JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Sunrise: 5:53 a.m., and Sunset: 8:33 p.m., offering 14-hours & 40-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Low tide: 6:26 a.m., -0.15 ft.; High tide: 12:42 p.m., 5.81 ft.; Low tide: 6:09 p.m., 1.7 ft.

Coos Bay Budget Committee
The City of Coos Bay Budget Committee will meet on Thursday, May 14, 2026 – 6:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers, 500 Central Avenue. Zoom Remote Attendance Link & YouTube Live Stream. Agenda: 1. Public Comments: a. Public Comment; 2. Review of Proposed Budget: a. Proposed 2026-2027 Budget; 3. Public Hearing - Citizen Input on the Use of State Revenue Sharing Funds; 4. Required Motions for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget: a. Motion to Approve Permanent Tax Rate; b. Motion to Approve Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

OCCI Announces Spring “La Patisserie” Weekly Sales
SWOCC release - https://mylakerlink.socc.edu/ICS/icsfs/OCCI-logo-color.jpg?target=6845f70f-5b92-4d5d-956f-3ab79680db97 Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) will host a series of “La Patisserie” sales this spring, featuring freshly prepared baked goods, beverages, and culinary items created by OCCI Baking & Pastry and Culinary students. The weekly sales take place select Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at OCCI on SWOCC’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). Each week features a different theme, giving students the opportunity to showcase a variety of techniques and global flavors while providing the community with fresh, student-made offerings. La Patisserie Sales Schedule & Themes: May 14 – Tea House; May 21 – Tea House & Culinary Marketplace; May 28 – Coffee House & Culinary Marketplace; June 4 – Final Week Blowout Sale & Culinary Marketplace. Menu items may vary each week and are available while supplies last. Proceeds from sales support student learning and program activities, including opportunities for OCCI students to gain hands-on, real-world experience in food production and service. Community members are encouraged to stop by, try a variety of offerings, and support student chefs. About Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) - The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) is a professionally accredited culinary institution at Southwestern Oregon Community College located in Coos Bay, Oregon. OCCI offers both degrees and certificates in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. The school is renowned for providing comprehensive culinary training programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the culinary industry. With a focus on hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and affordable programs, OCCI is committed to nurturing culinary talent and shaping the next generation of talented chefs. For more information, visit www.socc.edu/occi.

Merci Train Boxcar Moved in North Bend
City of North Bend release - Historic railcar will become part of North Bend’s growing Visitor Information Center and Community Hub project - NORTH BEND, Ore. — A small French railcar with a big story has a new home in downtown North Bend. The Oregon Merci Train boxcar has been moved to the North Bend Visitor Information Center at 745 California Ave., near California Avenue and U.S. Highway 101. The boxcar was moved from 1250 Sherman Ave., where it stood near the site of the former Visitor Information Center. The word “merci” means “thank you” in French. The boxcar is part of the Merci Train, a gift sent from France to the United States after World War II. After the war, many people in Europe needed food and supplies. Americans helped by sending hundreds of railcars filled with relief goods. In 1949, the people of France responded with 49 boxcars filled with gifts for the American people. Each of the 48 states at that time received one boxcar. The 49th boxcar was shared by Washington, D.C., and the Territory of Hawaii. North Bend is home to Oregon’s only Merci Boxcar. The boxcar first came to Oregon in 1949 and was later displayed in other parts of the state before coming to North Bend in 2006. The railcar is also tied to military history. This type of French boxcar was known as a “Forty and Eight” car because it could carry 40 soldiers or eight horses. Many veterans remembered similar cars from their wartime service. The boxcar is now covered with a weatherproof protective wrap while work continues at the downtown site. Plans call for a new protective structure and fencing around the display. The boxcar will sit near North Bend’s historic 1937 fire engine. When the display is complete, the city plans to allow supervised public viewing with staff and volunteers. The move is part of a larger effort to build the North Bend Community Hub around the Visitor Information Center. The project includes the T-Mobile Plaza, a stage and performance corner, seating, landscaping, public art, accessible walkways, and space for community gatherings. The city received a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant for the stage and performance area. North Bend was one of 25 communities selected nationwide during that grant round. Work is also underway on the Hub Rest Area portion of the project. That area is planned to include an accessible ramp, raised planter walls, green space, a hydration station, an outdoor kiosk and other public improvements. The lower plaza will include a stage, seat walls and access from both the future parking lot and the Sherman Avenue sidewalk. The space is intended to serve residents and visitors as a downtown gathering place. The boxcar relocation took careful planning. Partney Construction laid temporary rails to remove the boxcar from its former structure. West Coast Contractors lifted and moved the boxcar. Knife River, HGE Architects, city staff, volunteers and the Forty and Eight veterans organization also helped with the project. Future walking tours are expected to include the Merci Boxcar, along with other local rail history. The city also plans to work with the Forty and Eight and the Coos History Museum on education and programming. A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced at a later date. For now, residents and visitors can see the covered boxcar at its new downtown location as construction continues.

Installation of rare blue whale skeleton gets underway at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center
By Michelle Klampe, OSU release - NEWPORT, Ore. – More than a decade after the body of a 70-foot blue whale washed up on the southern Oregon Coast, its skeleton will be installed in a permanent educational display at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Viewers can watch the display come to life via two web cameras, starting with installation of a steel support system for the massive, 5,500-pound skeleton, which is expected to begin later this week, weather and construction conditions permitting. To tune in, visit beav.es/bones. This blue whale skeleton will be one of only a handful of such skeletons available for public viewing in North America, and the only one between Vancouver, British Columbia, and the San Francisco Bay area. Blue whales – the largest animals ever to live – are endangered. Because they live primarily in the deep ocean, they are rarely visible to the public and tend to sink when they die. When the whale’s body was discovered near Gold Beach, Oregon, in 2015, leaders of OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute recognized a rare opportunity to turn an unfortunate loss into a resource for learning and discovery. Over the last 10 years, they have worked to bring the project to fruition with the help of donors and a Canadian company hired to lead the preservation and display effort. “Researchers at the Marine Mammal Institute are working every day to advance knowledge of these extraordinary animals, the environments they live in and the threats they face,” said Lisa T. Ballance, the institute’s director. “This whale skeleton represents another remarkable educational opportunity for our students and researchers as well as visitors to the Oregon Coast.” A five-person team from Alberta, Canada-based Dinosaur Valley Studios has spent the last three years cleaning, restoring and preserving the whale’s bones – the largest are the 18-foot lower jaw bones – and creating a steel frame system to display them. The whale will be posed in natural motion. “We wanted to convey a living animal in a dynamic environment, rather than a static display,” said Frank Hadfield, director of Dinosaur Valley Studios. “We hope visitors are inspired by the wonder of the natural world through this piece.” The team removed an estimated 150 to 200 pounds of whale oil from the bones. They also had to repair and, in some cases, recreate portions of the skeleton that were damaged, either by injury to the whale while it was alive or by strong surf after its death. “The biggest challenge of this project has been the sheer size of the bones, but the reward is seeing the largest creature that ever lived come together as a skeleton,” Hadfield said. A necropsy conducted after the whale washed ashore in 2015 noted the whale appeared underweight and had not been eating well prior to death; showed blunt force injuries consistent with a possible ship strike; and found the presence of domoic acid, a naturally occurring biotoxin caused by harmful algal blooms, exposure to which can debilitate whales. The whale’s carcass was dismantled and the remains were bundled in huge nets and submerged in Yaquina Bay, where seawater and marine invertebrates cleaned the bones. The skeleton was in the water for more than three years before being removed in November 2019. The original plan to clean and restore the skeleton was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project resumed in 2023, when Dinosaur Valley Studios, which specializes in skeletal reconstruction of very large animals, assumed the lead on the preservation and display effort. Clackamas, Oregon-based VALAR Consulting Engineering is overseeing design and permitting for the display, and VALAR Construction is facilitating the construction and project management for the installation. The display is expected to be completed by early summer. A public celebration, including installation of permanent signage, is expected to occur in late summer or early fall. Visitors to the Hatfield Marine Science Center and its visitor center, a public educational center that features exhibits and hands-on activities focused on ocean life, marine research and innovation, will find the blue whale skeleton in the courtyard of the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building once the project is complete. The effort has received enthusiastic support from the public since the idea was first introduced, said Ballance, who is also interim associate vice president for marine research operations and executive director of Hatfield Marine Science Center. Fundraising is underway to complete the display and provide ongoing support to maintain it. To support the project, visit beav.es/bones.

New Oregon Coast Travel Centers
The Ko Kwel Resort at North Bend recently announced the building of a new travel center on Hwy. 101, across from their Casino/Hotel. Now comes word on the Central Oregon Coast that a new $6.7 million Travel Center will be built at Lincoln City’s Welcome Center at D River Wayside. Groundbreaking took place earlier this month and the project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Ukrainian National Extradited to Face Conspiracy Charges
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon release - PORTLAND, Ore.— A Ukrainian national was extradited from Thailand to the United States last Friday to face charges for her role in a global Ponzi and pyramid scheme. Olena Oblamska, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, Oblamska and her co-conspirators advertised Forsage as a decentralized matrix project based on network marketing and “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The defendants falsely promoted Forsage to the public as a legitimate, low-risk, and lucrative investment opportunity through Forsage’s website and various social-media platforms, but, in reality, the defendants operated Forsage as a Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world. Consistent with a Ponzi scheme, as soon as an investor invested in Forsage by purchasing a “slot” in a Forsage smart contract, the smart contract automatically diverted the investor’s funds to other Forsage investors, such that earlier investors were paid with funds from later investors. Oblamska made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026. If convicted, Oblamska faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI Portland Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, HSI New York, and HSI Bangkok are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case. All investor victims of the Forsage scheme are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-vladimir-okhotnikov-et-al to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the ability to submit a victim impact statement. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at Roseburg
DCSO release - DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating every May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls, National Police Week. Across the United States, ceremonies are held to remember those serving in law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will host a local Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:00 am on the front lawn of the Courthouse. This ceremony, which is open to members of the community, will pay tribute to the six Douglas County law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty: • Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959; • Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985; • Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985; • Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985; • Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002; • Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021. The tribute will include a proclamation reading by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, a police honor guard, wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes, a 21-gun salute and a county-wide radio broadcast.

Hwy. 62 Fatal, Jackson Co.
OSP release - Jackson County, Ore. (11 May 2026)- On Monday, May 11, 2026, at 9:38 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Highway 62, near milepost 3, in Jackson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Dodge Ram pickup, operated by Kristin Michelle Cowan (35) of Medford, struck the rear of a westbound Kawasaki Eliminator motorcycle, operated by John Daren Stribling (56) Central Point. The operator of the Dodge (Cowan) was reportedly uninjured. The operator of the Kawasaki (John Stribling) and passenger, Bobbie Lynn Stribling-King (44) of Central Point, were declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately seven hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment is considered a primary cause of the crash and the investigation is on-going. Cowan was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, and Manslaughter charges. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.

Stranded on ODNRA
CCSO release - ODNRA. Ore, - On May 13, 2026, at approximately 10:10 a.m., a Coos County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to GPS coordinates in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for a stranded female subject. The female had a “911 only” phone and was left in the rural area by an acquaintance with no food or water for approximately 14 hours, and she was not adequately equipped for the conditions. With the assistance of the North Coos Dispatch Center, the deputies were able to locate the female and assist her in getting off the sand safely and provided her with food and water.

Wanted Subject, Myrtle Pt.
CCSO release - Myrtle Point, Ore. - On May 13th, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Coos County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 94164 Hwy. 42, Coos Bay, Oregon, to attempt to locate a wanted subject. Deputies searched the property and located Randolph N. Rossback (68), hiding in the back of the residence. Mr. Rossback was placed under arrest for multiple felony warrants and transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and lodged.

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for May 12, 7:03 a.m., McPherson Ave., “illegal camping,” 62-year old Lisa Robinett & 58-year old Jesse Manzanares “Ticket.” At 7:16 a.m., Harbor Ave. & Washington, “illegal camping,” 48-year old Mathew Casto, “Ticket.” AT 9:28 p.m., 3133 Broadway Ave., Perry’s Electric, “illegal camping.” At 11:07 p.m., 3200 block Broadway Ave., “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for May 12, 10:44 a.m., 1900 block Virginia Ave., “North Bend PD served Coos Bay PD warrant,” 29-year old Sarah Elaine Brown charged with Theft II, “Brown was transported to CCJ.”

Disorderly
According to an entry on the NBPD log for May 12, 5:31 p.m., 1900 block McPherson Ave., 43-year old Jeremy Edward Trausch Lewis charged with Disorderly Conduct II, “Lewis was transported to CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for May 12, 6:37 a.m., 500 block 5th/Bennett, “illegal camping.” At 6:56 a.m., 200 block So. 2nd Ct. Alley, “illegal camping.” At 3:03 p.m., 200 block So. Broadway Ave., “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for May 12, 1:03 p.m., 4005 Aumsville Hwy, Salem, 31-year old Scott Lee Smith arrested on CBPD warrant charging FTA on Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for May 12, 1:53 p.m., wooded area South Empire Boat Docks, 29-year old Megan Woolman arrested on Parole Violation warrant, “Woolman, Megan transported CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for May 12, 5:42 p.m., 500 Central Ave., CBPD, 43-year old Keith Alan Fisher arrested by OSP on CBPD warrant charging Assault in the Fourth Degree & Harassment.

WX
A Small Craft Advisory along the South Oregon Coast. Considerable cloudiness early, then a decrease in clouds later in the day with highs in the low 60s and winds from the East to Northeast at first, then shifting to the Northwest at 10-15 mph. Cloudy tonight with lows around 50 and winds from the North to Northwest at 5-10 mph. Overcast on Friday with highs near 60 and winds from the Northwest at 10-15 mph.

Sports

North Bend Girls' Golf
NBHS release - Congratulations to the North Bend High School Women's Golf Team. This week the girls traveled to Emerald Valley Golf Course, Creswell, to compete in the 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 4 Golf Tournament against seven other teams. The Bulldogs, coached by Gary Prince, were able to capture their third consecutive district golf championship, beating 2nd place Marist Spartans by over twenty strokes. Out of 35 total golfers, Lola Davidson took 3rd place, Emily Heaton took 4th place and Addy Garrett finished in 6th place. We also saw a strong performance by Benelli Gordon, and freshman Mazzie Neal. The girls will travel to Redmond on Sunday, May 17th, to compete in the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 4A Girls’ State Golf Championships Tournament.

Prep BVB Scores
Prep boys’ volleyball scores from Wednesday, May 13 – 4A/3A/2A/1A – North Bend beat visiting Eugene Christian, 3-0. No score on Marshfield vs. Eugene Christian at NBHS.

Prep SB Scores
From Tuesday, May 12 – 4A: SkyEm Lg. – Marist Catholic won at Marshfield, 11-4. On Wednesday, May 13 – 4A: Non-league – North Bend/Reedsport won at So. Umpqua, 12-2 (5). 3A: North Valley won at Brookings-Harbor, 18-3.

Prep SB Schedules
Prep softball schedules for Thursday, May 14 – 4A: OR West Conf. – North Marion at Newport, 5p. Cowapa Lg. – Astoria at Scappoose, 5p. Seaside at St. Helens, 5p. 3A: Special District 3 – Taft at Blanchet Catholic, 4:30p. SD1 – Rainier at Warrenton, 3p & 4:30p. Non-league – Waldport at Salem Academy, 4:30p. 2A/1A: SD4 – Myrtle Pt. at Toledo, 4:30p. SD1 – Nestucca at Vernonia, 3 & 5p.

Prep BB Scores
Prep baseball scores from Wednesday, May 13 – 4A: OR West Conf. – Philomath won at Newport, 9-4. Cowapa Lg. – St. Helens lost at Seaside, 4-2. Scappoose won at Astoria, 7-3. 3A: SD3 – Taft won at Scio, 9-1.

Prep BB Schedules
Prep baseball schedules for Thursday, May 14 – 4A: OR West Conf. – Philomath at Newport, 5p. Cowapa Lg. – St. Helens at Seaside, 5p. Scappoose at Astoria, 6p. 3A: SD3 – Taft at Scio, 5p.

SWOCC SB
Southwestern Oregon’s softball team, seeded No. 3, will open the 2026 NWAC Tournament at Delta Parks, Portland, Thursday, May 14, 6p, against the winner of the Chemeketa vs. Spokane game earlier in the day.

UO BB
Oregon’s baseball team hosts USC in a Big 10 Conference series starting Thursday, May 14, PK Park, Eugene, 7:05p, televised on B1G+ Network.

OSU BB
Oregon State’s baseball team has one regular season three-game series remaining in the 2026 season, at home to Air Force, Goss Stadium, Corvallis, beginning Thursday, May 14, 5:35 p.m. Televised on Portland’s CW.

Seattle Mariners
Another one of those one-run games got the Seattle Mariners (21-23) Wednesday at Houston in MLB. The Astros (17-27) won 4-3 to even the series. The two play again today, Thursday, May 14, 11:10 a.m., televised on Mariners.TV and FOX.