Former Museum Board Members Demand Action
Former board members of the Oregon Coast Military Museum are calling for action in the wake of legal issues surrounding General Manager Geoffrey Cannon. In a letter sent to the current board, the former members — including some of the museum’s founders — asked that Cannon be terminated immediately, citing damage to the museum’s reputation in the community. They also urged the resignations of board members Gary Cannon and Tina Ferkey, calling their involvement a conflict of interest, and asked that volunteer Patrick Ritter be removed after what they described as hostile and inappropriate behavior during a July board meeting. Meanwhile, Ritter confirmed to Coast Radio that he has resigned his role with the museum. The letter stresses that inaction by the current board undermines the museum’s mission to honor veterans and educate the public.
No Boil Water Notice for Mapleton
The Mapleton Water District reports that last week’s infrastructure work connected to the Riverview Avenue culvert replacement was completed without service disruptions to customers. District officials had previously noted the potential for outages and possible boil water notices, but those measures were not required. The project is part of a Lane County effort to replace a failed culvert that has blocked through traffic on Riverview Avenue for several years. The Mapleton Water District is funding a portion of the work, which includes relocating and replacing existing water infrastructure.
North Bend Man Arrested
A North Bend man is facing multiple charges after unlawfully entering the secured airside area of the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport early Wednesday morning. Police say 57-year-old Melvin Myhill entered several aircraft before being found inside a private plane near a commercial hangar. He was arrested and charged with 17 counts, including burglary, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and criminal mischief. Eleven aircraft were affected, though officials say normal flight operations, cargo shipments, and passenger service were not disrupted. The incident remains under investigation with local and federal agencies assisting.
Circuit Court Seats Available
Governor Tina Kotek is now accepting applications for two new judicial vacancies on the Lane County Circuit Court. The positions were created under Senate Bill 95, which the Governor signed in July, adding judgeships in Douglas, Lane, and Clackamas Counties beginning January 1, 2026. Applications for Lane County are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24th, and must be submitted by email to the Governor’s Office. Kotek says she fills judicial vacancies based on merit and encourages lawyers from diverse backgrounds to apply. Applicants must meet Oregon residency and bar membership requirements.
