JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – Sunrise: 6:03 a.m., and Sunset: 8:42 p.m., offering 14-hours and 38-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – High tide: 1:30 a.m., 7.15 ft.; Low tide: 8:32 a.m., -0.8 ft.; High tide: 3:11 p.m., Low tide: 8:20 p.m., 2.46 ft.

Coos Co.
A Coos County Code Enforcement Hearing/Meeting will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 9 a.m. to noon, Owen Building, 201 No. Adams St., Coquille.

Farmer’s Market
Wednesday is a Farmer’s Market Day in downtown Coos Bay. Vendors will be setup from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Central Ave., between So. Broadway (Hwy. 101) and Third St.

Reservations Open for OCCI's 2026 Summer Restaurant Lunch Series
SWOCC release - Coos Bay, OR – Looking for a unique lunch experience this summer? Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to enjoy its Summer Restaurant Lunch Series, returning for a limited run in July and August. Over the course of 12 select days, guests may choose from a restaurant-style lunch menu prepared and served by OCCI culinary students. The experience is more than just a great meal. It is a vital part of OCCI's training, helping students refine culinary techniques, practice customer service, and collaborate as a team in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Reservations are now being accepted for all summer lunch dates. Lunch Service Schedule: Tuesdays–Thursdays | 10:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Last reservation taken at 1:00 p.m.): July 29, 30; August 4, 5, 6. Reservations Required. Seating is limited and reservations are required! Reservations may be made online at: https://www.opentable.com/r/oregon-coast-culinary-institute-coos-bay. Parties of up to six guests may be reserved. Guests are encouraged to reserve early, as seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you're planning a business lunch, catching up with friends, or simply looking to support students, OCCI's Summer Restaurant Lunch Series offers a chance to enjoy great food while helping prepare the next generation of culinary professionals.

Coquille Volunteer's Firefighters 39th Annual Steak Feed & Car Show
The Coquille Volunteer Firefighters 39th Annual Steak Feed & Car Show is the first Saturday in August. This year's event takes place on August 1, 2026, Noon to 4 p.m., Sturdivant Park, Coquille, OR, where Hwy. 42 & Hwy. 42 South intersect. Along with the Steak Feed & Car Show, live music and fun for the kids. This event is an annual fund-raiser for the Association with proceeds going to training, public education, and most importantly new gear and equipment to make sure each member of the department and volunteers are properly equipped for all emergencies. For more information, contact the Coquille Fire Dept. at (541) 396-2232.

Urban Renewal Agency and Economic Development
City of North Bend release - Façade Improvement Grant Program Now Open: The Urban Renewal Agency’s Façade Improvement Grant Program is now open for qualifying properties within the Urban Renewal Area. Funding is limited, and applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available. Property owners interested in determining eligibility or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Community Development Manager Stephanie Wilson at [email protected]. The Urban Renewal Area boundary map is available at northbendoregon.gov.

NB Fire Dept. Report
Report from City Administrator to the City Council -Fire Department, Wildland Fire Response — Al Pierce Property: The Fire Department responded to a rapidly spreading grass and brush fire beneath the bridge on the Al Pierce property. Through an established mutual aid agreement, the Coos Forest Protection Association responded with a 10-person suppression crew and four apparatus. Working together, crews successfully contained the fire to just over two acres, preventing significant spread into surrounding vegetation and nearby properties. (City Goals: Protect lives, property, and natural resources; strengthen regional partnerships through effective mutual aid; provide an efficient emergency response utilizing shared resources.) Multi-Family Residential Structure Fire: Firefighters responded to a multi-family residential structure fire that displaced six residents. The fire had significant potential to spread throughout the building and threaten adjacent structures. Through the rapid response of North Bend Fire personnel and assistance from a mutual aid engine company from the Coos Bay Fire Department, crews quickly contained the fire to the structure of origin, significantly limiting property loss and preventing a larger community emergency. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist displaced residents by providing temporary shelter and essential supplies during their initial recovery. (City Goals: Protect life and property through rapid emergency response; foster regional cooperation through mutual aid partnerships; support community recovery by coordinating with partner agencies.) Motor Vehicle Accident — Broadway Avenue Utility Incident: The Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident on Broadway Avenue involving a pickup truck that struck a major utility pole carrying primary electrical distribution lines. The collision caused widespread electrical and communication outages throughout portions of the community. Fire personnel secured the scene, established a safe work area, and prevented the public from entering hazardous locations while utility crews completed repairs. Traffic control assistance was requested from the Oregon Department of Transportation, and multiple utility providers coordinated the replacement of several utility poles over an extended period. This incident demonstrated the importance of strong interagency coordination during critical infrastructure emergencies. (City Goals: Protect public safety during critical incidents; coordinate effectively with partner agencies; maintain community resilience through emergency management.) Brush Fire — Virginia Avenue: Firefighters responded to a brush fire involving approximately one-quarter acre of vegetation, including Scotch broom, on property across Virginia Avenue from Taco Bell. Working alongside the Coos Forest Protection Association, crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire before it could spread to nearby properties. For reference, one acre is approximately the size of a football field. (City Goals: Protect lives and property through early fire suppression; reduce wildfire risk through regional partnerships; preserve community safety and environmental resources.) Marine Rescue Responses: The Fire Department responded to two separate water rescue incidents during the reporting period. One request originated from the United States Coast Guard, while the second was initiated through the 911 dispatch system. In both cases, rescue personnel responded with trained boat crews and specialized equipment. Although both incidents resolved prior to arrival, personnel remained prepared to provide emergency rescue services had they been needed. (City Goals: Maintain emergency preparedness for all hazards; provide specialized rescue capabilities; ensure rapid response for residents and visitors utilizing local waterways.)

Curry Co.
Calling it “a clear pattern and practice of using public funds for personal gain,” the Curry County Board of Commissioners have referred an alleged controversial practice within the Sheriff’s Office where grant or donation monies have been used for personal purchases. The Board has referred the allegations to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. At the center of the investigation is a report that $390,000 in private donations were used to purchase vehicles for former Sheriff John Bishop and his predecessor, the current Sheriff, John Ward. Some of the funds were also allegedly used to purchase a boat, grill, and to pay for a retirement party.

Portland health care sites become latest measles exposure locations
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Washington and Multnomah County health officials are warning the public about two locations where people may have been exposed to measles. People might have been exposed if they were at the following locations at these dates and times: Randall’s Children Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, 2801 N Gantenbein Ave., Portland: Between 8:10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23; Between 10:51 p.m. and 12:55 a.m., Friday, July 24; Between 11:36 a.m. and 2:11 p.m., Saturday, July 25; Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, East Pavillion Medical Office Building lobby, elevators and seventh floor, 9155 SW Barnes Road, Portland, between 10:20 a.m. and 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. People who were at these locations during these dates and times should immediately contact their health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection. Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care?clinics?or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.

Recreational use advisory issued for Odell Lake July 28
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Odell Lake due to laboratory results from recently collected water samples that showed cyanotoxins above the Recreational Use Value (RUV). A recreational use health precaution has been in place since July 24 due to the presence of a visible harmful algae bloom. The lake is in Klamath County. People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash. OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating. OHA encourages people to visit Odell Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Travel through eastern, central Oregon remains limited as wildfires affect major corridors
Few alternate routes remain - ODOT release - July 28, 2026, SALEM -- Wildfires east of the Cascades continue to affect major travel corridors, leaving few options for travelers and freight. When major routes close, smaller roads quickly become congested because they aren’t designed for heavy traffic and large loads. This can lead to long delays, and crashes become more likely. If you must travel to eastern or central Oregon this week, plan ahead and understand that conditions are changing rapidly. Even if a road is open when you set out, it might be closed by the time you reach it. Interstate 84 reopened early this morning after closing at midnight when fire activity increased. Fire continues to affect a 30-mile stretch of I-84 between Baker City and Ontario, so expect continued delays and possible intermittent closures. Sections of U.S. 20 and U.S. 26 between central and eastern Oregon remain impacted due to wildfire. Many other routes that aren’t impacted at this time have wildfires threatening them nearby. Check TripCheck.com for the latest information. Highway closures can happen with little notice as wildfire activity and conditions change. “Please be safe and aware as ODOT crews across Oregon work?around the clock?to respond to devastating wildfires,” Gov. Kotek said. “ODOT crews are working alongside firefighters and emergency responders to safely reopen roads as soon as they can.?TripCheck.com has the most up-to-date information.”? While an interstate or highway is closed, avoid traveling toward closure points. Truck parking and services near these closures fill quickly, leaving limited places to wait. Remain at a location with access to fuel, food, water and lodging, and check TripCheck.com for the latest updates before resuming your trip. These closures are necessary for more than just fire along the roadway and low visibility due to dense smoke. Firefighters and emergency responders are working from and along some highways, emergency routes must remain clear, and highways are needed for evacuation traffic. Some other things to remember while traveling this wildfire season: Smoke can reduce visibility quickly, making it difficult to see other vehicles, emergency responders?and hazards. Slow down, increase following distance and use extra caution when driving through smoky areas. Never rely on GPS alone. GPS may direct you onto Forest Service roads or other routes that aren’t suitable for highway traffic. Power outages near fires may also affect traffic signals and other transportation systems, so treat dark signals as four-way stops and watch for changing traffic patterns.? Burned areas may have missing signs, damaged guardrail or other damaged roadside infrastructure until crews can safely return to make repairs.

Central Coast Whale Watch Center Closing for Repairs
OPRD release - Depot Bay, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Whale Watching Center and viewing area around the building will close for repairs this summer. There are still plenty of places along the Oregon Coast to see whales from Astoria to Brookings. “This has been an ongoing need for the building and we’ve just recently been able to secure funding,” said Park Manager Burke Martin. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work to protect and preserve this unique coastal facility.” The postwar-era building was built in 1956 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. This temporary closure will allow the contractors to complete essential roof replacement work. Construction will repair leaks from the promenade deck, replace the original roofing membrane and drains. Construction can begin as early as Aug. 1 depending on the contractor’s schedule and mobilization plans. Because this is a roofing project on the Oregon coast, construction during the summer months will allow work crews to take advantage of typically drier weather. This timing helps reduce the risk of weather-related delays and protects both the structure and contractor safety. The Whale Watching Center will remain open until construction officially begins. OPRD anticipates completing repairs by the end of October – well ahead of the annual gray whale migration in the winter. We acknowledge that this temporary closure may be inconvenient for visitors and the Depoe Bay community, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we complete these essential improvements. The turn out about a block north of the Whale Watching Center will remain open. Nearby parks such as Boiler Bay, Rocky Creek and Cape Foulweather also offer fantastic views for whale watching.

Smoke Management Rulemaking Advisory Committee
OR Dept. of Forestry Release - A series of three meetings of a rulemaking advisory committee on updating the smoke management rules have been scheduled. The committee’s focus will be to discuss regulated areas. This will include multiple work sessions and public comment. The first meeting took place July 15, view the meeting video. The second meeting is Wednesday, July 29 from 1 – 3 p.m. via Teams. One additional meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. There will be a period for public comment. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

ID Made in Coos Co. Cold Case
OSP release - COOS COUNTY, Ore. (28 July 2026) - The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office Human Identification Program, working closely with the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit, has successfully identified a man whose remains were discovered in 1972 near Highway 101. After decades of stalled leads and inconclusive testing, advanced forensic genetic genealogy finally provided the answers investigators had long sought, revealing the decedent as Armes Henry Lahti. On August 26, 1972, the skeletal remains of what were believed to be an older male were discovered in a brushy area off Highway 101 north of the Highway 42 junction in Coos County. The decedent was found with upper and lower denture plates and multiple articles of clothing. Unfortunately, none of the items provided any clues to the man’s identity. Due to other evidence at the scene, the case was treated as a homicide. Attempts at identifying the decedent were made throughout the ensuing years. In 2014, DNA was extracted and sequenced for upload to the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS) by the University of North Texas Human Identification Center; however, there were no matches. Using National Institute of Justice grant funding, the remains were submitted for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profiling and forensic genetic genealogy to several companies. Unfortunately, due to insufficient DNA, these efforts were unsuccessful. SNP profiling detects specific genetic markers to determine a unique genetic fingerprint. In 2025, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit submitted further evidence to Othram, Inc. who successfully extracted and sequenced an SNP profile. The profile indicated that the decedent was of 100 percent Finnish ancestry. The profile was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a probable candidate for the decedent was developed. Family reference testing was completed, and the decedent has been confirmed as Armes Henry Lahti (born 1909). State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder, Ph.D., said, “This long?awaited identification reflects years of dedicated work, collaborative science, and advances in modern genetic genealogy.” She continued, “This outcome would not be possible without the ongoing cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies, private scientific partners, and volunteers committed to resolving cold cases.” The Coos County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit is continuing to work the case and anyone with information is asked to call 541-396-7800 to speak with an investigator.

Hwy. 58 Fatal, Lane Co.
LANE COUNTY, Ore. (28 July 2026) – On Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 5:24 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 58 near Rattlesnake Road in Lane County. The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound gray Mazda 3 sedan, operated by Leilani Kana’i Barto (18) of Dallas, was attempting to pass eastbound traffic and collided head-on with a westbound silver Toyota Highlander SUV, operated by Arthur Allen Corliss (74) of Eugene. The Highlander was then struck by a westbound Kenworth semi-truck and trailer, operated by Anthony Richard Luna (38) of Sutherlin. The operator of the Mazda (Barto) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the Toyota (Corliss) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The operator of the Kenworth (Luna) was reportedly not injured. The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash. OSP was assisted by the Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue, Eugene Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Fatal near Pleasant Hill, Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - On July 26th at about 5:15 am, Deputies and Fire personnel were dispatched to a vehicle crash which occurred on Pheasant Lane near Wheeler Road. The caller reported seeing two subjects lying on the ground outside of the crashed vehicle not moving. Deputies and EMT’s arrived on scene and Life Flight was requested. The initial investigation revealed two occupants were inside of the vehicle but possibly ejected at the time of the crash. The female passenger did not survive. She was identified as 19-year-old Adison Bernice Stading of Woodland Washington. The driver was transported to an area hospital by Life Flight in critical condition. Trained crash investigators with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate the cause of the crash. This case remains active and it is still under investigation. There is no further information available for release at this time.

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the MPPD log for July 27, 10:04 a.m., 400 block 8th St., 56-year old Richard Allen Peerson charged with Criminal Trespass II, “Peerson CLC.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 27, 7:31 a.m., 1900 block McPherson Ave., “illegal camping,” 42-year old David Grizzard, “Ticket.”

Follow Up
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 27, 12:18 p.m., 1300 block Sherman Ave., Simpson Park, 39-year old Dallan Annon arrested on charges of Arson II, Reckless Burning, Offensive Littering within Waterway, Disorderly Conduct II & Criminal Trespass II, “Annon transported CCJ.

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 27, 5 a.m., 200 block Holland Ave, Empire Boat Docks, “illegal camping.”

Dispute
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 27, 3:20 p.m., 1600 block Newmark Ave., “result of dispute,” 49-year old Damien Dalton Arellanes charged with Assault IV Domestic Strangulation, Menacing, Unlawful Use of Weapon, Attempted Rape and Attempted Sodomy, “Arellanes transported CCJ.”

Indecent
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 27, 6:17 p.m., 200 block Central Ave., “indecent exposure.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 28, 1:03 a.m., Newport & Mullen, Bunker Hill, 47-year old Randi Lynn Pittman arrested on Douglas Co. SO warrant charging FTA on DUII, Reckless Driving, PCS Meth & PCS Heroin; additional charge from Winston for FTA Traffic Offense, “transported CCJ.”

WX
Cloudy skies this morning along the South Oregon Coast, then partly cloudy by afternoon with highs in the mid 60s and winds from the North at 10-15 mph. Partly cloudy skies early tonight will give way to cloudy skies overnight and lows in the lower 50s and winds from the North to Northeast at 5-10 mph. Cloudy skies early, becoming party cloudy later in the day on Thursday with highs in the upper 60s and winds out of the North at 10-15 mph.

Sports

Nine-Man FB Camp
Lowell, southeast of Eugene, is again hosting a nine-man prep football camp this Summer and three South Coast teams are participating. Camp organizer, Ray Yarbrough, Lowell’s head coach, says they can only have nine-teams participate due to the size of the facilities, but the camp has grown since it began four-years ago with four-teams. Along with the host Red Devils, also participating are Myrtle Point, Bandon and Gold Beach. The camp is running through Thursday this week.

Ducks Update - Romero Earns All-Pro Honors
UO release - Associate head softball coach Sydney Romero capped an exceptional AUSL season by being named to the league's All-Pro Team, while #ProDuck Amari Harper finished her rookie season in style. Following the best season of her professional career, Romero was one of just 10 players to earn all-league status. She ranked in the AUSL's top 10 in 11 different offensive categories. Romero tied for the league lead in hits (32) and total bases (67). She was also second in the AUSL in RBI (28), doubles (6) and runs (21), third in home runs (9), fourth in batting average (.376) and fifth in slugging percentage (.788).

OSU Track & Field Throws Coach
OSU release - CORVALLIS – Oregon State Track & Field head coach Louie Quintana added three-time GNAC Coach of the Year Octavious Gillespie as the Beaver throws coach. Octavious is a great addition to our staff as we transition into the newly built Pac-12. He has tremendous knowledge with the Throwing events and also brings valuable experience as a former Head Track and Field Coach. We are looking forward to getting to work, Quintana said. Gillespie officially joins the staff after an interim stint in the Spring that saw Bea Pettersson set the school record and qualify for NCAA West Regionals in the shot put. He also coached Havana Alonso (javelin), Maryann Ackerman (javelin) and Katelyn Gelston (Discus) to regional qualifying spots. As a local area collegiate coach, I have admired and respected the work that Coach Quintana and staff have done over the years. I'm excited to be joining the program on a permanent basis and looking forward representing Oregon State University in the new Pac-12, Gillespie said. Prior to joining the Beavs, Gillespie was a three-time GNAC Coach of the Year as the head coach at Western Oregon. He was born in Guatemala and raised Portland, Ore. and returned back to Oregon to guide the Wolves to a pair of women's GNAC titles (the 2022 outdoor title and the 2023 indoor title) while finishing no lower than fourth over the previous four seasons. He led the men to a top-three GNAC finish each year he was the coach - including an indoor conference championship in 2023. Gillespie guided numerous athletes to conference titles and a half-dozen-plus national championship appearances to go along with the team success. Prior to taking the reigns in Monmouth, Gillespie was a head coach at Cal Poly Pomona and an assistant coach at UCLA, Cal State LA and Tulsa. While in Pomona he led the team to four outdoor school records, 91 top-10 performances, an NCAA Division II National Champion, nine NCAA Division II outdoor track and field All-Americans, 24 NCAA Division II national qualifiers, three cross country All-Americans and two cross country individual national qualifiers. As a student-athlete, he competed for Lane Community College, UC Santa Barbara and UCLA. The Hillsboro High School alum scored in the javelin and decathlon for the Bruins at the 2002 Pac-10 Conference Championships. Professionally, Gillespie was the Guatemalan national record holder in the javelin (65.87 meters) and decathlon (7,448 points) and was a Pan-American competitor in 2003 and 2007. He was the Central American Champion in the high jump in 2004 and in the pole vault in 2007. He was also second in the long jump and third in the javelin in 2007. He earned his bachelor's degree from UCLA in 2003 and was a UCLA Student-Athlete Academic mentor from 2003 to 2005. He also served as the Assistant Athletic Tutorial Director for UCLA during the 2005-06 academic year.

Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners (53-55) beat the LA Dodgers (67-40), 7-6, Tuesday, UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles. The two teams play again today, 7:10 p.m., televised on Mariners.TV.