JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 – Sunrise: 7:47 a.m., and Sunset: 4:45 p.m., offering eight-hours and 58-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 – High tide: 4:45 a.m., 6.43 ft.; Low tide: 9:51 a.m., 3.38 ft.; High tide: 3:30 p.m., 7.12 ft.; Low tide: 10:27 p.m., 0.09 ft.

Free Ice Skating, NB
Thanks to sponsorship by AmeriTitle, Free Ice Skating is being offered at the North Bend Ice Rink, 2040 Union Ave., Wednesday, Dec. 24, Noon to 4 p.m. Santa will visit from noon to 2 p.m.

WBC Forum
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Business Connection (WBC) Forum is taking the next two weeks off for the holidays. Programs will resume in January 2026.

CBPL
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Christmas Holiday Closure, Wednesday, December 24 – Thursday, December 25. The library will be closed Wednesday, December 24 through Thursday, December 25 in observation of the Christmas holiday. Normal opening hours will resume on Friday, December 26.

High Wind Warning
Alert from the National Weather Service - High Wind Warning issued December 23 at 11:06AM PST until December 24 at 1:00PM PST, by NWS Medford OR. * WHAT...South to southwest winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 65mph expected. * WHERE...The Curry, Coos, and Douglas county coast, including Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Bandon, Coos Bay, North Bend, Lakeside, Reedsport, and most portions of Highway 101. Winds will be strongest along headlands and capes, and along exposed portions of Highway 101. * WHEN...From 4 AM to 1 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Large inflatable holiday decorations will be blown about. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wind hazards are possible again Wednesday night into Christmas Day.

Wind and winter storms expected to impact holiday travel
ODOT release - ODOT is urging travelers to plan carefully around the timing of a strong windstorm expected to impact Oregon on Christmas Eve, a peak holiday travel period. Current forecasts call for strong winds from mid-morning through mid-day on Wednesday, when many people may be traveling to holiday gatherings or destinations. Travelers should plan their trips and activities accordingly. High winds are likely to cause impacts across the coast, Willamette Valley and Cascade areas, including downed trees and limbs, debris on roadways, power outages and downed power lines. Wet, saturated soils from recent storms increase the likelihood of falling trees and debris slides. Make sure to secure your holiday decorations so they don’t blow into the road and become a hazard. At the same time as the windstorm, winter weather will impact mountain passes in central and eastern Oregon, with snow and slick conditions continuing through the holiday weekend. Travelers crossing mountain passes should be prepared for winter driving conditions regardless of weather at lower elevations. ODOT maintenance crews are preparing for this storm while continuing recovery from recent storms. For safety reasons, crews cannot begin clearing fallen trees or debris while high winds are ongoing. When winds are strong enough to bring trees down, it is not safe for crews to be working on the roadway. Cleanup and response start once conditions improve. ODOT crews will be working day and night through the holiday, responding as conditions allow and continuing cleanup across the state. Travelers are asked to give crews space, patience, and grace as they work to keep roads open and ensure people can reach their holiday destinations as safely as possible. Travel safety and preparedness reminders: Avoid travel during peak wind hours if possible, especially mid-morning through mid-day on Christmas Eve. If you must travel during peak wind hours, use caution and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Strong winds can blow vehicles around, especially tall vehicles. Expect rapidly changing conditions and possible delays statewide. Watch for debris, fallen trees and downed power lines; never drive, walk, or ride near downed lines. Pedestrians and cyclists should avoid traveling during high winds and stay clear of trees, power lines and exposed areas. Wear high-visibility clothing if you must travel during the storm. When traveling through mountain passes, prepare for conditions at the top of the pass, not your destination. Carry warm clothing, emergency supplies, ensure your vehicle is fueled or charged and use appropriate tires and traction devices. Slow down and follow posted signs and instructions, including closures. ODOT urges everyone to plan ahead, adjust travel timing when possible and put safety first. Before heading out, check TripCheck.com for real-time road conditions, cameras, impacts and closures.

Safety tips for coastal beach visitors during rainy season
OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—Although Oregon Health Authority’s Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) has completed monitoring for the 2025 season, health officials continue to encourage visitors to the state’s beaches to follow tips for protecting themselves from bacterial exposure. Visitors to the Oregon Coast should consider the following recommendations after the recent heavy rainfall: Wait 48 hours after heavy rain before swimming. Shower after swimming or playing at the beach. Wash your hands before eating or drinking. Don’t swallow ocean water. Keep your head and face out of the water or wear earplugs and goggles. The OBMP monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-Sept. Beach advisories are issued only for beaches actively monitored within this sampling window. For more information and current beach monitoring conditions, visit www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at [email protected] or 1-877-290-6767.

City of Newport Fighting ICE
The Feds are tight-lipped, but officials and residents at Newport on the Central Oregon Coast have already seen enough “writing on the wall” that ICE wants to build an immigration holding and detention facility at the city’s municipal airport that they have filed a federal lawsuit to halt the project. The suit, by the City of Newport, was filed on Monday, Dec. 22 against the Trump Administration asking a judge to step in and halt the construction of any U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility. The complaint lists the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE, the Coast Guard and their leaders as defendants. City officials allege the federal government is behind funding and constructing a massive immigration detention and deportation facility at Newport which would harm the community’s tourism without any public input. Local motels report they have already been contacted about availability and pricing for up to 200 rooms for a year for military housing, also, a local cater has been asked to provide a quote for up 215 meals per day.

Elk at Cannon Beach
Oregon Coast residents know already there is a lot to see and do along the Coast from Brookings to Astoria. From wildlife to the weather, it is something different for everyone. Seeing Elk on the Coast is not rare. Just go east on Hwy. 38 from Reedsport and you’ll most likely come upon a grazing herd at the Dean Crk. Reserve. Traveling the 362-mile long Hwy. 101 in Oregon, there are plenty of traffic warning signs regarding Elk crossing the coastal route to alert motorists. However, the Elk have taken it to a new level in the artistic town of Cannon Beach in Clatsop County. Haystack Rock is not only a major attraction for the many visitors with cameras, but to the Elk as well. They’ve been seen lounging in the dunes on a sunny day, dueling antlers between males, or just playing in the sand and surf. Their path to surf and sun is the real spectacle, though. Some of the Elk will make what locals call a “mini stampede,” right downtown along South Hemlock Street straight to the beach. You just don’t see that every day, except maybe at Cannon Beach on the North Oregon Coast.

Bull Elk Left to Waste, Douglas Co.
DOUGLAS COUNTY (23 December 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is investigating a report of bull elk that was shot and left to waste on Nov. 22, 2025, the opening day of Tioga Second Season. The bull elk was left in the area of the 8400 line near Bear Creek off Hubbard Creek, Umpqua, in Douglas County. OSP Fish and Wildlife received a report of someone hearing a gun shot on the foggy opening morning around daylight. The next day, the reporting person was hunting in the same area and located the dead bull. The individual noticed three male subjects – possibly a grandfather, father, and son – walking in the area the bull elk was found. The men were all wearing camouflage clothing and were not carrying firearms. However, the bull elk was not recovered from the clear-cut area. Fish and Wildlife troopers are asking if anyone shot and lost a bull elk in the area, or knows of someone who did, contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 800-452-7888 or call *OSP (*677) from a mobile device. Please refer to case number SP25-479764.

Crash Involving Flames, Lane Co.
On December 21st at 1 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a single vehicle crash in the 26400 block of Crow Road, east of Crow. A deputy arrived first on scene and observed the vehicle was down a 20-foot ravine and engulfed in flames. The driver and passenger, who was significantly injured and unable to walk, were dangerously close the burning vehicle. The deputy climbed down the wet, muddy bank along with a resident who lived nearby and together they pulled the passenger to safety. The driver and passenger were both transported by medics to an area hospital, and the fire was extinguished. Preliminary investigation showed the driver, Tamika Rose Luttrell, 18, of Harrisburg, attempted to pass another car on a corner in a no-passing zone and lost control. The vehicle struck a tree head on, then rolled down the embankment. Luttrell was arrested for Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Assault in the 4th Degree. Thanks to Lane Fire Authority and area residents for their assistance on this call.

Assault River Rd., Lane Co.
On December 20th at 2 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded code three with lights and sirens to an assault in progress at an apartment on Briarcliff Drive, Eugene. When deputies arrived at the apartment complex, the suspect, Natalia Mary Stuber, 26, of Eugene, was in a vehicle in the parking lot peeling out and one of the victims was outside hiding from her. Deputies were able to safely detain Stuber, and contacted the victims. After additional investigation, Stuber was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Burglary in the 1st Degree, Assault in the 4th Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Theft in the 2nd Degree. Due to other calls deputies were handling in the county and limited staffing, the deputies who responded were already past the end of their shifts and handled the call on overtime.

NBPD K9 Donations top $60,000
City of North Bend release - Department says year-to-date contributions are sustaining the revived K-9 program and expanding regional drug interdiction capacity. NORTH BEND, Oregon — Community support for the North Bend Police Department’s K-9 Drug Program has reached $60,857 year-to-date, consisting of $54,071 in cash donations and $6,786 in in-kind contributions, according to Police Chief Cal Mitts. The fundraising milestone comes as K-9 Athena, a Dutch Shepherd assigned to narcotics detection with handler Officer Ben Martin, continues a busy schedule of patrol activity, multi-agency support, and civic engagement. The NBPD K-9 program had been inactive since 2017 and was restored this year through private donations and community partnerships. “The investment our residents and businesses have made in this program means a great deal to the department,” Chief Mitts said. “We are sincerely grateful for the major donors and the broad community support that made it possible to bring the K-9 program back and put Athena to work.” K-9 program revival and certifications: NBPD formally introduced Athena in September as part of its narcotics detection team. Chief Mitts said at the time that Athena was progressing well through training and certification and that donor participation was central to the program’s relaunch. Officer Martin reported that Athena is trained to detect four controlled substance odors: cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The department has pursued multiple certifications for Athena’s ongoing qualification and proficiency, including state-level standards through the Oregon Police Canine Association, and continuing credentials through national organizations. “A trained narcotics K-9 adds speed and safety to interdiction efforts,” Chief Mitts said. “It allows officers to quickly determine the likely presence of illegal narcotics in vehicles, parcels, and buildings, and it strengthens cases when used in accordance with policy and law.” Recent enforcement highlights: The department cited several recent cases where Athena’s deployment helped officers locate suspected narcotics and evidence consistent with trafficking. Dec. 18: During an NBPD traffic stop, Athena assisted officers in locating 3.2 grams of fentanyl and 4.4 grams of methamphetamine, along with scales, packaging materials and other drug-related items. Police said the suspect was also arrested on two additional counts of being a felon in possession of a restricted weapon. Dec. 16: In another deployment, Athena helped locate 7.6 grams of methamphetamine, $190 in cash, and drug paraphernalia including packaging materials and scales, police said. Nov. 27: Athena assisted the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in the seizure of approximately two ounces of methamphetamine and helping advance a broader investigation, according to the department. Oct. 30: NBPD reported a case involving arrests for driving while suspended and alleged controlled substance possession, along with additional weapon-related charges, following work by Officer Martin and Athena. Oct. 7: The department said Athena assisted the Oregon State Police during a traffic stop that led to the recovery of approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Chief Mitts emphasized that these incidents reflect both proactive enforcement and coordination with regional partners, including multi-agency narcotics teams and statewide patrol resources. “This work is about teamwork, training, and consistent enforcement,” Chief Mitts said. “Athena and Officer Martin are a force multiplier for our officers and our partner agencies, and the results show why this program matters.” Community engagement and donor support: Beyond enforcement, NBPD said Athena’s role includes community demonstrations and public education about substance abuse and prevention. In October, the department hosted a donor meet-and-greet attended by Chief Mitts, Captain Ed Perry, Officer Martin and Mayor Jessica Engelke, with support from community partners including the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the support from donors, businesses, and community members,” Chief Mitts said. “Every contribution—cash or in-kind—helps ensure Athena has the equipment, training, and resources needed to keep working for North Bend.” NBPD plans to continue donor appreciation and community outreach opportunities as the program matures and as Athena and Officer Martin maintain ongoing certifications and training requirements.

Theft
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Dec. 22, 8:53 p.m., 240 W. Hwy. 42, Hwy. Deli Mart, 19-year old Emmalyn Gehrman charged with Theft III, “Gehrman lodged CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to entries on the NBPD log for Dec. 22, 8:06 a.m., 1989 Sherman Ave., Wildflour, “illegal camping,” 42-year old Mitchell Bissonnette “Ticket.” At 6:53 p.m., McPherson Ave., “result of illegal camping,” 55-year old Roberta Yvonne Frymyer charged with Prohibited Camping, “released on citation.” At 7:13 p.m., 1800 block McPherson Ave., “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 22, 8:40 a.m., 3300 block Broadway Ave., “result of traffic stop,” 51-year old Mitchell Jay Dixon arrested on Curry Co. SO warrant charging DUII, “Dixon transported to CCJ.”

Mail Theft
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 22, 4:42 p.m., 2100 block Union Ave., “theft of mail.”

Wanted
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 22, 11:13 p.m., Tremont & Newmark, “located wanted subject by NBPD on P&P warrant as result of persons contact,” 28-year old Megan Nicole Woolman arrested on Coos Co. P&P warrant charging Probation Violation, “arrested and transported CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 22, 6:28 a.m., 4th & Anderson, “illegal camping,” 39-year old Don Boyd, 68-year old David Fitzhenry, and 51-year old Harley Hyde, all received a “Ticket.” AT 7:49 a.m., 2nd Ct. Alley & Elrod, “illegal camping.”

Counterfeit
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 22, 12:57 p.m., 299 So. Bayshore, Smoke on the Water, “counterfeit money.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 22, 1:13 p.m., 100 block Johnson Ave., “CBPD served NBPD/CBPD warrants” on 36-year old David Raymond Kaufman charging FTA on FTA II; FTA on Criminal Trespass I, Theft III Unlawful Possession Fentanyl; FTA Criminal Trespass I, Theft III; FTA on Unlawful Possession of Meth, “Kaufman transported to CCJ.”

Shoplifter
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 22, 3:42 p.m., 2051 Newmark Ave., Walmart, 27-year old Nicholas Anthony Campbell charged with Theft II, “Campbell was transported to CCJ.”

DUII
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 22, 6:21 p.m., Cape Arago Hwy. & Hollywood, “assist, outside agency,” 76-year old Martin Zuniga charged with DUII, Reckless Driving, “Zuniga was cited in lieu of custody.”

Narcotics
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 22, 8:34 p.m., 2nd & Golden, “traffic stop,” 31-year old Scott Lee Smith charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, “Smith lodged CCJ.”

WX
A high wind warning along the South Oregon Coast. Rain ending this morning, but remaining cloudy with highs in the low to middle 50s and winds from the Southwest at first, then shifting to the East to Southeast at 10-20 mph. Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s and winds from the East at 5-10 mph. Cloudy on Thursday with highs in the mid 50s and winds out of the South to Southeast at 10-20 mph.

Sports

Prep BBX Polls
Marshfield (3-3) has dropped to No. 3 in the latest OSAA/Coaches 4A Prep Basketball Poll. The Pirates are tied with Junction City (6-1) at No. 3. Scappoose (6-1) is the new No. 1, followed by Madras (8-0), Newport (4-1) at No. 5. Marist Catholic (3-3) has dropped out of the Top 10. The OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 3A Boys & Girls State Basketball Tournament takes place in the Bay Area, March 5-7. Valley Catholic (4-1), of Beaverton, is top-ranked, followed by Westside Christian (5-2), of Tigard, Riverside (7-1), of Boardman, Pleasant Hill (8-2), and Salem Academy (3-1) at No. 5. Neah-Kah-Nie (6-3) comes in at No. 9. Regis (5-0) tops the 2A rankings, Country Christian (8-0) is on top of the 1A. Parkrose (5-0) leads the 5A, while Crook Co. (7-0) is No. 3. Southridge (6-1) tops the 6A.

Prep GBXB Scores
Prep girls’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Dec. 23: 4A – Pendleton lost at Marist Catholic, 54-29. Philomath won at Junction City, 60-27. 2A – Country Christian won at Knappa, 58-32. Myrtle Pt. (JV) best visiting Riddle, 56-15.

Prep BBXB Scores
Prep boys’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Dec. 23: 4A – Pendleton fell at Marist Catholic, 59-38. Philomath won at Junction City, 52-49. 2A – Country Christian fell at Knappa, 67-37. Riddle lost at Myrtle Pt., 57-45.

Hawaii Bowl
California (7-5) plays Hawaii (8-4) in the Hawaii Bowl football game, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, 5p, televised on ESPN.

OSU Senior, Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week
OSU release - CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State redshirt senior Maximo Renteria has been named the Pac-12 Conference's Wrestler of the Week. Renteria is the first wrestler from the conference to be recognized twice this season, and it comes after he picked up a 6-2 decision over No. 25 Blake West in the Beavers' 28-12 victory over Northern Illinois on Friday. Renteria and West battled to a scoreless first period and the Beaver grappler went up 3-1 thanks to a takedown following an escape from West. Renteria went up 5-1 thanks to a third-period reversal and following a West escape, he picked up the 6-2 win, adding riding time. The Clovis, Calif., native improved to 13-1 on the year and he's competed in five consecutive bouts against ranked foes, going 4-1. The Beavers next compete in the Midlands Championships Dec. 29 and 30 in Evanston, Ill. Oregon State returns home Jan. 4 to host Ohio State at 2 p.m. PT – tickets can be purchased by visiting BeaverTickets.com.

OSU WR
OSU release - DeKALB, Ill. – The No. 26-nationally ranked Oregon State wrestling team defeated Northern Illinois, 28-12, with eight Beavers picking up victories last Friday evening at Victor E. Court. The only two losses for Oregon State came on an injury and a forfeit in the dual meet. Maximo Renteria, up to No. 11 in the nation, started the night with a 6-2 decision over No. 25-ranked Blake West to move to 13-1 on the season and 29-10 in his college career. No. 25 Nash Singleton cruised to a 14-2 major decision over Charles Curtis at 141 pounds to earn the extra point. A native of Roseburg, Ore., Singleton moved to 9-5 this season and 31-27 in his Oregon State career. Noah Tolentino, ranked 29th nationally and competing at 149 pounds, earned a 6-2 decision over Lucas O'Brien to improve to 13-5 this season and 30-14 overall at Oregon State. CJ Hamblin won on a 5-2 decision over Landen Johnson at 157 pounds to move to 8-6 this season and notch his 20th career collegiate win. No. 27-ranked Matthew Olguin notched an extra point with a 17-4 major decision over Brett Smith to move to 12-3 on the season and 57-30 as a collegian. Daschle Lamer, the 21st-ranked wrestler in the nation, stayed perfect on the season at 9-0 with a 12-3 major decision over Tommy Bennett. At 184 pounds, No. 33 TJ McDonnell outlasted Caleb Rose for a 15-8 decision to move to 10-4 this season and 17-18 overall. Justin Rademacher proved once again that he is one of the best wrestlers in the country at 197 pounds with a 15-4 major decision over Spencer Mooberry. The 5th-ranked Rademacher is now 15-1 on the season with six major decisions, two technical falls and two pins. The Beavers improved to 3-0 all-time against Northern Illinois with the other wins on Dec. 13, 2009 in Fargo, N.D. (36-6) and Nov. 16, 2013 (27-9) in Ypsilanti, Mich. OREGON STATE 28, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 12 - 125 – #11 Maximo Renteria (OSU) decision #25 Blake West (NIU), 6-2; 133 – #28 Markel Baker (NIU) injury Gabe Whisenhunt (OSU), 1:57; 141 – #25 Nash Singleton (OSU) major decision Charles Curtis (NIU), 14-2; 149 – #29 Noah Tolentino (OSU) decision Lucan O'Brien (NIU), 6-2; 157 – CJ Hamblin (OSU) decision Landen Johnson (NIU), 5-2; 165 – #27 Matthew Olguin (OSU) major decision Brett Smith (NIU), 17-4; 174 – #21 Daschle Lamer (OSU) major decision Tommy Bennett (NIU), 12-3; 184 – #33 TJ McDonnell (OSU) decision Caleb Roe (NIU), 15-8; 197 – #5 Justin Rademacher (OSU) major decision Spencer Mooberry (NIU), 15-4; HWT – Devon Dawson (NIU) won by forfeit. The Beavers will return to action next on Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill.