JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2025 – Sunrise: 7:49 a.m. and Sunset: 4:57 p.m., offering nine-hours and nine-minutes of daylight.

Coos Bay Estuary Tides
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR, Estuary, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2025 – High tide: 4:35 a.m., 7.3 ft.; Low tide: 10:14 am., 2.37 ft.; High tide: 4 p.m., 7.23 ft.; Low tide: 10:33 p.m., 0.15 ft.

NBPL Event
North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend, OR - Memory Café Coos, Wednesday, January 7 at 10:30 AM. Older adults living with memory loss & their care partners are invited to an informal social gathering that meets the first Wednesday of every month.

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Storytime, Wednesday, January 7 in the Myrtlewood Room, 10:00am – 10:30am. Sing, read, talk, write, and play with the children in your life! Join us for a family storytime at the library for rhymes, songs, and stories for children and a parent or a caregiver. Movie Night, Wednesday, January 7 in the Myrtlewood Room, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Join us the first and third Wednesday of every month for a free, themed movie at the library. This month's theme: Solving mysteries at every age. Movies shown range from PG to R ratings. Free popcorn and beverages provided. It's movie time! January 7th - The Thursday Murder Club (2025) Rated PG-13; January 21st - The Kid Detective (2020) Rated R. The Thursday Murder Club is a star-studded murder mystery set in a retirement community. Featuring a colorful cast of characters, showing that friendship, intelligence, ingenuity, and murder transcend age. Starring, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley.

Quake
A 2.8-magnitude earthquake was recorded at the southern end of the two fault lines that run parallel with the Oregon Coast, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was located west of Petrolia, CA, near Cape Mendocino in Northern California.

Central Coast County Commissioner Passes Ending Recall
A six-term Central Oregon Coast County Commissioner passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, due to worsening health conditions halting the recall election in Lincoln County against 66-year old Clair Hall. Hall, chair of the three-member Board in Newport, was accused of allegedly participating in chaotic meetings and clashes with other commissioners leading to her recall after 21-years on the Board. It was the county’s first recall effort of an elected official in 132-years. Clair, a transgender who came out in 2018, previously worked as a reporter for KNPT Radio in Newport as Bill Hall and was a graduate of Pacific University, Forest Grove. As a County Commissioner, Hall was a champion for the Homeless and an advocate for Affordable Housing.

OPRD Seeks Public Input on Proposed Rules for UAS in OPRD Parks
**UPDATED LINK** News Release from Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - The previous version of this press release contained an error in one of the links. please refer to this release for the correct link. SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore. The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources. Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted: Online:
https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx
By email: [email protected]; By mail: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Robert Ellison, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony. Virtual hearing, January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes. The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors. OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment. Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026. If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

Board of Forestry Governance Committee
ODF release - SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public. The committee’s agenda includes: Review annual board governance performance evaluation; Review updated new board member orientation packet; Work on agenda development document; Plan for future meetings. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at [email protected].

Living in Luxury to Living in Jail
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon release - EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner of Zadeh Kicks LLC, a now-defunct Oregon corporation that sold limited edition and collectible sneakers online, was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a vast fraud conspiracy that cost customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of more than $15 million. Michael Malekzadeh, 42, a Eugene resident, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit more than $15 million in assets. Restitution will be determined at a later date. “This million-dollar fraud was fueled by the defendant’s insatiable greed and wreaked havoc on the lives of his victims and their families—delaying home purchases, retirements, and engagements,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Michael Malekzadeh fed his lavish lifestyle by cheating his customers, collectors, and investors out of millions and defrauding banks. The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of these crimes and should serve as warning to anyone contemplating fraud as a get-rich-quick scheme.” “While the defendant lived in luxury, he took money from kids and adults for goods he was never going to deliver,” said Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark. “In this case, part of the cost of his crimes are the unfulfilled desires of individuals who trusted him with their money. It is a good reminder that when transactions require us to rely on those who we do business with; it is important to do whatever we can to also verify they can deliver what they promise. Investigating fraud and deception in our communities remains an FBI priority.” “The devastating effects of financial crime are real, as Mr. Malekzadeh’s greed harmed many lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “The consequences for financial crime are equally as real however, as shown in Mr. Malekzadeh’s sentencing. IRS-CI is committed to protecting our communities from financial fraudsters.” According to court documents, Malekzadeh started his business in 2013 by purchasing limited edition and collectible sneakers to resell online. Beginning as early as January 2020, Zadeh Kicks began offering preorders of sneakers before their public release dates, allowing Malekzadeh to collect money upfront before fulfilling orders. Malekzadeh advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed. By April 2022, Malekzadeh owed customers more than $65 million in undelivered sneakers. Beyond defrauding his customer base, Malekzadeh conspired to provide false and altered financial information to numerous financial institutions—including providing altered bank statements—on more than 15 bank loan applications. All told, Malekzadeh and his co-conspirator received more than $15 million in loans from these applications. During the investigation, agents seized millions of dollars in cash and luxury goods that Malekzadeh acquired with the proceeds of his fraud, including luxury watches, jewelry, and hundreds of handbags. Additionally, almost $7.5 million was seized from the sale of Malekzadeh’s residence in Eugene, his watches, and luxury cars manufactured by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. On July 29, 2022, Malekzadeh was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering. On March 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and his co-conspirator agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims. A restitution hearing is currently set for March 31, 2026. This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Oregon Intellectual Property Task Force. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture and restitution proceedings are being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery Unit.

Search for Impaired Drivers Continue, Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - The Lane County Sheriff’s Office does not have regular funding for a dedicated traffic team or deputy assigned to DUI enforcement. However, our deputies are committed to the safety of our community, and that includes patrolling our roadways. - Plan your safe ride home ahead of time; - If you drink or use drugs, do not drive for any reason; - If you know someone has been drinking or using drugs, don't let them drive; - If you host a party with alcohol, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver. And please, always wear your seatbelt! Drive safe in 2026 – or better yet, get a ride! On January 2nd at 9 p.m., a deputy observed a pickup run a red light westbound on Main Street in Springfield, then straddle both lanes. The deputy initiated a traffics top, however the vehicle did not stop until it was in Eugene. The deputy contacted the driver, Bryan Richard Like, 47, of Eugene, and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Like was arrested for DUII. On January 3rd at 9 p.m., a deputy responded to the 38400 block of Emerald Way, east of Springfield, for a report of a pickup rolled on its side. The deputy located the driver, Jake Ryan Martinez, 31, of Springfield, nearby and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Martinez was arrested for DUII. On January 4th at 2 a.m., deputies responded to a crash in parking lot on Holbrook Lane, Creswell. Deputies contacted the driver, Austin Mychal Lamb, 30, of Creswell, and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Lamb was arrested for DUII. At 5 p.m., deputies responded to assist Springfield Police officers after they located a vehicle that crashed into a gate at a residence on Jasper Road across from Clearwater Lane. The deputy observed signs the driver, Selah Mark Knapp, 38, of Springfield, was impaired. Knapp also had minor injuries. After further investigation, Knapp was arrested for DUII and Reckless Driving. He became uncooperative, and was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the charges. During booking, Knapp spit blood on deputies. Charges were added for Aggravated Harassment.

Staples Parking Lot Homicide update
CBPD release - Christopher Blodgett, a 50-year-old male of Coos Bay, has been arraigned on multiple charges following a homicide that occurred in the Staples parking lot in December. On December 28, 2025, at approximately 1:55 p.m., the North Coos 911 Center (NC911) received reports of a shooting in the parking lot of Staples, 1995 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. Callers were able to provide dispatch a description and license plate for the suspect vehicle, which was immediately relayed to the responding Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) officers. With that information, officers responded to the Staples shooting scene and immediately began the search for the suspect vehicle. CBPD officers arrived at the Staples parking lot around 2:00 p.m. and attempted to provide medical aid to the shooting victim, identified as 39-year-old David Orr of Coos Bay. Medical personnel also responded, but Mr. Orr was declared deceased at the scene. At 2:05 p.m., a North Bend Police Department (NBPD) officer located the suspect vehicle, based on the suspect vehicle owner information provided by dispatch, parked outside a residence near 33rd St. and Vine Ave. in Coos Bay. CBPD officers arrived shortly after, detained both occupants of the vehicle, and arrested Mr. Blodgett as the suspected shooter—only 13 minutes after the first 911 call was received. Mr. Blodgett was initially held on an unrelated Oregon State Parole Board, Grants Pass Police Department, and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office warrants until the Coos County District Attorney’s Office filed the formal charges related to this case. On December 31, 2025, Mr. Blodgett was arraigned on the below-listed charges: • Murder in the second degree; • Kidnapping in the second degree; • Coercion; • Felon in possession of a firearm; • Assault in the fourth degree; • Harassment. The CBPD appreciates the assistance provided by members of the Coos County Major Crime Team, including the Oregon State Police (OSP), North Bend Police Department (NBPD), South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT), Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indian Tribal Police, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, Coos County Medical Examiner, and Coos County Parole and Probation, along with the assistance provided on scene from the Coos Bay Fire Department (CBFD) and Bay Cities Ambulance (BCA).

Behind the Bars
CCSO release - Hello, and thank you to all who are taking the time to read this. I am Deputy Lessley, and I was asked to share my jail experience with my community, so here goes. In high school, I joined the workforce with a job at a hardware store/lumber yard. I worked there for a total of 13 years. During my time there, I was able to become the store manager, and I enjoyed my job for the most part. I probably would still be there if I had had better insurance for my family. That being said, I began searching for a job that could provide that. I had a few offers that checked the boxes I needed, but I stumbled across a recruiting video for the Coos County Sheriff’s Office and submitted my application. I was applying to be a patrol deputy, and after six months of waiting, I got the call and was asked if I would be interested in starting my career in the jail with the opportunity to go to patrol in the future. Since I began working in the jail three years ago, there have been things I’ve seen that I will never unsee and smells that I will never be able to describe. There have been adults in custody (AICs) who will smear their feces on the walls, some who will use their toilets for days without flushing, others who urinate under their doors, and some who intentionally flood their cells by stuffing clothes or blankets into the toilets. Some days, I really miss going to work and helping someone order tools or supplies to remodel a house, along with the smell of fresh-cut cedar. One of the biggest issues we see is that countless AICs get arrested and brought to jail only to be booked and released. I understand that, as a citizen, it is frustrating to see this happen time and again, but let me just say that most, if not all, deputies are just as frustrated. Not all the AICs are arrested for major issues. Many get arrested and brought into the jail with a citation, which forces us to release them. We see these people get arrested and brought to jail seemingly as a means of keeping them off the streets of surrounding cities, but that just means they will be stuck on the streets of Coquille with no resources. There are some people who should be in an assisted living situation or in a mental health facility, but there aren’t many options, and apparently the Coos County Jail is believed to be the next best option for those individuals. We have extremely limited resources in this county, and it seems that what little we do have is exploited by those who don’t necessarily want them to actually try to change, but who use them as a way to get out of jail just to be arrested for a similar crime within days or a couple of weeks. We also get people who intentionally get arrested to have a place to sleep and meals provided. We have AICs who get arrested multiple times a year. A few have even reached 30 incarcerations in 2025. This causes another issue for us. When we house someone who is using the jail as a hotel, this takes up bed space and causes us to book and release because of the laws we are required to follow, as given to us by the state of Oregon. One issue I have with Oregon state law is that sometimes it seems as though the “time” does not match the “crime.” Meaning, there are crimes for which we have to house someone, but for someone with a “more serious crime,” we are forced to release them. I do hope that in the future, things get better for our community. I hope we are able to get resources here to help the people who need it. And hopefully, with more resources, people will feel less helpless and not resort back to their old habits. I know there are people who seem to have given up on themselves because they feel the system doesn’t work or it keeps them down, but maybe we can show that we haven’t given up on them. And I pray that one day we live in a safer and cleaner community. Thanks again.

Stolen Motorcycle
CCSO release - SCINT recently executed a search warrant and recovered a 2001 Honda CVR929 MCJ-830 motorcycle. The VIN numbers are mostly scraped off, and we are certain this is a stolen motorcycle. If anyone is missing such a motorcycle and has the last four of the vin plus a description, we would love to return the motorcycle to its rightful owner. If you own or have any information, please get in touch with Sergeant Aaron Whittenburg or Detective BradLee Davis at the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.

Trailer Takes out Power Pole
CCSO release - Vehicle was driving westbound on S. Coos River Ln. when it lost its trailer near Daggett. The trailer went off the road crashed through a ppl telephone pole and the driver left the trailer sitting over the top of the telephone pole and never returned. Looking for any info on who might own this trailer in that area. Please contact Deputy MR Smith with the Coos County Sheriff’s Office with any information.

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Jan. 5, 1:03 p.m., 940 E. 5th St., Coquille Valley Hospital, “result of criminal trespass,” 34-year old Kayla Ann Crawford charged with PCS, “Crawford transported to CCJ.”

Theft
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Jan. 5, 12:32 p.m., 2600 block Sheridan Ae., “theft from vehicle.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Jan. 5, 3:41 p.m., 1800 block McPherson Ave., “illegal camping.” At 7:53 p.m., 2222 Broadway Ave., Clyde Allen Field, “illegal camping.” At 10:41 p.m., 1800 block Union Ave., “illegal camping.”

UEMVs
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Jan. 5, 4:08 p.m., 2400 block Delores Ln., “unlawful entry into MV.” At 6:08 p.m., 2700 block Sheridan Ave., “unlawful entry into MV.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 5, 6:34 a.m., 212 S. 5th St., Banner Bank, “illegal camping.” At 6:38 p.m., 247 So. 2nd St., Seven Devils Brewery, “illegal camping.” At 4:55 p.m., Empire Lakes, John Topits Park, “illegal camping.”

Arrest
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 5, 2:13 p.m., 500 Central Ave., 53-year old Kimberly Dawn Easker charged with Assault IV, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, “Eacker lodged CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 5, 3:12 p.m., 1360 Airport Ln., NB, OSP Coos Bay Command, “warrant service,” on 48-year old Shane Eldon Rose charging FTA on Criminal Driving While Suspended or Revoked; FTA on Failure to Appear in the Second Degree; FTA on Criminal Driving While Suspended or Revoked two-counts; FTA on Failure to Appear in the Second Degree.

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 5, 7:47 p.m., Clackamas Co., “out with subject now,” 42-year old Jonathan David Schill arrested on CCSO warrant charging Driving While Suspended or Revoked-Felony.

WX
A Hazardous Sea Warning along the South Oregon Coast. Cloudy with periods of rain today, highs in the upper 40s and winds out of the West to Southwest at 10-20 mph. Rain showers early tonight will evolve into more steady rain overnight with lows in the upper 30s and winds out of the Northwest at 5-10 mph. Cloudy Thursday morning, then off and on rain showers during the afternoon. Highs in the upper 40s and wind light and variable.

Sports

Prep GBXB Scores
Prep girls’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Jan. 6: 4A – North Bend won at Newport, 46-15. Seaside won at Junction City, 62-31. Tillamook beat visiting Molalla, 49-35. Creswell over Cottage Grove, 59-38. 3A – Siuslaw fell at Toledo, 60-16. 2A – Nestucca lost at Knappa, 42-33. Waldport fell at Myrtle Pt., 53-23. 1A – Powers won at Pacific, 77-8.

Prep GBXB Schedules
Prep girls’ basketball schedules for Wednesday, Jan. 7: 3A – Yamhill-Carlton at Neah-Kah-Nie, 7:30p. Santiam Christian at Taft, 6p. Brookings-Harbor at Coquille, 5:30p.

Prep BBXB Polls
Marshfield has dropped to No. 5 in this week’s OSAA/Coaches 4A Prep Basketball Polls. Scappoose (9-1) is No. 1, followed by Newport (8-1), Madras (10-11), Molalla (10-0) and the Pirates (6-4). The OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 3A State Championships will again be held in the Bay Area, March 5-7. Valley Catholic, of Beaverton (9-1) is No. 1, followed by Westside Christian, of Tigard (8-2) at No. 2, Pleasant Hill (8-3) at No. 3, Riverside, of Boardman (8-3), No. 4, Salem Academy (7-2) No. 5 and Cascade Christian, of Medford (7-3), at No. 6. Portland Christian (9-0) leads the 2A and County Christian (10-2) leads the 1A. Central Catholic (5-4) is tops in the 6A and Parkrose (7-2) leads the 5A.

Prep BBXB Scores
Prep boys’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Jan. 6: 4A – North Bend fell at Newport, 76-49. Molalla lost at Tillamook 68-61. Seaside lost at Junction City, 53-41. Creswell won at Cottage Grove, 71-32. 3A – Siuslaw won at Toledo, 62-48. Kennedy lost at Warrenton, 49-41. 2A – Nestucca lost at Knappa, 55-40. Waldport lost at Myrtle Pt., 47-19.

Prep BBXB Schedules
Prep boys’ basketball schedules for Wednesday, Jan. 7: 3A – Yamhill-Carlton at Neah-Kah-Nie, 6p. Santiam Christian at Taft, 7:30p. Brookings-Harbor at Coquille, 7p.

Prep wr
Marshfield’s wrestling teams head over the hill to North Bend to take on the Bulldogs in a pair of prep duals, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 7p.

SWOCC BXB
Southwestern Oregon’s basketball teams will play at Lane (Eugene), Wednesday, Jan. 7. Laker men at 5:30p and women at 7:30p.

UO WBXB
Oregon’s women beat No. 21 USC, 71-66 in a Big Ten Conference basketball game at Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 6. The Ducks (2-2, 14-3) host No. 15 Michigan State, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m., Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, televised on B1G+ Network.