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Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024

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Coos Bay recognizes Women’s History Month The City of Coos Bay made a proclamation in the City Council meeting on March 19th, 2024, to officially recognize March as Women’s History Month. Though already a federal initiative, an official acknowledgment from the city is a step forward in supporting and recognizing the achievements of the women in our community and beyond. Starting under President Jimmy Carter in March of 1980 as a week-long appreciation of the contributions of women, it was expanded in 1987, after the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned

Congress to grow the initiative to a full month of celebration and reflection. The proclamation was read in its entirely by Council President Lucinda DiNovo and Mayor Joe Benetti, and is as follows: “Whereas throughout history, Women have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, advancing progress, and championing justice, equality, and human rights, and Whereas the contributions of women, often overlooked or marginalized, have been instrumental in every facet of

human endeavor. Including science, technology, arts, literature, politics, business, and education, and Whereas the resilience, determination, and leadership of women have inspired generations to strive for excellence, and to challenge barriers and stereotypes, and Whereas Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and to honor their courage, vision, and legacy, and Whereas by recognizing

and amplifying women’s voices, stories, and experiences, we can promote gender equality, foster inclusive communities, and create a more just and equitable world for all. Therefore I, Joe Benetti, Mayor of the City of Coos Bay, do hereby proclaim March as Women’s History Month, and call upon all citizens to honor the extraordinary women who have shaped history, and to support efforts that promote gender equality and empower women and girls to reach their full potential.”

The motion passed unanimously, and though only a small portion of the meeting, it is a significant step in the community’s efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive place for all to thrive. All of us at The Coos Bay World would like to join the City of Coos Bay in recognizing Women’s History Month, and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the women of the Southern Coast and beyond! For more local interest stories visit TheWorldLink.com or pick up a physical edition of The Coos Bay World today!

Jerry Wadsworth will not eat rice! BY DEAN BRICKEY For The World

After 53 years of owning and operating Wadsworth Garbage Disposal in Coquille, he has seen enough “rice” squiggling around in the back of his garbage truck to last a lifetime. But his ﬁve-plus decades of hauling other people’s refuse is about to end. Jerry and his wife, Jean, have sold the city’s garbage franchise to Waste Connections, which will take over April 2. The Wadsworths plan to retire and travel in their RV. The community will celebrate the Wadsworths’ retirement from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, in the Small Auditorium at the Coquille Community Building, 115 N. Birch St. In a recent interview, Jean Wadsworth explained that her husband was working at the mill in Coquille in about 1970 when he was literally

thrust into the business. Jerry was just a teenager when his father Jerry Sr., was diagnosed with kidney failure. Doctors said he had about seven months to live.

The elder Wadsworth was in the late ’60s, when Jerry brother, Kent, who was manager of the Coquille was 16.” about seven at the time. Safeway store. UnderstandThat left Jerry, his mother, The Wadsworths ing his fate, he bought the Louise, and Jerry’s little assumed ownership, but “tiny” garbage service,” Jean said, adding, “his father died

not management of the small garbage-collection company.

Please see WADSWORTH Page 10

Local student receives speech Search and Rescue and debate recognition K9 remembered for service to Coos County

In 2015, K-9 Vixy, a malamute, began working with the Coos County Search and Rescue K-9 team. She was a Trailing Wilderness and Urban certified K-9 and was handled by Robynn Reed. They had multiple successful finds during their service to the Coos County Community. K-9 Vixy was Retired in 2021, and her End of Watch was 02-19-2024. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue Team would like to express our gratitude for the dedicated service and our condolences to the Reed family for their loss of K-9 Vixy.

BY BREE LAUGHLIN The World

North Bend High School senior Alyssa Crook has seen members of the Speech and Debate Club come and go over the four years she has been in high school. But even when she was the only member of the club, she didn’t quit. Her perseverance with speech and debate has paid off with recognition. Alyssa has won the honor of being the Southern Oregon District Student of the Year. “This award is given to students who have been nominated by their coaches and are determined the winner by the

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voting of coaches in the Southern Oregon District,” said North Bend Speech and Debate coach Quinn Earle. “Alyssa beat some of the top speakers in the state for this award and I feel she deserves some recognition for her successes,” her coach said. Alyssa said she was surprised to receive the honor. “I’m very happy that I got chosen for it. I didn’t even think of it as a possibility until it happened,” Alyssa said. Not only did Alyssa receive Student of the Year but she also qualiﬁed to Please see DEBATE Page 8

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