JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 – Sunrise: 7:36 a.m., and Sunset: 5:23 p.m., offering nine-hours & 47-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 – Low tide: 2 a.m., 3.39p ft.; High tide: 8:31 a.m., 7.92 ft.; 4:03 p.m., -0.07 ft.; High tide: 11p, 5.36 ft.

Quakes
A pair of earthquakes were recorded nearshore, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 along the South Oregon Coast. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 3.1-magnitude quake and a 2.6-magnitude were both located in Curry Co., South to Southeast of Port Orford.

Speed Limit Changes, Hwy. 101, Coos Bay
CBPD release - The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently implemented a speed limit reduction along a two-mile stretch of Highway 101 in Coos Bay and North Bend. In response, the Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) will conduct enhanced patrols in the affected area to provide education and enforcement related to the change. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, ODOT reduced the speed limit on Highway 101 from 45 mph to 35 mph between Stanton Avenue in North Bend and Hemlock Avenue in Coos Bay. A short section south of Hemlock Avenue was further reduced to 30 mph. According to an ODOT news release, the changes are intended to improve traffic safety and address increased congestion resulting from private development and construction in recent years.  To assist with the transition, CBPD officers will conduct increased patrols along this portion of Highway 101 to educate motorists on the new speed limits, monitor traffic safety, and enforce violations when necessary. For more information on the HWY 101 speed limit change please contact ODOT, or review their news release available at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/regions/pages/region-3-southwest-oregon.aspx

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Storytime, Wednesday, January 28 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. Age Bracket: Kids - Teen Crafts After School, Wednesday, January 28 in the Cedar Room, 2:30pm – 4:00pm. Twice a month on Wednesdays, teens in the library after school are invited to join us in the Cedar Room for a craft. Each week will be a different craft. Teens who wish to simply socialize and work on their own crafts with the given supplies are invited to join as well. Ages 12-18 - Age Bracket: Kids & Teens, Community Zumba, Wednesday, January 28 in the Myrtlewood Room, 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Join us for a fun workout with Zumba Instructor Corinna Dendy. These classes are suitable for all experience and fitness levels. Wear comfortable workout clothes and shoes and bring water! Age Bracket: Teens & Adults.

WBC Forum
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Business Connection (WBC) Forum is held at 11:30 a.m., East Salmon Room, KoKwel Resort, North Bend.

BACC Annual Awards Banquet
BACC release - On Saturday, January 24, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Banquet and Meeting, welcoming more than 320 attendees to celebrate outstanding businesses, individuals, and organizations that made a meaningful impact in 2025. Nominees for 2025 Chamber Business of the Year included Midwest Coast Flooring, South Coast Shopper, Pony Village Mall, Pacific Seafood, It’s Romance Bookshop, Addcox Heating, Thrifty Sisters, and Campbell K9 University and Daycare. The award was presented to Pacific Seafood in recognition of its commitment to youth and families, including its collaboration with local students to create an art wall in Charleston. Nominees for Citizen of the Year were Greg Dalton (CASA), Sommer Skogman (Midwest Coast Flooring), Scott Cooper (AYA – Alternative Youth Activities), Captain John Blanchard (Fisherman’s Wharf), Simon Alonzo (Pony Village Mall, Bay Area Hospital Board & Primal Properties), Anthony Hernandez (Coos Bay Toyota), Terry Cheyne (SWOCC Diesel Program), and Sam Baugh (Advanced Health) The 2025 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Scott Cooper of AYA – Alternative Youth Activities for his tireless work supporting youth through education, workforce training, and safe housing initiatives. Cooper credited his dedicated team at AYA for their continued commitment to building a strong future for the next generation. The President’s Award was presented to Lisa Miller Farr of Farr’s Hardware for her dedication to the Chamber and her consistent support of others. Serving as Secretary on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Farr brings positivity, leadership, and fresh ideas to board meetings, the Home Show Committee, and the Leadership Coos Steering Committee. The 2025 Chamber Member of the Year award went to Sommer Skogman of Midwest Coast Flooring. Nominated in three categories—Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Chamber Member of the Year—Skogman’s recognition reflects her deep commitment to the community and the Chamber. She is a constant supporter of Chamber initiatives and other business-building organizations, including Women in Business through CCD Business Development. The Community Award honors professionals working within business development organizations who help stabilize businesses, support entrepreneurs, and foster economic growth. This year’s award was presented to: Lexie Woodward of the South Coast Development Council, Mary Loiselle and Derek Tonn of the Small Business Development Center at SWOCC, and Theresa Haga of CCD Business Development. Together, these organizations exemplified collaboration, breaking down barriers between agencies and working closely with the Chamber to strengthen support for the business community. The Prefontaine Award, presented by the Steve Prefontaine Foundation, recognizes student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics. Presented this year by Jay Farr, the award went to Bodey Lutes, a Marshfield graduate who surpassed Steve Prefontaine’s 800-meter record by six seconds and helped lead his relay team to additional record-breaking performances. Each year, award recipients are selected from community nominations by a committee of Bay Area Chamber of Commerce board members. The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate deserving businesses and individuals for 2025.

Employment on the South Coast: December 2025
Oregon Employment Dept. report - South Coast Payroll Employment Rises Over the Year - Coos County total payroll employment fell by 100 jobs in December, mostly due to seasonally typical losses in local government education (-120), and leisure and hospitality (-60). Financial activities employment was down by 20 jobs over the month. Job gains were estimated in private education and health services (+40); and professional and business services (+20). Government employment slipped by 110 jobs in December, largely due to a decline of 120 jobs in local government education. Since December 2024 Coos County payroll employment rose by 140 jobs, a gain of 0.6%. Employment gains occurred in retail trade (+120); private education and health services (+70); leisure and hospitality (+60); manufacturing (+30); and construction (+30). Losses were estimated in other services (-40); professional and business services (-20); and mining and logging (-20). Government employment fell by 100 jobs. Local government excluding education and tribal employment fell by 140 jobs while Indian tribal local government employment rose by 30 jobs over the year. Curry County payroll employment fell by 50 jobs in December, mostly due to a seasonally typical decline of 60 jobs in leisure and hospitality. Government employment decreased by 20 jobs. Other sectors showed little job movement. Over the past year Curry County payroll employment climbed by 60 jobs for an increase of 0.9%. Job gains were estimated in financial activities (+80); private education and health services (+40); and manufacturing (+40). Losses were estimated in leisure and hospitality (60); construction (-20); professional and business services (-20); and retail trade (-20).

South Coast Unemployment Rates
OR Employment Dept. release - Coos Co.: Unemployed - Dec. 2025: 1,573; Nov. 2025: 1,522; Dec. 2024: 1,327. Unemployment Rate: Dec. 2025: 5.8% (Seasonally Adjusted: 6.0%); Nov. 2025: 5.5% (SA: 6.0%); Dec. 2024: 5.0% (SA: 5.0%). Curry Co.: Unemployed - Dec. 2025: 552; Nov. 2025: 527; Dec. 2024: 437. Unemployment rate: Dec. 2025: 6.8% (SA: 6.9%); Nov. 2025: 6.4% (SA: 6.9%); Dec. 2024: 5.5% (SA: 5.7%).

Adaptive Management Program Committee
OR Dept. of Forestry release - SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee (AMPC) will meet virtually at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. The committee’s agenda includes: Questions & answers with Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) co-chairs regarding amphibians’ literature review; Questions & answers with IRST co-chairs regarding request for proposals (RFPs) for research; Discuss altering priorities of research projects; Overview of AMPC-related elements from the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at [email protected]. The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

K9 Apprehends Wanted Male, Cottage Grove
Lane Co. SO release - On January 26th at 5 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 31800 block of Cottage Grove Lorane Road, to look for Robert David Clark, 44, of Cottage Grove. Clark had warrants for his arrest out of Umatilla County for Trespass in the 1st Degree and Theft in the 3rd Degree, and out of Morrow County for Trespass in the 1st Degree, Trespass in the 2nd Degree, and Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. Deputies contacted Clark at the front door of the residence. Instead of cooperating, he ran out the back door. A sergeant responded with K9 Hektor and began searching the area. Clark was eventually located by K9 Hektor hiding in the shed of a nearby property. Clark refused to exit, and attempted to hold the door closed despite admonishments that a K9 would be deployed. K9 Hektor made entry and apprehended Clark. Deputies saw smoke start to rise from behind the door and heard a hissing noise. Once Clark was in custody, deputies discovered K9 Hektor had latched onto Clark through a cell phone in his pocket – which then proceeded to catch fire. Clark was cleared on scene by medics and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the warrants and an additional charge of Trespass in the 2nd Degree. K9 Hektor was uninjured.

NBPD Report
North Bend Police Dept. report to City Council - New Officer Swearing-In: A new officer will be sworn in on Wednesday, January 28. The recruit recently returned to the area with her family and will be introduced at an upcoming City Council meeting. (North Bend Strategic Plan: Public Safety). Executive Leadership Training: Chief Mitts, Captain Perry, School Resource Officer Jerad Jaehnig, and Community Resource Officer Kelan Solesbee attended the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Leadership Training Seminar in Seaside. Training topics included officer wellness, ethics, and building community partnerships. (North Bend Strategic Plan: Public Safety; Policy Review). Low-Light Firearms Training: The department conducted four-hour low-light firearms training on January 21 and 22 focusing on the tactical use of light sources during threat engagement. (North Bend Strategic Plan: Public Safety).

Mail Theft
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Jan. 26, 8:15 p.m., 600 block So. 4th Ct., “theft of mail.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Jan. 26, 9:26 a.m., 1800 block McPherson Ave. “illegal camping.”

Unlawful Vehicles, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 26, 8:04 a.m., Noble & Empire Blvd., “online report.” At 4:01 p.m., Anderson & 10th, “unlawful vehicle.”

Theft
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 26, 8:58 a.m., 1195 Newmark Ave., Elite Market 2, “theft,” 32-year old Brianna Carol Huntley charged with Criminal Trespass II, “transported CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 26, 11:01 a.m., 500 block So. 4th St., “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 26, 12:40 p.m., 300 Country Club Rd., Eugene PD, 35-year old Bernardo Sanchez arrested on Bandon PD warrant charging FTA on UEMV & Harassment; also, CQPD warrant for Attempt to Commit Class C Felony, Disorderly Conduct II & Assaulting a Public Safety Officer,

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 26, 6:57 p.m., 130 No. Cammann St., McKay’s, 51-year old Darlene Shelly Cady charged with Criminal Trespass II, and Coos Co. P&P warrant for Probation Violation on Burglary I charge, “Cady transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 26, 11:47 p.m., 900 Greenwood St., “warrant service,” on Robert Everett Morris charging FTA on DUII, Reckless Driving, Failure to Perform Duties of Driver, Property Damage, Resisting Arrest, Attempt to Commit Class A Misdemeanor, Escape III; also, CBPD warrant for FTA on DUII, “Morris cited in lieu of custody.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 27, 1:22 a.m., John Topits – Seagate, “warrant service,” on 38-year old Raymond Keith Monden Schardt arrested on OSP warrant for Failure to Report as a Sex Offender, “Molden Schardt transported to CCJ.”

WX
A hazardous seas warning along the South Oregon Coast for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 – Cloudy skies with highs in the upper 50s and winds from the South at 10-15 mph. Overcast tonight with lows near 50 and winds from the South to Southeast at 10-15 mph. Cloudy skies on Thursday with highs in the upper 50s.

Sports

GBXB Scores
Prep girls’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 – 4A – SkyEm Lg.: North Ben won at Junction City, 49-30. Marshfield lost at Cottage Grove, 57-32. OR West Conf.: Newport lost at Stayton, 75-22. Cowapa Lg.: Tillamook won at Astoria, 49-45. 3A – Southern OR Conf.: Brookings-Harbor won at North Valley, 51-16. Far West Lg.: Glide fell at Coquille, 50-17i. Siuslaw lost at So. Umpqua, 42-22. Pac-West Conf.: Blanchet Catholic lost at Taft, 59-46. Coastal Range Lg.: Neah-Kah-Nie won at Corbett, 62-20. Warrenton lost at Banks, 67-12. 2A – Sunset Conf.: Bandon beat visiting Gold Beach, 64-24. Myrtle Pt. lost at Oakland, 38-32. Reedsport feel at Illinois Valley, 54-9. Valley Coast Conf.: Toledo lost at Central Linn, 60-29. Non-league: Pacific lost at Bandon JV, 38-32. 1A – Skyline Lg.: Camas Valley lost at Powers, 62-30.

GBXB Schedules
Prep girls’ basketball schedules for Wednesday, Jan. 28: 2A – North Coast, NW Lg.: Nestucca at Columbia Christian, 6p. Knappa at Gaston, 6p.

BBXB Scores
Prep boys’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026: 4A – SkyEm Lg.: Marshfield won at Cottage Grove, 49-47. North Bend fell at Junction City, 67-47. OR West Conf.: Newport lost at Stayton, 56-55. Cowapa Lg.: Tillamook fell at Astoria, 54-]40. Scappoose lost at St. Helens, 65-53. 3A – Southern OR Conf.: Brookings-Harbor won at North Valley, 81-43. Siuslaw lost at So. Umpqua, 55-44. Glide lost at Coquille, 48-36. Pac-West Conf.: Blanchet Catholic won at Taft, 64-59. Coastal Range Lg.: Warrenton lost at Bank, 65-38. Neah-Kah-Nie won at Corbett, 61-53. 2A – Sunset Conf.: Myrtle Pt. lost at Oakland, 73-28. Gold Beach lost at Bandon, 52-40. Valley Coast Conf.: Toledo won at Central Linn, 63-53.

BBXB Schedules
Prep boys’ basketball schedules for Wednesday, Jan. 28: 2A – North Coast, NW Lg.: Knappa at Gaston, 7:30p. Nestucca at Columbia Christian, 7:30p.

Prep wr
Marshfield’s wrestling team will participate in the Mac Court Duals, McArthur Court, on the UO Campus, Eugene, Wednesday, Jan. 28th, 4:30p.

SWOCC bxb
Southwestern Oregon’s basketball teams host Linn-Benton (Albany) in a pair of NWAC games at Prosper Hall, on the Coos Bay Campus, Wednesday, Jan. 28, men at 5:30p & women at 7:30p.

UO mbxb
Oregon’s men host UCLA, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m., Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, televised on the Big 10 Network.

UO wbxb
Oregon’s women play at Rutgers (1-7, 9-10), Wednesday, Jan. 28th, televised on the B1G+ Network. Iowa (8-0, 17-2) and UCLA (8-0, 18-1) lead the conference. Oregon (3-6, 15-7) is 13th.

OSU mbxb
Oregon State plays Loyola Marymount in a WCC basketball game at Los Angeles, CA, Wednesday, Jan. 28, televised on ESPN+.