JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis
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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Sunrise: 5:36 a.m., and Sunset: 9 p.m., offering 15-hours & 24-minutes of daylight.
Tides, Coos Bay, OR
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Thursday, June 18, 2026 – High tide: 4 a.m., 7.82 ft.; Low tide: 10:58 a.m., -1.66 ft.; High tide: 5:46 p.m., 6.46 ft.; Low tide: 11:07 p.m., 2.19 ft.
CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - CBPL Block Party! Thursday, June 18 in the Bennett Street Parking Lot, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Let's kick off Summer Reading in style! CBPL is hosting a block party full of games, fun, and snacks. Many of our great community partners will be joining us with summer information and activities. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends for the fun. The block party will be located in the Bennett Street parking lot (behind the library). Age Bracket: Everyone. Unlimited Book Club, Thursday, June 18, on Zoom, 6:00pm – 7:00pm. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND UNDERSTANDING IN COOS COUNTY VIA LITERATURE! The Unlimited Book Club is a joint venture of the Coos Bay Public Library and the North Bend Public Library, formed to encourage awareness and foster community discussions on equity, diversity, and inclusion through reading and thoughtful conversation. We meet every third Thursday of the month. This meeting will be an opportunity for members to meet and discuss our next title, selected by members, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Suggestions for future readings will come from book club members. Those interested are invited to attend, there is no obligation to stay. After signing up, participants will be sent link for Zoom meeting. Register for this free virtual event @ https://bit.ly/3R6E57M Future Books: June 18, 2026: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang; July 16, 2026: Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi; August 20, 2026: The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride; September 17, 2026: $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn Edin and H. Luke Shaefer; October 15, 2026: In the time of the butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Register, Age Bracket: Teens & Adults.
Unlimited Book Club at CBPL
Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 pm, the Unlimited Book Club will meet on Zoom. Unlimited is a joint venture of the Coos Bay Public Library and the North Bend Public Library. We formed to encourage awareness and foster community discussions on equity, diversity, and inclusion through reading and thoughtful conversation. Unlimited meets every third Thursday of the month. This meeting will be an opportunity for members to meet and discuss our next title, selected by book club members, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Suggestions for future readings will come from members of Unlimited. Those interested are invited to attend the meeting, there is no obligation to stay. To receive Zoom link for meeting, register for free @ https://bit.ly/3R6E57M
Coos Bay Public Library Block Party
Coos Bay Public Library is hosting a block party filled with games, fun, and snacks on Thursday, June 18 from 4-6pm in the Bennett Street parking lot, located behind the Coos Bay Public Library. Community members of all ages are invited to join the festivities and help the library kick off this year’s Summer Reading Program! Many of our great community partners will be joining us with summer information and activities. This event is free to attend so bring your family, neighbors, and friends for the fun. For more information about this event, please visit Coos Bay Public Library’s online event calendar at www.coosbaylibrary.org or contact the library at (541) 269-1101
NBPL Events
North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend, OR - Lapsit Storytime (Babies), Thursdays, starting June 18 at 10:30 AM Enjoy stories, songs, & gentle play designed to support the early literacy skills of babies who are not yet walking. Unlimited Book Club (Meeting virtually), Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 PM. Discuss Yellowface by R.F. Kuang at a DEI virtual book club hosted by NBPL & CBPL the third Thursday of every month. Go to https://bit.ly/3R6E57M to attend.
Coos Co. BOC
The Coos Co. Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Owen Building, 201 No. Adams St., Coquille, Executive Session, “to consider the employment of a public officer or employee. Virtual session: 9 a.m.
Beach Contaminations
With the hot weather we have been experiencing lately, it’s no wonder many in the Valley are making the trip west to the Oregon Coast and some relief. However, as the Oregon Heath Authority (OHA) continues to monitor our public beaches for health concerns, on the North Coast they are now reportedly coming together to fix the annual problem. When a beach is closed by OHA, it usually involves fecal matter runoffs onto the beach and into the surfline. It is the same problem for the entire 345-mile length of the Oregon Coast. Where does the fecal matter come from? Well, that’s the problem. No one is quite sure, nearby grazing livestock is one source, aging, inadequate septic tanks on nearby properties are another source and then that leaves all those Coastal Birds who roost on nearby rocks. The City of Cannon Beach has reached an agreement with Environmental groups to enter an agreement with an independent engineering firm “to conduct a comprehensive investigation” to identify the source of the fecal bacteria contamination at two city stormwater outfalls. They may as well just work their way down the Coast, because all Coastal communities are in the same situation. Back in the ‘90s, the State of Oregon made the City of Waldport annex in the unincorporated area of Yaquina John Point due to the many failing septic systems and discharging of fecal material on the Central Coast beach, south side of the entrance to Alsea Bay. It was an “unfunded mandate” for the property owners. But, the beach is now clean. The end result is nice, but getting there will eventually cost Coastal residents.
Three Umpqua River Islands Sold!
It was a “sealed bid” sale of three islands on the Umpqua River in Western Douglas Co. and the sale went higher, much higher than expected. The minimum bid was $24,500, but the winner came in at double the asking price. The sale price and ownership will become public after the transaction closes in July. The three islands total about 20-low lying acres between Reedsport and Scottsburg. They were previously owned by Roseburg Forest Products and are zoned Estuarine Conservation, which limits development.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in May
Oregon Employment Dept. release - Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in each of the first five months of 2026. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in March, April, and May. In May, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 3,600 jobs, following a gain of 600 jobs, as revised, in April. May’s gains were largest in other services (+2,000 jobs) and professional and business services (+1,800). Losses were largest in manufacturing (-1,100 jobs). Although nonfarm payroll employment rose by a total of 4,200 jobs during April and May, this broad measure of Oregon’s employment was still 9,100 jobs, or 0.5%, below its May 2025 level. Over the past 12 months, nine of the major industries have cut jobs, while only five industries have added jobs. At 1,977,100, Oregon nonfarm payroll employment has been slightly below two million jobs for the past four years and is down 20,900 jobs from its peak of 1,998,000 in September 2024. The rapid expansion during the prior three years within health care and social assistance is slowing. Since October 2025, growth appears to have leveled off in ambulatory health care services and in hospitals. However, the other two industries within the broader sector continued their rapid expansion. Since October, nursing and residential care facilities added 1,500 jobs, while social assistance added 4,600. Manufacturing employment dropped 1,100 jobs in May, following steep losses over the prior three years. In the past 12 months, durable goods manufacturing cut 5,900 jobs, or 4.7%, while nondurable goods manufacturing cut 2,200 jobs, or 4.0%.
Lucas Lodge incident
Curry Co. SO release - Heavy police presence and road patrols are still ongoing in the Agness area today for a wanted male, Kenneth Leatherwood out of Bastrop, TX. Leatherwood is wanted for sex related crimes involving a minor, as well as a stolen vehicle and reported stolen weapons. Leatherwood is NOT on the FBI’s top 10 most wanted list and is NOT wanted for murder charges. Leatherwood is a white male adult, late thirties. 5’10 200 lbs. brown hair and green eyes. A photo is being released on social media. Last known clothing description for Leatherwood is an ivory t-shirt, blue jeans, and cowboy boots. Do not approach, believed to be armed and possibly dangerous. Leatherwood may have an Australian shepherd mix dog with him. Again, do not approach or attempt contact with subject. If Leatherwood is seen, contact the Sheriff's Office at 541-247-3242 option 9 or 911 if emergent. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with Oregon State Police and relaying information as it’s received.
Officer Involved Shooting, Lincoln Co.
OSP release - On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 3:54 p.m., Oregon State Police and the Newport Police Department conducted a follow-up investigation that culminated in the use of deadly physical force near the 1500 block of the Siletz River Highway. The Lincoln County Major Crimes Team is responding to investigate the incident. The suspect is deceased. No police officers or members of the community were injured during the incident. Residents are asked to keep clear of the area. There is no ongoing threat to the public. This is an active investigation, and no further information is available at this time. Any additional information will be released by the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office or the Lincoln County Major Crimes Team.
Fatal Crash, Marcola Rd., Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - On 6/15/26 at about 11:20pm, LCSO Deputies responded with the Mohawk Valley Fire to the report of a single vehicle crash in the 90000 block of Marcola Road. EMT’s arrived and discovered the driver and sole occupant, deceased. The driver was identified as 51-year-old Daniel Keith Johnsgard of Eugene. Deputies investigated the crash scene. Johnsgard’s vehicle traveled a significant distance off the road and impacted several trees. Based on the initial investigation, it appears speed was a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and there is no further information at this time.
Indecent Exposure, CQ
According to an entry on the CQPD log for June 16, 11:54 a.m., Valley Laundromat, “result of Indecent Exposure,” 34-year old Christopher Sean Banks charged with Public Indecency & Resisting Arrest, “lodged CCJ.”
Sex Offender Registration
According to an entry on the NBPD log for June 16, 6:58 p.m., Harbor Ave., “result of patrol check, 45-year old Michael Lee Gertson charged with Failure to Register as Sex Offender, “cited in lieu of custody.”
Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the NBPD log for June 16, 9:33 a.m., 1735 Virginia Ave., Safeway, “criminal trespass,” 34-year old Christopher Banks charged with Criminal Trespass II, & Probation Violation Detainer, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.
Assault
According to an entry on the NBPD log for June 16, 5:27 p.m., 1611 Virginia Ave., Pony Village Mall, “assault.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for June 16, 7:26 p.m., 1500 block Sherman Ave., 40-year old Sam T. Hayden charged with PC Arrest for Violating No Contact Order: 2 separate PC’s for same charges.
Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 16, 7:25 a.m., 100 block Anderson, 43-year old Michael Dunn “Ticket.”
Burglary
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 16, 9:28 a.m., 300 block So. Wall St., “burglary.”
Counterfeit Money
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 16, 12:45 p.m., 150 E. Johnson Ave., First Community Credit Union, “counterfeit money.”
Welfare Check
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 16, 2:1 p.m., 700 block F St., 32-year old Shawn Michael Moore charged with Probation Violation, “Moore transported CCJ.”
Theft
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 167, 3:07 p.m., 400 block Elrod Ave., 35-year old Yasmin Satin Winn arrested on Douglas Co. SO warrant charging FTA on Criminal Trespass II, “Winn transported CCJ.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 16, 3:40 p.m., 101 W. 5th Ave., Eugene, Lane Co. Jail, 28-year old Christine Marie Saxon charged with Probation Violation on Theft I & Theft II, No Bail, “Saxon lodged Lane County Jail.”
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 16, 9:01 p.m., 135 E. 6th Ave., Eugene, Lane County Sheriff, “recovered stolen vehicle.”
DUII
According to an entry on the CBPD log for June 17, 1:53 a.m., Hwy. 101 & Bay Park, “traffic stop,” 38-year old Brett Wayne Christoferson charged with DUII, “cite in lieu of custody.”
WX
A Hazardous Sea Warning along the South Oregon Coast. A mix of clouds and sun during the morning hours, then giving way to cloudy skies by afternoon with highs in the mid 60s and winds from the North at 10-20 mph. Partly cloudy early tonight, followed by cloudy skies overnight and lows near 50 and winds from the North at 10-15 mph. Cloudy with highs in the low 60s Friday, winds from the West to Northwest at 5-10 mph.
Sports
Middle School TR
Siuslaw won the girl’s middle school district track & field championships with 130.5 pts. to Marshfield’s 88 and North Bend’s 64. North Bend won the boy’s meet with 102.5 pts.; Marshfield was second with 98. Gavin Simpson won three events for Marshfield, the 100 (11.97), 200 (24.23) and High Jump (5-08). He also ran a leg on the winning 4X100 Relay (47.98). Raleigh Collier, NB, won both the 800 (2:11.06) & 1500 (4:29.69). In the girl’s meet, Isabella Graybill, Siuslaw, won the 100H (16.96) & 200H (31.35). North Bend’s Peyton Mattecheck won the 100 (13.36) & Shot Put (33-5.75).
UO Track Awards from Big 10 Conference
UO release - Simeon Birnbaum, Aaliyah McCormick and Ben Smith were recognized by the league’s head coaches. EUGENE, Ore. – The Ducks' national champion trio of Simeon Birnbaum, Aaliyam McCormick and Ben Smith earned Big Ten year-end awards as announced Wednesday by the league office. Birnbaum and McCormick were named Big Ten Men's and Women's Track Athletes of the Year, and Smith repeated Freshman of the Year accolades to go along with his indoor award. Birnbaum was the Big Ten and NCAA champion at 1500 meters, capping his standout season with his first national title last Friday at Hayward Field. Birnbaum's standout season also included a collegiate record in the 1500 meters with his 3:31.69 performance at the Oregon Team Invitational in April. The Rapid City, S.D., native added personal bests of 1:44.67 and 13:19.73 over 800 and 3,000 meters, and was the only man in the country ranked among the top 10 in all three events this outdoor season. McCormick successfully defended her NCAA title in the 100-meter hurdles to go along with a Big Ten title in the event to start the outdoor postseason. She is the first woman to win back-to-back national titles in the 100-meter hurdles since 2008. At the NCAA West First Round, McCormick took down the Oregon school and Big Ten records with her 12.44 performance (May 30). With that time, she moved into seventh place on the all-time collegiate list. Smith became the Ducks' third-ever NCAA champion in the shot put and first since 1982, joining past Oregon greats Neal Steinhauer and Dean Crouser on that exclusive list. Smith also registered a best of 21.04m/69-0.5 to win the national title as the only collegian over 21 meters this outdoor season. The Fremont, Wis., native surpassed 20 meters in his last seven shot put competitions of the year dating back to the NCAA Indoor Championships. Smith finished third in the discus at the Big Ten meet.
Mariners
Visiting Baltimore (35-40) evened its three-game MLB series with Seattle (38-37), Wednesday, 5-3, T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA. The “rubber match” between the two is set for 1:10 p.m. today, televised on Mariners.TV.
