JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER

Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 – Sunrise: 7:39 a.m. and Sunset: 5:18 p.m., offering nine-hours and 39-minutes of daylight.

Tides Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 – Low tide: 2:11 a.m., 3.67 ft.; High tide: 8:44 a.m., 7.04 ft.; Low tide: 4:21 p.m., 0.82 ft.; High tide: 11:20 p.m., 5.0 ft.

Street Repairs on Minnesota Avenue
City of Coos Bay release - On Friday, January 24, City staff will be performing street repairs in the 1100 block of Minnesota Avenue. Work will start after 9:00am and end no later than 4:30pm. Minnesota Avenue will be closed to through traffic between South 12th Street and Southwest Boulevard. Please exercise caution when traveling through the work area. Should you have questions, please contact Public Works at (541) 269 – 1181, extension 3565.

Street Repair on Cottonwood Avenue
City of Coos Bay release - On Friday, January 24, City staff will be performing street repairs in the 1600 block of Cottonwood Avenue. Work will start after 8:00 am and end no later than 4:30 pm. Cottonwood Avenue will be closed to through traffic between North 19th Street and Juniper Avenue. Please exercise caution when traveling near the work area. Should you have questions, please contact Public Works at (541) 269 – 1181, extension 3565.

North Bend Municipal Pool
City of North Bend release - Attention swimmers! We are pleased to announce that public and lap swim hours at the North Bend Pool will be extended until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025. This is a great opportunity to enjoy extra time in the water. Whether you're looking to get in some laps, practice your technique, or just relax, we welcome you to take advantage of the extended hours. We look forward to seeing you at the pool! For more information, please contact the North Bend Pool staff at (541) 756-4915.

Tween Cooking Club at CBPL
This winter, the Coos Bay Public Library is teaming up with Oregon State University’s Food Hero Program to offer a monthly cooking club for teens and tweens ages 10-14. The club will meet Friday, January 24, February 7, and March 14 from 1:00-3:00pm. Each session will focus on a different cooking skill and will feature a practical, hands-on activity; teens can attend one or all sessions. The program is free but pre-registration is required on the library’s website at www.coosbaylibrary.org. The program is being offered by the Oregon State University Extension Service. Oregon State University Extension Service partners with local communities to provide trusted expertise and science-based knowledge to address critical issues and help every Oregonian thrive. The Coos County Extension Office is based in Myrtle Point and offers a wide range of programming throughout the year for all ages, including outreach with the Food Hero program, food preservation, gardening, and support for 4-H. To register or to find out more about programs at the Coos Bay Public Library, visit the Coos Bay Public Library’s website at www.coosbaylibrary.org. Registration is also available over the phone; call Jennifer at (541) 269-1101 x 3606.

Seed Packets coming to NBPL
City of North Bend release - Seed packets available at North Bend Public Library starting in February! It’s time to get your garden started indoors! Ask for a Ready-Set-Grow! pack from the library. Packs include seeds, instructions, and helpful tips to help get your garden started. Seed packs are available starting in February of 2025 while supplies last.

BACC Awards Banquet
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual awards banquet on January 25th, at the Mill Casino - Salmon Room. This star-studded evening honors distinguished individuals and organizations with awards for Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Member of the Year. Register online or at the BACC office, located at 145 Central Avenue, in downtown Coos Bay.

Ocean Ridge Assisted Living to Host Open House on Jan. 25
COOS BAY, Ore. – Ocean Ridge Assisted Living is inviting the community to an Open House on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1855 SE Ocean Blvd. The event will showcase the facility’s recent renovations and provide an opportunity to tour the upgraded apartments while enjoying an afternoon of family-friendly activities. The event will feature live music from the Summer Wind Ensemble and dancing performances by Shockwave, as well as a hot cocoa bar, crafts, and games for all ages. "We’re excited to welcome the community into our newly renovated spaces," said Diane Mason, Executive Director of Ocean Ridge Assisted Living. "This Open House is a chance for us to share what makes Ocean Ridge special—a place that feels like home for residents and families alike."  The renovations include updated apartments and improved facilities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. Staff will be available during the Open House to answer questions, provide tours, and share more about the community’s amenities and services. The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Barb Milliron at 541-267-4000 or [email protected].

Lotus Lantern Workshop
Learn more about Korean culture at hands-on Lotus Lantern workshop offered at the Coos Bay Public Library Saturday, January 25 from 2:00-3:00pm. During the workshop, participants will create a lotus lantern and learn more about Korea’s unique history. Led remotely by the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project, the program been offered at libraries throughout the country. The program is geared towards adults and young people ages 10 and up; young people between the ages of 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited space is available; pre-registration is required. Call (541) 269-1101 x 3606 or register online at www.coosbaylibray.org. The Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project is a not-for-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of Korean history and culture. For additional information about programs being offered by the Coos Bay Public Library please contact the library by calling (541) 269-1101 x 3606 or visit the Library’s website at www.coosbaylibrary.org.

Best bets for weekend fishing
ODFW release - With rivers running low and clear, winter steelhead fishing has been challenging. What to do instead? Here are some ideas. Change up your steelhead gear and tactics to match the conditions. Use light lines and small lures, be stealthy, look for fish holding in deeper pools. Do some studying. The ODFW YouTube channel has dozens of where-to and how-to steelhead fishing videos. Find a new tip to try when the water conditions improve. Think smaller. Native redband trout in eastside rivers, or holdover hatchery trout in lower elevation reservoirs can offer a challenging and rewarding alternative when steelhead fishing is slow. Pull out the snowmobile suit – it's the perfect cold-weather costume for ice fishing. A few frozen lakes are already seeing ice-anglers. If you venture out, be sure to follow these ice fishing safety tips from the Minnesota DNR – where they know a bit about ice.

Quake
A lone 2.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded at the southern end of the two fault lines that run parallel with the Oregon Coast, Thursday, Jan. 23, west to southwest of Petrolia, CA near Cape Mendocino in Northern California.

Three Oregon entities found to have unreasonably high increases in health care costs
OHA release - While most of Oregon’s health insurance plans, hospital systems and medical groups successfully limited health care cost increases between 2021 and 2022, OHA has determined for the first time that three health care organizations had unreasonably high cost increases. OHA has established that, on average, health care spending in Oregon should not increase by more than 3.4% per person each year, unless the providing health care organizations have acceptable reasons for the increases. OHA found the following organizations exceeded that limit, without acceptable reasons: Moda Health’s Medicare Advantage plans, which had an 11.6% increase. (This plan ended in December 2024 and is no longer available.) United Healthcare Company’s Medicare Advantage plans, which had a 6.4% increase. Oregon Medical Group, a primary and specialty care clinic group based in Eugene, which had a 6.5% increase in costs for its patients with commercial health insurance. Starting next year, OHA will begin requiring organizations that exceed the 3.4% increase limit without an acceptable reason to submit a performance improvement plan that outlines how they will make their health care services more affordable. Each year, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program collects and analyzes data from health insurance companies and other sources to measure what people and organizations in Oregon collectively spend on health care. OHA will report on Oregon’s health care cost growth between 2022 and 2023 this May. If health care entities consistently fail to meet the cost growth target, OHA can impose financial penalties starting in 2026.

Radon testing at home can save lives
OHA release - The cold winter months are an ideal time to test your home for radon, because radon often reaches its highest levels when doors and windows are consistently shut. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in the ground that enters buildings and homes through cracks and gaps in walls or floors, as well as through the water supply. It is odorless, tasteless and invisible, and long-term exposure to high radon levels can harm health. Radon facts: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after cigarette smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you live in a home with high levels of radon, smoking cigarettes raises your risk of lung cancer by 10 times. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. In Oregon, approximately 276 radon-related lung cancer deaths happen each year. The only way to know if you have high radon levels in your home is to test for it. Dangerous radon buildup can happen in any home, and OHA wants to encourage all Oregonians during National Radon Action Month (January) to reduce their exposure to radon by testing their homes for the gas and, if necessary, hiring a professional to reduce radon to a safe level. Many home radon test kits cost between $20 and $30, and some people in Oregon may qualify for free test kits through OHA’s Radon Awareness Program, which are available while supplies last. If you have questions about radon in Oregon or free test kits, call OHA’s Radon Awareness Program (971-673-0442) Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email [email protected]. Also, print out the CDC’s “Radon for Kids” activity book, including fun puzzles, quizzes and artwork about radon!

Oregon Firefighting Strike Team to Southern Cal
OR State Fire Marshal release - SALEM, Ore. -- Following a two-week mobilization to Southern California to assist with the wildfire response, 17 of Oregon's 21 strike teams will soon be heading home. The teams began the demobilization process Thursday morning. Two of the strike teams will start their drive back to Oregon on Thursday, while the remaining 15 will begin their journey to their home agencies on Friday. These strike teams were assigned to the Palisades and Eaton fires near Los Angeles and have spent the last two weeks working the fire lines and supporting the communities impacted by these disasters. In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 fire engines and water tenders, marking the largest out-of-state deployment in the agency's history. "I am immensely proud of the work firefighters from the Oregon fire service and the Oregon Department of Forestry have done over the last two weeks in California," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "Their dedication and professionalism have made a meaningful difference for the communities affected by these devastating fires. The willingness of our firefighters to step up and provide critical aid, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, is a testament to the strength and resilience of Oregon's fire service." The Oregon State Fire Marshal has four remaining strike teams in California, two assigned to the Eaton Fire and two assigned to support initial attack efforts if any new fires start. There is no timeline yet for when the remaining strike teams will return to Oregon. The strike teams sent to California by the State Fire Marshal were requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to support response and recovery efforts in other states. The strike teams' expenses will be reimbursed directly by California.

Officer Involved Shooting, Marion Co.
MARION COUNTY, Ore. 23 Jan. 2025 -- The Oregon State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Jan. 22, 2025, in Marion County. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2025, Salem Police officers were pursuing a wanted suspect near River Road and Gardenia Drive in Salem. The suspect, Shawn Lee Baker (42), fled into an apartment complex near the 3200 block of River Road North and toward a residential unit and was armed with a firearm. Two officers confronted Baker and shots were fired striking Baker. Additional officers from the Salem Police Department and Keizer Police Department were immediately on scene. Despite lifesaving measures by responding police and medics, Baker died at the scene. The involved officers have been identified as Salem Police Officers Chad Galusha and John Diaz. Galusha has been with the department for 16 years and Diaz for 23 years. As per standard protocol, both officers have been placed on administrative leave. No police officers were injured in the incident. The Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident, and the Oregon State Police is conducting the primary investigation in coordination with the Marion County District Attorney's Office. The Keizer Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office are assisting in the investigation. Any further information will be released by the Marion County District Attorney's Office at the conclusion of the investigation.

Unlawful Vehicle, CQ
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Jan. 22, 10:22 a.m., 3rd & Dean, “unlawful vehicle.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Jan. 22, 5:36 p.m., 10th & Central, “warrant service,” 24-year old Erik Behnke arrested on CBPD warrant charging FTA on DUII, “Behnke transported to CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Jan. 22, 8:09 p.m., 1200 block Shelley Rd., 35-year old Vernon Paul Eilertson arrested on Criminal Trespass II charge, “Eilertson transported CCJ; cited in lieu of custody.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Jan. 22, 7:28 a.m., 1300 block Crowell Ln., “illegal camping.” At 3:56 p.m., 1800 block Union, “illegal camping.” At 6:19 p.m., end of Monroe, “illegal camping.”

UEMV
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Jan. 22, 12:35 p.m., 3201 Tremont Ave., The Mill Casino, “unlawful entry into MV.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 22, 12:17 a.m., Eugene, “out with subject at this time,” 30-year old Christin Lynn Alter arrested on OSP warrant charging DUII, “transported to Lane Co. Jail.”

DUII
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 22, 9:52 a.m., Michigan & Madison, “DWS,” 51-year old Eric Shawn Underland charged with Driving While Suspended Misdemeanor, “Underland cited in lieu of custody.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 22, 12:41 p.m., Commercial & 10th, “warrant service,” on 59-year old Steven Ellis Bowen charging CCSO warrant for Driving While Suspended or Revoked; Douglas Co. warrant for FTA on DWS & Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapon; additional Oregon State Parole Board warrant for Parole Violation on Weapons Offense; additional charge Powell Co. SO MT warrant for Dangerous Drugs, “Bowen transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 22, 2:14 p.m., 8th & Central, “warrant service,” 36-year old David Raymond Kaufman arrested on CBPD warrant charging Criminal Trespass I & Theft III, “transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 22, :22 p.m., 300 Country Club Rd., Eugene PD, “warrant service,” on 50-year old Clarice Renee White charging CBPD warrant for FTA-Resisting Arrest & DOC.

Criminal trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Jan. 22, 7:25 p.m., 1155 Flanagan Ave., Salvation Army, 35-year old Danny Ray O’Dell arrested on Probation Detainer, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon & Criminal Trespass II charges, “transported to CCJ.”

WX
Sunshine and clouds mixed along the South Oregon Coast with highs near 50 and winds out of the North to Northeast at 10-15 mph Clear skies tonight with lows in the lower 30s and winds from the Northeast at 5-10 mph. Mostly sunny skies on Saturday with highs in the low 50s and winds from the Northeast at 10-20 mph.

Sports

Prep girl’s bxb
Girls’ prep basketball for Friday, Jan. 24th: 4A – Sky-Em: Marshfield at Junction City, 7:15 p.m. North Bend at Marist Catholic, 6:30 p.m. Oregon West Conf.: Cascade at Newport, 5:30 p.m. 3A – Mtn. Valley Conf.: Coquille at Siuslaw, 7 p.m. SOC: Brookings-Harbor vs. Lakeview at Rogue River HS, 6 p.m. 2A – Valley Coast Conf.” Toledo at Central Linn, 6 p.m. Waldport at East Linn Christian, 6 p.m. Sunset Conf.: Gold Beach at Oakland, 6 p.m. Myrtle Pt. at Illinois Valley, 6 p.m. Reedsport at Bandon, 6 p.m. 1A – Skyline Lg. – New Hope Christian at Powers, 6 p.m. Riddle at Pacific, forfeit by Riddle. Saturday: 1A – Powers at North Douglas, 5 p.m. Pacific at Days Ck., 6 p.m.

Prep boy’s bxb
Prep boys’ basketball for Friday, Jan. 24th: 4A – Sky-Em Lg.: Marshfield at Junction City, 5:45 p.m. North Bend at Marist Catholic, 5 p.m. Oregon West Conf.: Cascade at Newport, 7 p.m. 3A – Far West Lg.: Coquille at Siuslaw, 5:30 p.m. SOC: Brookings-Harbor vs. Lakeview at Rogue River, 7:30 p.m. 2A – Valley Coast Conf. – Toledo at Central Linn, 7:30 p.m. Waldport at East Linn Christian, 7:30 p.m. Sunset Conf.: Gold Beach at Oakland, 7:30 p.m. Myrtle Pt. at Illinois Valley, 7:30 p.m. Reedsport at Bandon, 7:30 p.m. 1A – Skyline Lg.: New Hope Christian at Powers, 7:30 p.m. Riddle at Pacific, 7:30 p.m. Saturday – 1A – Pacific at Days Ck., 7:30 p.m. Powers at North Douglas, 6:30 p.m.

Prep sw
Marshfield’s swim teams will host Cottage Grove, Friday, Jan. 24, 4 p.m., Mingus Park Pool. North Bend’s swim teams travel to Southern Oregon Friday, to take on Phoenix, 11 a.m.

Bay City Duals, wr
Marshfield will host the annual Bay City Duals Wrestling Tournament, Saturday, Jan. 25th, at the Pirate Palace, Coos Bay. Along with the host Pirates, also participating will be Coquille, Cottage Grove, Glide, Hidden Valley, Mazama, and North Bend. Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.

SWOCC Sports
Southwestern Oregon’s basketball teams host Clark College, Saturday, Jan. 25th, 2:30 p.m. women’s game and 4 p.m. men’s game, Prosper Hall on the Coos Bay Campus.

OSU bxb
Oregon State’s men downed visiting Pepperdine, 83-63 in a WCC basketball game at Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, Thursday night. The Beavers (5-3, 15-6) host Santa Clara, Saturday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m., televised on ESPN+. San Francisco beat visiting Oregon State’s women, 54-52. OSU (5-5, 9-12) plays Pacific at Stockton, CA, Saturday, 6 p.m., televised on ESPN+.

UO bxb
Oregon’s women host Indiana, Friday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m., Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, in a Big 10 Conference Basketball game televised on the B1G+ Network. Oregon’s men play at Minnesota, Saturday, Jan. 25th, 1 p.m., televised on BTN.

OSU wr
Oregon State’s wrestling team is in Little Rock, Arkansas to take on Little Rock on Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m., televised on UFC Fight Pass.

OSU gym
Oregon State’s gymnastics team travels to Auburn, Alabama, Friday, Jan. 24th, to take on No. 12 Auburn, 6:30 p.m.