision to put his family first. We are incredibly grateful for his dedicated service and leadership over the past year. During his tenure, Dr. Ainsworth helped lay a strong foundation for our district’s future. He has been instrumental in aligning our leadership and staff with a clear vision, always keeping our students and community at the forefront,” stated the board in a release to CBSD social media. In that same release, Ainsworth would express
From Country Media’s Salute to the Coast Guard
his pride in his work done with CBSD and state that he “believes CBSD is on a positive trajectory”. The search for an interim was short, as within 24 hours of making the resignation announcement on Facebook it was announced that one had been appointed. Gary Roberts was chosen to succeed Ainsworth in the role of superintendent on an interim basis after impressing in the initial search that culminated in Ainsworth’s appointment one year ago. Roberts was the runner-up and is acted previously as the Millicoma School Principal making him very familiar with working within the CBSD. Roberts started as a
FIND US ONLINE: TheWorldLink.com
Social Studies teacher in the South Lane School District where he would go on to wear many hats, most significantly as assistant principal, athletic director, and dean of students. He is currently finishing his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership after completing his Masters of Education at University of Oregon. “The Coos Bay School District Board of Directors is confident that Mr. Roberts will discharge the duties of this office with diligence and care. His proven understanding of our district’s needs and his dedication to educational excellence make him an ideal choice to lead us through this interim period. The Board believes his appointment
will allow us to seamlessly continue our focus on student success and the progress we’ve made in academic achievement,” stated the CBSD Board in their release.
Not all rescues are the result of accidents or disasters. Some come through close communication and coordination with vessels at sea when one of their passengers need immediate assistance. That was the case on Easter Sunday, when the M/V National Geographic Venture, a small cruise ship designed for wild life excursions, had a crew member fall violently ill. The 30-year-old was 15 miles off shore and in need of immediate medical attention, through communication with Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and their flight surgeon it was determined he should be medevacked via helicopter. That’s where the crew from Air Station North Bend comes in. On the forefront of most air operations along the South Coast, the crew are no strangers to a daring rescue. In this case, the MH-65 Dolphin crew was dispatched to rendezvous with the cruise ship. They send down the basket and the crew members was transported safely to Bay Area Hospital for treatment
“The Board looks forward to working collaboratively with Mr. Roberts to uphold the district’s mission and ensure a successful academic year.”
See COAST GUARD Continued on Page 3
Opinion
2
Sports
4
Classifieds
7
Calendar
11
Comics
14
Obituaries
15
EMAIL US: WorldCirculation@CountryMedia.net CALL US: (541) 266-6047
Serving Oregon’s South Coast since 1878 • A Country Media Newspaper • Copyright 2022 Follow us:
facebook.com/theworldnewspaper
twitter.com/TheWorldLink
instagram.com/theworldlink