JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Friday, July 17, 2026 – Sunrise: 5:52 a.m. and Sunset: 8:53 p.m., offering 15-hours & one-minute of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Friday, July 17, 2026 – High tide: 3:51 a.m., 7.6 ft.; Low tide: 10:32 a.m., -1.26 ft.; High tide: 5:09 p.m., 6.86 ft.; Low tide: 10:51 p.m., 1.46 ft.

Traffic Alert, Newmark St., North Bend
City of North Bend release - Eastbound Newmark Ave. from Sherman Ave. to U.S. Hwy 101 is expected to close Friday, July 17, 10 AM–2 PM for roadway repair. Plan for detours and delays. The City of North Bend is advising the public of an anticipated eastbound lane closure on Newmark Avenue from Sherman Avenue to U.S. Highway 101 on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Knife River Materials will be repairing a section of roadway damaged by a water line leak for the Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board. During the repair work, the eastbound lane will be temporarily closed to through traffic. Drivers should expect traffic control measures, posted detour routes, signage, and possible delays in the area. Please allow extra travel time and use caution when traveling near the work zone. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times. Local residents and property owners will be accommodated as much as possible during the closure. The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as crews complete this important roadway repair. Questions may be directed to North Bend Public Works at 541-756-8525.

Road Closure, Coos Bay
City of Coos Bay release - Coos Bay North Bend Water Board will be conducting site improvements at N 5th Street between Market Ave and Commercial Ave. Work is planned to on July 17th at 8am and conclude by 4pm. The road will remain continuously closed for the duration of work. Traffic will be detoured via 4th St. and adjacent local streets. Access for emergency services will be maintained. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution near the construction area and follow all posted traffic signage. Should you have any questions or want more information, please contact Public Works at (541) 269-8918.

West Nile Virus Detected in Southern Oregon
OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—West Nile virus (WNv) has been detected in a mosquito pool collected July 15 in Eagle Point, marking the first time in 2026 that the virus has been detected. July, August and September are considered peak months for WNv activity in Jackson County. The mosquitoes were collected by the Jackson County Vector Control District as part of a routine surveillance program and DNA testing. Mosquito pools are traps that hold up to 50 insects. County vector control districts around the state use the pools to collect mosquitoes so they can be tested for mosquito-borne diseases that affect humans and animals, such as birds and horses. Residents are urged to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since WNv is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms, especially in people older than 50 with underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Health care providers can contact the Jackson?County Health Department for information on WNv testing. The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated and farm animals. Horse owners should get their horses vaccinated for WNv. Horses with neurologic disease should be examined by a veterinarian. WNv testing is available at Oregon State University.

Fire - Hwy. 34, East of Waldport
ODOT release - Thursday, July 16, 2026, 4:23 p.m. - ODOT: Valley, No. Coast: OR 34 is closed 2 miles east of Waldport due to a fire in the area. This could be an extended closure. Use an alternate route. Slow down and move over for emergency workers in the area. Check tripcheck.com for updates.

Coos Co.
Coos Co. Board of Commissioners, Friday, July 17 - Board Executive Session under the Authority of ORS 192.660 (2)(a) To Consider the Employment of a Public Officer or Employee (interview for CHW Director Position) - 10:00am, Owen Building, 201 No. Adams St., Coquille.

July Jubilee – July 17–19
July Jubilee will return July 17–19 with traditional events, including the awards ceremony, five-kilometer run, disc golf tournament, Show and Shine, softball game, Family Fun at Pony Village Mall, history walk, and more. Registration for the July Jubilee Jaunt five-kilometer run is now open, and organizers look forward to welcoming runners from across the region. Last year’s event featured more than 100 runners. Nominations are also open for the Honored Citizen Awards. (North Bend Strategic Plan: Economic Development).

July Jubilee Ambassador Court
City of North Bend release - North Bend proudly welcomes Karen Lu, Addison Horning, Amanda Chen and Tania Aguirre as members of the 2026 July Jubilee Ambassador Court. The City of North Bend proudly introduced and crowned the 2026 North Bend July Jubilee Ambassador Court during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The 2026 court members are: Karen Lu, Addison Horning, Amanda Chen, & Tania Aguirre. July Jubilee is one of North Bend’s most cherished community traditions. The festival began in 1983 as North Bend prepared to celebrate its 80th year as an incorporated city. Its roots also reflect an important chapter in local history, when residents reaffirmed North Bend’s independent identity following an unsuccessful effort to consolidate the community with neighboring Coos Bay. What began as a celebration of North Bend’s history, independence and hometown pride has grown into an annual festival that brings residents, families, businesses and visitors together for a weekend of community activities and entertainment. Members of the July Jubilee Ambassador Court play an important role during the festival and throughout the year. They welcome residents and visitors, participate in community celebrations, represent North Bend at local and regional events and serve as positive role models for other young people. The City congratulates Karen, Addison, Amanda and Tania on their selection and thanks them for their willingness to represent North Bend with enthusiasm, leadership and community pride. Please join us in congratulating the 2026 North Bend July Jubilee Ambassador Court.

Oregon Coast Culinary Institute to host the “Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration” this summer
SWOCC release - Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to our inaugural Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration. This is a new community event bringing together exceptional wineries, artisan vendors, and supporters of the culinary arts from across Oregon. This warm and vibrant gathering will take place on July 18th, 2026, at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 1988 Newmark, Ave., Coos Bay, inside the beautiful Umpqua Hall Health & Science Building from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This year’s celebration holds special significance. We are honoring the memory of our cherished colleague, Chef Instructor Laura Williams, who passed away last year. Laura was passionate about food, wine, and teaching, and it’s fitting to create an event that brings those passions together. In her honor, this inaugural celebration will serve as a fundraiser to establish a scholarship in Laura’s name, awarded annually to a student attending the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. Our hope is to continue this event in the future – growing it into a beloved annual tradition that draws guests from up and down the coast. This is a ticketed event, with each patron receiving sampling tokens upon entry. Guests may use these tokens for food or wine tastings with the option to purchase additional tokens. All proceeds from ticket and token sales will contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship. Live music, artisan vendors, and a curated selection of Oregon wineries will help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for attendees to enjoy. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase wine (bottles or cases) directly from participating wineries. A silent auction will offer exciting experiences, fun gifts, and coastal treats going to the highest bidder. If attendees desire to contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship there will be a drop box at the event to leave a donation, or they may donate online. SAVE THE DATE – Tickets & Event Details: Date/Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Location: Umpqua Hall, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay; Tickets: $35 per person in advance. $40 at the door. 21 and older only. Service Animals only. Purchase tickets in advance at: https://oregon-coast-culinary-institute.square.site/ If you wish to donate directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship please go to: https://tinyurl.com/bdcutf8t. For more information or to inquire about participating as a vendor please contact Lena Chester at 541-888-7309 or [email protected].

'Elections are Decided by Voters, Not by the President': Secretary Read Responds to President Trump’s Prime-Time Address on Elections
OR Secretary of State release - SALEM, OR — President Trump gave a prime-time speech to once again peddle election conspiracy theories and cast doubt on the integrity of American elections. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read issued the following statement in response: “Too many Americans sacrificed too much to let a tired, scared politician steal our elections. “The President is once again making false claims about American elections; repeating conspiracy theories that have been disproven time and again so he can deny any election results he doesn’t like, just like he did in 2020. “He knows Americans aren’t happy. He is afraid of facing accountability from voters this November. But, in America, elections are decided by voters, not by the President. “Oregon’s vote-by-mail elections are secure, fair, and accurate, run by dedicated public servants who follow the law and answer directly to the communities they live in. Accountability and transparency are built into every step of our election process: from unique barcodes on each ballot envelope, to publicly certified vote counting machines that are never connected to the internet, to un-hackable paper ballots that are preserved and audited. “I want the people of Oregon to know that as their Secretary of State, I will continue to stand up for their right to hold politicians and government accountable in free and fair elections.”

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Task Forces to Umatilla Co.
Oregon State Fire Marshal release - SALEM, Ore. – On Wednesday night, the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked for the Lower Dry Creek Fire in Umatilla County. The Oregon State Fire Marshal began mobilizing structural protection task forces and its Red Incident Management Team. Local firefighters have been fighting the fast-moving fire near Milton-Freewater and Weston since it was reported Wednesday afternoon. The fire is estimated to be more than 5,000 acres and was being pushed by gusty winds from passing thunderstorms and extremely dry conditions. The fire has prompted levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. Those seeking evacuation information can find updates on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. On Wednesday afternoon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two structural task forces and air resources through Immediate Response. Additional structural task forces are being mobilized to boost capacity and protect property and critical infrastructure. “Wednesday was an extremely active day for firefighters across the state as hot, dry weather coupled with thunderstorms elevated wildfire risk,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The forecast is calling for continued thunderstorms and temperatures into the mid-90s for the coming week. I’m asking every Oregonian to be aware of the wildfire threat and take steps to prevent sparking any new wildfires.” This is the third time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2026.

More Deployments to Central Oregon Wildfires
OR Dept. of Forestry release - PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CIMT) to manage multiple central Oregon wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. The all ODF-staffed team will coordinate current and additional personnel and equipment assigned to the incidents. The CIMT will battle the Brewer fire estimated at more than 3,000 acres, the Akawa fire at more than 3,200 acres and the Pilot fire at 100 acres. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice for the Brewer fire and a Level 1 and Level 2 notice for the Akawa fire. For the Pilot fire the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice. To see more information on the fires and to set up alerts from the counties go to: https://centraloregonfire.org The public is urged to avoid these areas due to heavy firefighting traffic and possible road closures. The team is scheduled for an in-brief tomorrow at noon and then schedule take over management of the fire at 6 p.m. The incident command is expected to be in Sisters. The Brewer fire started yesterday, and the Pilot and Akawa fires ignited today. All three fires were caused by lightning. Although there was rain in the area last night and today it was not enough to significantly impact the fires. Dry fuels on the ground and continued warm weather will contribute to the fires’ intensity making fighting the fires challenging and the need for additional resources including the CIMT.

ODOT Workers Hit on Closed Off-Ramp
OSP release - HOOD RIVER COUNTY, Ore. (16 July 2026) – On July 15, 2026, the Oregon State Police arrested a driver who entered a closed Interstate 84 off-ramp earlier in the day and struck two Oregon Department of Transportation workers before leaving the scene. At approximately 4:10 a.m., ODOT had closed the Exit 64 eastbound off-ramp in Hood River while crews worked to remove a crashed commercial motor vehicle and its trailer. Despite the closure, the driver of a white Porsche entered the off-ramp and told workers he needed to take the exit to get to work. As the Porsche drove through the closure, it struck two ODOT workers who were staffing the area. Neither worker was injured, and both declined medical treatment. The driver, Gregory Adam Polanski, 43, of Hood River, left before law enforcement arrived. At approximately 5:46 p.m., OSP troopers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Polanski was arrested and booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) for reckless driving, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, and recklessly endangering highway workers. OSP reminds motorists that highway work zones are in place to protect both workers and the traveling public. Drivers are required to obey traffic control devices, road closures, and directions from roadway workers.

Quake
A 2.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded at the Southern End of the two fault lines that run parallel with the Oregon Coast, Thursday, July 16. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was located west to southwest of Petrolia, CA, near Cape Mendocino in Northern California.

Willamette River Drowning
Lane Co. SO release - On July 14th at around 4:40pm, LCSO Marine Patrol deputies were notified of a water rescue in the Willamette River. A group of people floating the river hit a snag in the water. Most of the group made it to the riverbank, but one person was missing. Eugene Springfield Fire and Rescue located the missing male face down in the water and quickly transported him to a local area hospital for treatment. Tragically, the man did not survive. The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Ervan Dominick Lucia of Harrisburg. The investigation revealed Lucia was operating a paddleboard without a lifejacket, and he was tethered to his paddleboard. The Lane County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone to wear a properly fitting lifejacket anytime you are using Lane County waterways. Tethering yourself to equipment is always dangerous. If you are using a tether, it should be able to break away quickly.

North Umpqua River Drowning, Douglas Co.
Douglas Co. SO release - ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 12:24 p.m., deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park in Winchester. The preliminary investigation determined that 64-year-old Charles Robert Jensen of Roseburg and a friend were kayaking on the North Umpqua River from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. Jensen's friend was able to pull Jensen from the water onto nearby rocks and immediately began CPR. It was believed Jensen was submerged for approximately one minute. Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene and continued lifesaving efforts; however, Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded and assumed responsibility for the death investigation. Next of kin has been notified and the victim's name is now being released. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Mr. Jensen's family and friends. Assisting agencies included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Police.

Norway Cemetery Tractor
According to reports, the John Deere tractor stolen from the Norway Cemetery has been recovered by Coos Co. Sheriff’s deputies. A search warrant was reported executed on the 5000 block of Cherry Ck. Rd., outside of Myrtle Point where the tractor was found. Still missing is a Bad Boy zero-turn mower. The tractor is valued at $20,000 and the mower at $7,000. The investigation is continuing and no suspects have been named.

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 6:25 a.m., 6th & Bennett, “illegal camping.” At 8:10 a.m., Front & Market, “illegal camping.

Counterfeit Money
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 7:32 a.m., 900 block Newmark Ave., Chevron Empire, “counterfeit money.” At 7:54 a.m., 300 block So. 4th St., VP Fuel, “counterfeit money.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 8:42 a.m., 200 E. 2nd St., Coos Co. Jail, 46-year old Jerry Loremann arrested on CCSO warrant charging two-counts of Menacing and one-count of Disorderly Conduct in the 2nd Degree.

Fight
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 9:39 a.m., 2300 block SE Ocean Blvd., “fight,” 49-year old Richard Edward Hazen charged with Reckless Driving, “Hazen cited in lieu of custody.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 9:42 a.m., 1300 block Crocker St., 32-year old Nicholas Bartlett charged with Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree & Douglas Co. SO warrant for FTA on Theft 2nd Degree, Theft 3rd Degree & Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree, “Bartlett was transported to CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 10:12 a.m., 6th & Bennett, 39-year old Don William Boyd charged with Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree, “Boyd transported to CCJ.”

Unlawful Vehicle, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 15, 2:20 p.m., 800 block Fenwick, “unlawful vehicle.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CQPD log for July 15, 12:04 p.m., 611 No. Central Blvd., Fast Mart, 30-year old Marissa Raven Cato charged with Criminal Trespass II, “Cato transported to CCJ.”

Fight
According to an entry on the CQPD log for July 15, 9 p.m., SE 3rd & Henry, “report of big fight at location.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 15, 7:07 a.m., Harbor Ave., “patrol check.” At 7:26 a.m., 2100 block Marion Ave., “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 15, 9:31 a.m., 200 E. 2nd St., Coquille, Coos Co. Jail, 42-year old Anthony Neil Warren served NBPD warrant charging FTA on DUII, Reckless Driving & Criminal Driving While Suspended or Revoked.

Burglary
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 15, 5:25 p.m., 3800 block Buccaneer Ln., “burglary.”

Accident
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 15, 8:04 p.m., Broadway & Lombard, “officer out with vehicle into pole at location.”

WX
A Small Craft Advisory along the South Oregon Coast for Friday. Partly cloudy today with highs in the mid to upper 60s and winds from the North at 10-15 mph. Partly cloudy skies giving way to cloudy overnight. Areas of dense fog. Lows in the low 50s and winds from the North to Northeast at 10-15 mph. Cloudy on Saturday early, then partial sunshine late. Highs in the upper 60s and winds from the North at 10-20 mph.

Sports

Wasikowski Adds Fineman to Coaching Staff
UO release - EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon head baseball coach Mark Wasikowski announced Thursday the addition of Ryan Fineman as Oregon's new recruiting coordinator and assistant coach. Fineman comes to Oregon after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Troy, working with the Trojans' catchers while coordinating the program's recruiting efforts. Before joining the Troy coaching staff, Fineman spent one season at Old Dominion where he worked with catchers and assisted with hitting and recruiting. He spent the 2023 season at Alabama, after joining the Crimson Tide's staff as the director of player personnel. Prior to his time in Tuscaloosa, he was a volunteer assistant coach at New Orleans (2021-22) and an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Chipola Junior College (2020-21). "Ryan is a high character baseball guy that has great connections throughout the entire amateur baseball landscape," Wasikowski said. "He has excelled as a recruiting coordinator at a tremendous level, evidence by last year's College World Series run at Troy University. "Additional Division I experiences cutting his teeth in the SEC at the University of Alabama and also Old Dominion have been extremely valuable," Wasikowski added. "His experience goes deeper than the Division I level. His time at Chipola Junior College in Florida while assisting legendary head coach Jeff Johnson will also help with recruiting efforts on a national JC level. Originally from Westlake Village, Calif., Fineman was a four-year starter at Indiana (2016-19), helping the Hoosiers capture a Big Ten regular-season title in 2019 and make three appearances in the NCAA Regionals. After earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors in 2016, he hit .284 with seven home runs and 37 RBI as a junior in 2018. He signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and played one season with their Gulf Coast rookie league team in 2019. "Having been both a college and professional catcher, his baseball instincts, grit, and work ethic are well known throughout the industry," Wasikowski said. "Growing up on the West Coast allowed Ryan to play and work in the top travel baseball organizations on the West Coast. Being able to attract Ryan Fineman as our new recruiting coordinator will undoubtedly continue the upper trajectory of our organization. He is a tremendous addition to the University of Oregon baseball program." During his two seasons at Troy, Fineman helped lead the Trojans to 78 wins and a trip to the 2026 College World Series and a No. 8 ranking in the final D1Baseball poll after winning the Gainesville Regional Tournament and the Troy Super Regional. His catcher, Jimmy Janicki, claimed All-America honors from D1Baseball (2nd Team), Perfect Game (2nd Team) and the NCBWA (3rd Team), while also being named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. He finished the season among the nation's leaders in RBI (2nd – 87), hits (5th – 97), doubles (6th – 26), total bases (5th – 188) and home runs (25th – 21). Janicki's success under Fineman's tutelage came a year after Troy catcher Brooks Bryan was named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference and was selected in the eighth round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. Bryan's success capped a successful season for Fineman and the Trojans that saw them end the season 39-21 while being ranked as high as No. 14 in the nation during the season, at the time the highest in program history. On the recruiting trial, Troy's 2025 transfer portal class ranked No. 19 nationally according to 64Analytics and was the No. 2 transfer class among mid-majors. At Alabama, Fineman assisted with the development of the team's hitters and catchers and assisted with on-campus recruiting.

OSU Men's Soccer
OSU release - CORVALLIS – The Oregon State men's soccer team has announced its schedule for the 2026 season. The Beavers will open the year with back-to-back road contests, playing at UC Irvine (Aug. 20) and Cal State Fullerton (Aug. 23). Oregon State's first home game will come on Aug. 30 when Washington visits Paul Lorenz Field. OSU will head east to take on perennial powers Georgetown and Virginia on Sept. 4 and 8, respectively. It will then return to the Rose City Sept. 13 for a matchup with Portland. The Beavers will head to UC Santa Barabara on Sept. 20, before returning home to take on Seattle U on Sept. 23 and San Diego State on Sept. 30. Oregon State will open the month of October with its third-straight home game, facing UC Riverside. The Beavers will make a SoCal swing Oct. 7 and 10 for matchups with Cal Baptist and UC San Diego. Oregon State will come home to take on Cal State Bakersfield (Oct. 14), before hitting the road against for a matchup with Cal Poly (Oct. 17). The Beavers will host Sacramento State Oct. 21 and will head to Utah Valley on Oct. 24. OSU will conclude the regular season against Gonzaga on Oct. 31. The Pac-12 Semifinals will take place on Nov. 7, ahead of Nov. 14's Pac-12 Final.

Mariners
Back home in T-Mobile Park following a disastrous trip through Florida and then a break for the All-Star Game, the Seattle Mariners (48-49), in second place in the American League West trailing Texas (49-47), opens an MLB series against the San Francisco Giants (41-55), Friday, 7:10 p.m., televised on mariners.tv.