Majority Votes to Remove Book
A majority of the Siuslaw School Board voted to ban a graphic novel from shelves in the high school library Wednesday night. The book Flamer, a graphic novel about a young man in the 1990s coming to grips with his sexual identity was challenged by a student in January. That triggered the establishment of a review committee made up of high school administrators, teachers, other district staff, parents and a member from the community at large. After a lengthy discussion that committee recommended unanimously in February to leave the book on the shelf. Principal Mike Harkelrode described the decision.
It truly was heavy work and I would say it was undeniably true that if this was a book that was a book that was part of the curriculum, if this was a book that was presented by a teacher we would have gone universally the other way.”
In the February board meeting the board agreed to read the book themselves and then weigh in on the committee’s report. The board had three choices. They could accept the recommendation and leave the book on the shelf. They could overrule the committee and ban the book. Or, they could modify the report and impose restrictions on who could check it out. Despite hearing several speakers asking the board to accept option A and no testimony in favor of banning it Director John Barnett made a motion.
“We have three options in front of us. I choose option B, overrules the decision of the District Community Committee and remove the book from the collection at the Siuslaw.”
The motion carried on a 4-3 vote with Directors Cole, Haberly, Barnett and Lacouture voting in favor. Directors Miltonberger, Sneddon and Pimlott voted against.
Whale Watch Week
Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast from March 22 through March 30. Trained volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 coastal sites daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales and their calves. Cape Foulweather will be excluded this year due to construction. NOAA reports the gray whale population has grown by 30% since 2023, though calf numbers remain low. The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with exhibits and panoramic ocean views. More details are available at OregonStateParks.org.
Lincoln County Asks For Help on Cold Case
The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Cold Case Team is seeking new leads in the 40-year-old disappearance and homicide of 17-year-old Kelly Disney. She was last seen walking eastbound on Highway 20 near U.S. 101 in Newport on March 9, 1984. Witnesses reported seeing her before she vanished. In 1994, Kelly’s skull was found in an abandoned vehicle near Big Creek Reservoir. Authorities believe it was recently placed there, and her death was ruled a homicide. Investigators are asking anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously. Anyone who knew Kelly or heard about her disappearance is urged to contact the Cold Case Team.