JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 – Sunrise: 7:14 a.m., and Sunset: 6:57 p.m., offering eleven-hours & 43-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 – High tide: 5:49 a.m., 5.68 ft.; Low tide: 10:47 a.m., 2.69 ft.; High tide: 4:57 p.m., 7.73 ft.

Coos Co.
The Coos Co. Planning Commission meets on Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Owen Building, 201 No. Adams St., Coquille.

NBPL Events
North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend, OR - Lapsit Storytime (Babies), Thursdays, October 1, 15 & 22, at 10:30 AM. Enjoy stories, songs, & gentle play designed to support the early literacy skills of babies who are not yet walking. Yarn and Other Fibers, Thursday, October 1 at 4:00 PM. Bring your yarn & other craft projects to socialize while you work. Attend in-person or virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/114137963.

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Tea Tasting, Thursday, October 1 in the Myrtlewood Room, 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Sip, savor, and explore the world of tea! Join us at the library from 12:00pm – 2:00pm for our Monthly Tea Tasting, featuring selections from Teas, Tinctures, and Tonics. Each month, enjoy samples of one caffeinated and one non-caffeinated tea while learning about their unique flavors and origins. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply curious, this event is the perfect way to discover your new favorite blend. Free and open to all – bring a friend and share the experience! Age Bracket: Everyone. Community Yoga with Abba Knipp, Thursday, October 1 in the Myrtlewood Room, 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Grounded Alignment: A blend of yoga asana, philosophy, and breath into an accessible class for all bodies and experience levels. This class is for total beginners and experienced practitioners who enjoy taking it slow. A focus on the foundational basics to gently move your body while using breath to focus your mind. These classes are anatomy and trauma-informed with props available for use. Similar to: hatha yoga, gentle yoga, yoga 1. Bring a mat if you have one and plenty of water. Wear comfortable workout clothes. Age Bracket: Teens & Adults.

Sunset Bay State Park Beach health advisory issued Sept. 30
High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact - OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria. Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources. Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including: Stormwater runoff; Sewer overflows; Failing septic systems; Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife; Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm. Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted. While this advisory is in effect at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

2026-2027 respiratory virus season begins with increased flu activity
Health officials say now is time for vaccinations - OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—While it may seem early to talk about the fall and winter season, health officials say now is the best time for people in Oregon to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses so they are protected before gathering indoors for holidays and other celebrations. “I’d like to remind everyone to think about loved ones, friends and neighbors as they plan ahead for the holiday season,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., of Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. “We are still weeks away from the season’s first holiday, Halloween—which is on a Saturday, I might add—and that’s plenty of time to get vaccinated and start building immunity against these viruses, long before the many parties and events that keep us busy in the fall.” Sidelinger, OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, was among three physicians who spoke today during a media briefing to kick off the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. Public health officials consider the first week of October to be the unofficial start of respiratory virus season, since influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity typically increase during this period. A recording of the media briefing is available on OHA’s YouTube channel. Sidelinger underscored the importance of getting vaccinated now by noting that Oregon has seen an increase in positive flu tests in recent weeks, with percent positivity at 3.2%. He said flu transmission remains low, but “that could change quickly and we are recommending that people in Oregon seek their flu shots soon.” A summer 2026 surge in COVID-19 activity—a pattern seen annually since 2021—has leveled off, although it’s not clear if the increase has yet peaked. “With elevated COVID-19 spread, it is a great time to update COVID-19 protection,” Sidelinger said. The physicians also discussed the ongoing measles outbreak during the briefing. Sidelinger emphasized that measles is widespread in Oregon. With 58 cases in the state as of Monday, the state now has the highest number of measles cases in the state since 1991, when we had 93 cases, and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. That is a sobering statistic, Sidelinger said, particularly when understanding that 96% of those measles cases were in unvaccinated persons or individuals whose vaccine status was unknown. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are vaccinated is very low. Measles spreads rapidly in unvaccinated communities and anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk. For children, two doses of MMR vaccine given after a child’s first birthday are recommended. Adults who do not have records of getting two MMR—or measles—vaccines, can talk to their health care provider about their level of immunity, including whether they would benefit from an MMR vaccine at this time when measles is circulating in Oregon. Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, said that while every respiratory virus season brings illness, “we have an opportunity to make the 2026-2027 season less severe for our children, families and communities” by getting vaccinated sooner than later. “We want our kids to be where they belong: in school, with their friends, with their families, and making memories—not in bed sick or in a hospital,” Nolt said. Leona O’Keefe, M.D., medical director of clinical services at Jackson Care Connect in Jackson County, recalled once caring for a young father who spent weeks in the intensive care unit and hospital with flu. He was not vaccinated because, like many busy parents, he felt he didn’t have time available in his schedule. “I’ve supported family members through fear and sadness around these preventable diseases,” O’Keefe said. She added, “I would be devastated if one of my children was harmed by a preventable disease because I chose not to vaccinate them, whereas I would be far more able to face myself if I gave my children incredibly safe vaccines that hold such low risks.” O’Keefe also noted that prevention can be especially important in rural communities, where families may live far from hospitals or specialists and serious illness can require long travel times and cause additional stress for patients and caregivers. As the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season begins, Nolt highlighted three recommendations for families: 1. Get vaccinated and keep your family’s vaccines up to date. Vaccines against COVID-19, flu, RSV, and measles can dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. 2. Take simple steps to reduce the spread of infection. Respiratory viruses spread easily, especially indoors, and measles is extraordinarily contagious. Stay home when you’re sick, wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and consider masking when respiratory viruses are circulating widely or someone in your household is particularly vulnerable. 3. Know who is most vulnerable and act early. Everyone can get infected, but infants, older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions are at greater risk of serious complications if they get sick. Know your family’s risks and talk with your health care provider about prevention and what to do if someone becomes sick. O’Keefe had one more recommendation: Talk to a trusted medical provider. “I know it can be challenging to get a doctor appointment and fit all your questions in, but whenever possible, talk to a trusted medical provider. If you don’t have a primary care physician, consider calling the assigned primary care physician or nurse advice line on the back of your insurance card. You can also call your local public health department—regardless of insurance—or go to your local pharmacy,” O’Keefe said. People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center. They can also call 211 or visit 211info.org.

Recreational use advisory downgraded to a precaution for Prineville Reservoir
Pet owners should continue to keep their pets away from areas that appear to have a bloom - OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has downgraded the recreational use health advisory to a precaution for Prineville Reservoir in Crook County. OHA issued the advisory July 27. Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Prineville Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from areas with blooms. OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with the signs of a bloom, and exposure routes and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab. When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities such as swimming or motorized or non-motorized boating activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, and keep pets out of the area. Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water. For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

DEQ issues six enforcement actions in August for environmental violations, None on the Coast
DEQ release - Statewide, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued six penalties totaling $184,387 in August for various environmental violations. Detailed information about violations and resulting penalties is at ordeq.org/enforcement. Fines ranged from $9,674 to $64,771. Alleged violations included an aluminum finishing business failing to properly monitor hazardous waste, a trucking and transportation business failing to report and clean up a diesel spill, and a real estate and property rental business operating a disposal system without a permit. DEQ issued the following civil penalties: D&M Import Services Inc., Ukiah, $64,771, land quality; Electro-Chem Metal Finishing Inc., Portland, $15,200, hazardous waste, air quality; Portland Disposal & Recycling Inc., Portland, $41,888, stormwater; Radar Holding LLC, Condon, $9,674, wastewater; Seubert Excavators Inc., Ontario, $47,454, stormwater; True Organic Products LLC, Boardman, $5,400, wastewater. Recipients of DEQ civil penalties must either pay the fines to the state treasury or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. They may be able to offset a portion of a penalty by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves Oregon’s environment. Learn more about these projects at ordeq.org/sep. Penalties may also include orders requiring specific tasks to prevent ongoing violations or additional environmental harm. DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon’s air, land and water. DEQ uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.

Sentenced to 41-Months, Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - 40-year-old Aaron Bradley Johnson was sentenced to 41 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) for multiple charges of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse. Johnson pled guilty to 6 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. He was sentenced to 41 months of incarceration to be followed by 36 months post-prison supervision. Original release: 10/30/25 - LCSO Case 25-3247 - Lane County Sheriff’s detectives arrest Eugene man during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation. On October 30th at about 8 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 3000 block of County Farm Road, Eugene. The suspect, Aaron Bradley Johnson, 38, of Eugene, was contacted and arrested. Johnson was lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree, 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree, and 4 counts of Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal. This search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community.

Sentenced to 30-Months, Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - 36-year-old Jason Scott Sprinkle of Florence was sentenced to 30 months incarceration in the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) for several property crimes, which occurred in western Lane County. Sprinkle pled guilty to the crimes of Burglary in the Second Degree and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Property crime investigations are labor intensive. In cases with multiple victims, based on where the crimes occurred, they often span multiple law enforcement jurisdictions. This case was investigated by LCSO with the assistance and cooperation of our other local area police agencies. LCSO deputies and detectives worked numerous hours collecting and reviewing evidence from multiple property crimes. LCSO digital forensic detectives assisted with searching and reviewing evidence found in electronics seized. Original release - 3/4/26 - LCSO Case 26-0939 - Lane County Sheriff’s deputies arrest several in Florence search warrant operation. On March 4th at 7 a.m., deputies assigned to the Lane County Sheriff’s Special Response Team (SRT), detectives, the West Lane district deputy, Florence Police officers and an Oregon State Trooper served a search warrant at a residence in the 2200 block of 12th Street in Florence. The suspects were believed to be in involved in numerous burglaries and thefts in the west Lane County area. The West Lane district deputy authored the search warrant based on his investigation. SRT was used for the service of the warrant as the primary suspect, Jason Scott Sprinkle, 35, of Florence, had attempted to flee and assaulted deputies in past contacts. During the warrant service, Sprinkle attempted to flee on foot while armed with a knife. Sprinkle was tased, dropped the knife and ultimately arrested without further incident. During the search, deputies and officers located stolen property connected to several cases, as well as additional construction materials and tools. Sprinkle was charged with: - Theft in the 1st Degree; - Burglary in the 2nd Degree; - Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree; - Failure to Report as Sex Offender; - Possession of a Stolen Vehicle; - Parole Violation on an original conviction of Assault on a Public Safety Officer.

Violation of Court Order, Myrtle Pt.
CCSO release - Date/Time: September 30, 2026 / 11:40 a.m., Case #: S2026-01545, Classification: Violation of Court Order x2 (Contempt of Court), Location: 52000 Block Big Creek Lane, Myrtle Point, OR 97458, Suspect(s): Caleb E. Swearingen (32), Summary: On September 30, 2026, at 11:40 a.m., a Deputy was dispatched to the 52000 Block of Big Creek Lane, east of Myrtle Point, to take a report of a violation of a court order (Contempt of court). During the investigation, Caleb E. Swearingen (32) was contacted and later arrested on (2) counts of Contempt of Court. Mr. Swearingen was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and remains in custody.

Violation of Stalking Order, Daniels Ck. Ln., Coos Bay
CCSO release - Date/Time: September 29th, 2026 / 4:44 p.m., Case #: S2026-01540, Classification: Violation of a Stalking Order (7 Counts), Location: 62000 Block Daniels Creek Lane, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, Suspect(s): Tristan B. Barger (28), Summary: On September 29th 2026, the North Coos Dispatch Center received a 911 call of a violation of a stalking order that was occurring in the 62000 Block of Daniels Creek Lane. A deputy responded to the location and conducted an investigation into the incident. As a result of the investigation, Tristan B. Barger (28) was contacted and ultimately arrested on 7 counts of Violation of a Stalking Order. Mr. Barger was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and remains in custody.

Illegal Camping, CQ
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m., 1000 block No. Myrtle St., “illegal camping.”

Disorderly
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Sept. 29, 8:34 a.m., 3500 block Tremont Ave., 51-year old Lamont Edward DeRoss charged with Disorderly Conduct I & Offensive Littering, “DeRoss was transported to CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 800 block So. 2nd St., “illegal camping.” At 11:12 a.m., 6th & Ivy, “illegal camping.” At 7:47 p.m., 200 block So. Schoneman St., “illegal camping.” At 11:33 p.m., 1000 block Newmark Ave., “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 8:15 a.m., 100 block No. Cammann St., “CBPD served CCSO warrant” on 26-year old Matthew Dennis Hulen charging Probation Violation on Fleeing or Attempt to Elude Police Officer, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, no bail, “Hulen transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 4:03 p.m., 29808 Colvin St., Gold Beach, “Curry County SO served BPD warrant” on 45-year old Michael Ernest White charging FTA on Theft III, “White cited in lieu of custody.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 4:52 p.m., 200 block So. 2nd St., 36-year old Joanna Marie Sims charged with Burglary II & Theft III, “Sims transported CCJ.”

Unlawful Vehicle, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 5:32 p.m., Wallace & Ocean Blvd., “unlawful vehicle.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 7:31 p.m., 900 block So. 1st St., 47-year old Richard Marvin Martin arrested on four CBPD warrants & PCS Meth; FTA on Resisting Arrest & Disorderly Conduct; FTA on FTA 2nd Degree; FTA on Unlawful Possession Meth; FTA on FTA 2nd Degree, “Martin was transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 9:33 p.m., 700 block So. Empire Blvd., “out with subjects, suspicious circumstances,” 30-year old Elizabeth Nicole Lasher arrested on CCSO warrant for Reckless Burning; CBPD warrant for FTA II & Criminal Trespass I; Florence PD warrant for Criminal Mischief II & False Info to Police, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Sept. 29, 10:39 p.m., So. Empire Blvd., “out with subject at location that left American Market,” 39-year old Steven Patrick Miller arrested on six (6) CBPD warrants charging FTA on Felon Possession Restricted Weapon & Criminal Trespass II; FTA on FTA II; FTA on Unlawful Possession Meth; FTA on FTA II; FTA on Theft III & Criminal Trespass, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.”

WX
A Small Craft Advisory along the South Oregon Coast. Sun and clouds mixed today with highs near 70 and winds from the North at 10-15 mph. Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to considerable cloudiness and fog after midnight, lows near 50 and winds out of the North to Northeast at 5-10 mph. Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon with highs near 70 and winds out of the North at 10-15 mph.

Sports

Prep xc schedules
Prep cross-country schedules for Thursday, Oct. 1 – Marshfield & Myrtle Pt., run at the 17-team “This Run’s for Maynard” – Glide Invitational. Astoria, Knappa, Seaside, Taft, & Tillamook at 36-team Grant Robison Invitational, Joe Dancer Park. Toledo at 22-team Stayton/Regis Invitational.

Prep vb
Prep volleyball schedules for Thursday, Oct. 1 – 4A: SkyEm Lg.: Marshfield at So. Umpqua, 6p. Junction City at Marist Catholic, 6:30p. Elmira at Cottage Grove, 6:30p. OR West Conf.: Central at Taft, 6p. Newport at Stayton, 6p. Cowapa Lg.: Tillamook at Astoria, 6:15p. 3A: Far West Lg.: Coquille at Siuslaw, 6p. Brookings-Harbor at St. Mary’s, 6p. Coastal Range Lg.: Warrenton at Rainier, 6p. Corbett at Neah-Kah-Nie, 6p. 2A: Sunset Conf.: Myrtle Pt. at Oakland, 6p. Reedsport at No. Douglas, 6p. Gold Beach at Bandon, 6p. Valley Coast Conf.: Crosshill Christian at Toledo, 6p. Central Linn at Waldport, 6p. NW Lg.: Nestucca at Faith Bible/Life Christian, 6:30p. Knappa at Gaston, 6:30p. 1A: Powers at Elkton, 6p. Pacific at Glendale, 6p.

Prep sc
Prep girls’ soccer schedules for Thursday, Oct. 1 – 4A: North Bend at Marshfield, 7p. OR West Conf.” Newport at Stayton, 6p. Central at Taft, 4p. Cowapa Lg.: Seaside at Valley Catholic, 5:15p. Astoria at Tillamook/Neah-Kah-Nie, 7p. 3A/2A/1A: Far West Lg.: St. Mary’s at Brookings-Harbor, 4p. SPD2: Santiam Christian at Toledo, 3p. SPD3: Siuslaw at Douglas, 4:30p. Coquille/Myrtle Pt. at Illinois Valley, 2:30p. Prep boys’ soccer schedules: 4A: North Bend/Bandon at Marshfield, 5p. OR West Conf.: Stayton at Newport, 7p. Taft at Central/Perrydale, 6:30p. Cowapa Lg.: Tillamook/Neah/Kah/Nie at Astoria, 6:15p. Valley Catholic at Seaside, 7p. 3A: Far West Lg.: Coquille/Myrtle Pt. at Siuslaw, 4:30p. SD3: Brookings-Harbor at St. Mary’s. 2A/1A: SD3: Pacific at Gold Beach, 4p.

SWOCC sc
Southwestern Oregon’s women’s soccer team fell at Portland, Wednesday, 3-0. The Lakers (1-6, 1-8) host Klamath on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2p. No score on the men’s soccer match with Bushnell at SWOCC on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

OSU vb
Oregon State’s volleyball team hosts Texas State, Thursday, Oct. 1, 6p, Gill Coliseum, Corvallis.

OSU wsc
Oregon State’s women’s soccer team plays at Washington State, Pullman, WA, Thursday, Oct. 1, 6p.

NFL Thursday Night FB
The Thursday Night NFL football game has the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Cleveland Browns, Oct. 1, 5:15p, televised on Amazon Prime.