JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 – Sunrise: 7:48 a.m., and Sunset: 4:46 p.m., offering eight-hours and 58-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Thursday, Dec. 25. 2925 – High tide: 5:22 a.m., 6.59 ft.; Low tide: 10:47 a.m., 3.21 ft.; High tide: 4:20 p.m., 6.63 ft.; Low tide: 11:07 p.m., 0.52 ft.

Christmas 2025
It is Christmas Day 2025. Most businesses are closed for the holiday, some will stay closed on Friday as well to celebrate the long Christmas Holiday weekend. However, Friday is normally a busy day for shoppers, some with Christmas money to spend, others with Christmas gifts to return. Retail businesses say it is normally the second busiest day behind the day after Thanksgiving. It’s the end of 2025, time to celebrate!

Shore Acres Holiday Lights
The Holiday Lights continue to shine bright within the Garden at Shore Acres State Park, west of Charleston for the Annual show. Visitors are welcome Christmas night and right through New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31st. Reservations are still necessary, go to the website for more information, or take the free Santa’s Shuttle from Charleston.

Quake
A 2.8-magnitude earthquake shook the southern end of the two fault lines that run parallel with the Oregon Coast, Wednesday, Dec. 24. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was locates west of Petrolia, CA near Cape Mendocino in Northern California.

Oregon Releases New Guide to Reduce the Burden of Cancer Statewide
OHA release - Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Oregon, affecting thousands of families every year. With about 22,000 new cancer diagnoses annually, the impact of this disease reaches far beyond patients—it touches caregivers, communities, and workplaces. In response, the Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have published the 2025 Oregon Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, a new guide to help reduce cancer’s toll across the state. This guide is more than a report—it’s a community-driven effort to deliver information that can better assist people in Oregon in their fight to prevent cancer, improve early detection, support survivors, and address health disparities. Developed with input from health and cancer experts, equity consultants, and a cross-sector steering committee, it reflects Oregon’s commitment to health equity and measurable progress.

Recreational use advisory lifted for Upper Klamath Lake
Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals. OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Upper Klamath Lake in Klamath County. OHA issued the advisory July 24. Water monitoring has confirmed the level of cyanotoxins in Upper Klamath Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas. OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab. When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area. Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water. For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Recreational use advisory lifted for Prineville Reservoir
PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir in Crook County. OHA issued the advisory Oct 13. OHA release - Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Prineville Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people and below safety values for dogs. OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab. When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area. Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water. For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Recreational use advisory lifted for Thief Valley Reservoir
Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals. OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir in Baker and Union Counties. OHA issued the advisory on Aug 20. Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Thief Valley Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas. OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom. When recreating on, or in the water, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area. Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water. For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Boating Safety Education Milestone
25 Years of Improving Safety on Oregon’s Waterways - Oregon State Marine Board release - In 1999, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2977, Mandatory Boater Education, requiring operators of motorboats with engines greater than 10 horsepower and youth 12-15 years of age operating any size motorboat, to take a course on basic boating skill and/or pass an equivalency exam to demonstrate basic boating knowledge. The primary reason for passing the law was to reduce accidents, injuries, deaths, property damage, and conflict on Oregon’s waterways. Oregon was the first state west of the Mississippi to enact an education requirement. Today, there are more than 45 states and U.S. territories that require some form of boating safety education. Back in 1999, the Oregon Legislature gave the agency three years to implement the program, first offering a home-study and mail-in application option between 2000 and 2003. Then in 2003, the age phase-in began and ended in 2009, when all boaters, regardless of age, had to meet the education requirement. From the beginning, the Marine Board wanted to have plenty of options for boating safety education by offering internet, in-person classroom, and equivalency exams for boaters to choose from. When the age phase-in began in 2003, there were three approved Internet course providers. The Marine Board also partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadrons (America’s Boating Club), and the Red Cross to offer classroom courses around the state. Additionally, the agency developed its own volunteer instructor program with certified instructors teaching the “Boat Oregon” classroom course. The third option available for boaters included equivalency exams, offered through certified Boat Oregon instructors or county Sheriff’s Offices with approved marine patrol proctors. The three options remain today, and approved internet courses have expanded, including courses in Spanish. Virtual classes are also offered throughout the year in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Of note, when the law was passed in 1999, the accident reporting threshold was set at $500. In 2001, the threshold was increased to $2,000 to reduce the number of reports for minor damage and to align with changes in the cost of boat repairs. This reporting change is evident in a significant drop in the chart (below) in 2001. What’s more, the data below for accidents (incidents) and fatalities includes non-motorized boaters per reporting requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard. Since 2010, paddling in Oregon and across the nation has shown exponential growth. Motorized boating incidents and fatalities have been declining on average over the last 15 years. The inference can be made based on submitted boating incident reports, indicating whether the boat operator did not have a boating safety education card. Very little has changed in the Marine Board’s administrative rules for the program in reference to ORS 830.082 for the Mandatory Boating Safety Education Program. The program has been self-supporting through boating education card fees with very little agency administration and does not rely on other funding. In the past 25 years, the price of the lifetime card increased once, from $10 in 2000 to $20 in 2020. Replacement cards increased from $8 in 2000 to $16 in 2020. The increase was due to other rising costs in US mail postage, other supplies, and the card printing itself. Course options remain the same, although approved internet courses have modernized, giving the student an interactive learning experience. Oregon-specific course content and testing are routinely updated to remain relevant to current national standards or changes in state boating laws. The agency now offers a digital Boat Oregon classroom course manual, also available in Vietnamese, Simple Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. With the popularity and growth in paddling, the agency encourages people who recreate in kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand up paddleboards to take advantage of FREE online paddling safety courses. They’re fun, interactive, and outline not only Oregon state boating laws, but also other important tips to reduce accidents out on the water. Currently, over 439,700 education cards have been issued, and Oregon’s boating safety education program continues to be a model for other states and territories. The BEC is a lifetime card and must be carried by the operator when the boat is in use. The BEC must be shown to a marine law enforcement officer upon request. Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about all things recreational boating.

OPRD Seeks Public Input on Proposed Rules regarding UAS in State Parks
OPRD release - SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore. The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources. Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted: Online: https://www-auth.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx By email: [email protected]; By mail: Oregon Parks and Recreations Department, Attn: Robert Ellison, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony. Virtual hearing: January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes. The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors. OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment. Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026. If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

Douglas CO SO Participating in Enhanced DUII Patrols
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - This holiday season, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Oregon Impact (OI) to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving. The Sheriff’s Office, NHTSA and OI want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drivers will see officers working together December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026, to take drunk drivers off the roads. Deputies will specifically work overtime during the enforcement period with a focus of identifying and stopping impaired drivers. Funding for the enforcement is made possible through DUII enforcement grant dollars. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), pre-pandemic (2020) an average of 448 deaths and 1,739 serious injury crashes occurred on Oregon roadways. According to a June 2025 update by ODOT, post-pandemic numbers between 2021 and 2023 were alarming. Between the years 2021-2023, there were 1,789 deaths and 9,517 serious injuries reported. That is a 33% and 82% increase, respectively. On average, one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. This is why the Sheriff’s Office is working together with NHTSA and OI to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. “It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving,” said Undersheriff Brad O'Dell. “The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want our community members to enjoy this season. We need commitment from drivers that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and will not be tolerated. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior,” he said. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, NHTSA and OI are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior,” said Undersheriff O’Dell. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. There are too many options to get home safely. There are just no excuses for drunk driving,” he said. The Sheriff’s Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage. Designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service, or call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely. If you see a drunk driver on the road, report them to law enforcement. This behavior could include swerving in the lane, inconsistent speeds, quick braking, excessive speeds, careless driving and many others. Take the keys away from friends and family who are about to drive under the influence and make a plan to get them home safely. It may hurt their feelings, but it will likely save a life. For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

DUI Patrol, Lane Co.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office does not have a dedicated traffic team or deputy assigned to DUI enforcement due to lack of funding. However, our deputies are committed to the safety of our community, and that includes our roadways. December through January 1st, deputies will be conducting targeted DUI enforcement on state grant-funded overtime. Please don’t be their next traffic stop, especially on Christmas! Plan your safe ride home ahead of time; If you drink or use drugs, do not drive for any reason; If you know someone has been drinking or using drugs, don't let them drive. If you host a party with alcohol, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver. And please, always wear your seatbelt! Drive safe this holiday season! On December 21st at 2 a.m., a deputy leaving the office downtown observed a vehicle run a red light at E. 7th Avenue and Oak Street. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, Ricardo Corona Garibay, 26, of Salem, and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Garibay was arrested for DUII. On December 23rd at 5:30 p.m., a driver on Jasper Road near Wallace Creek reported a vehicle swerving into the oncoming lane, almost striking another vehicle, and driving with inconsistent speed. A deputy responded and initiated a traffic stop, however instead of pulling over, the vehicle went off the road, struck a power pole, and continued driving in the ditch for a short distance. The deputy observed signs the driver, James P Littlebear Simmons, 63, of Medford, was impaired. After additional investigation, Simmons was arrested for DUII. At 7 p.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash off Lawrence Road that damaged several mailboxes. The driver continued and was initially followed by a witness. Deputies located the vehicle stopped at a pullout off Clear Lake Road. They contacted the driver, Ethan David Wood, 30, of Springfield, and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Wood was arrested for DUII and Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver - Property Damage.

Fatal Crash Near Lowell
Lane Co. SO release - On December 23rd at 10:30 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received information from the Eugene Police Department that a missing woman, Melissa Ann Radcliff, 73, of Eugene, may be in her vehicle east of Lowell. The Lane County Sheriff’s Weighmaster, a deputy who is a drone operator, diverted to West Boundary Road to search for Radcliff. The deputy spotted her vehicle at about milepost 5. It was crashed down a steep embankment, upside down and partially submerged in the shallow creek. He requested fire personnel respond, climbed down, and located Radcliff inside. Despite lifesaving measures attempted by the deputy, Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Lowel Fire personnel, Radcliff was pronounced deceased on scene. Thanks to the Eugene Police Department and Lowell Rural Fire Protection District for their assistance with this call.

Missing Male, Douglas Co.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the disappearance of a Christmas Valley man whose vehicle was previously located abandoned in the Elliott State Forest, and investigators are again asking for the public’s assistance. Since the initial report, Douglas County Search and Rescue, along with teams from Josephine, Jackson, Siskiyou, and Klamath Counties have conducted supplemental searches in and around the area where the vehicle was found. Those efforts did not reveal any additional information or result in locating 61-year-old Robert Cotter. The investigation remains ongoing, and deputies continue to follow up on leads and information related to Cotter’s disappearance. Cotter was last seen on November 2, 2025, and his white 2002 Ford utility pickup was discovered unoccupied on November 30, 2025, on an unmaintained roadway in the Elliott State Forest near Loon Lake. The Sheriff’s Office is again asking anyone who may have seen Cotter, had contact with him, or observed his vehicle after November 2nd to come forward. Even information that may seem minor could be helpful to the investigation. Please call (541) 440-4471 and reference Douglas County Sheriff’s Office case #25-4113. In addition to the agencies listed above, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received investigative assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Hwy. 42 Fatal
A pedestrian fatality near Myrtle Point on Hwy. 42, Monday, Dec. 22, 5:19 p.m. The accident occurred near milepost 20. Forty-five year old Crystal Leann Joffroy, Coos Bay, was driving a white Ford Ranger when she struck 29-year old Faith Scarlet Rose Anderson, Myrtle Pt., who was standing in the travel lane. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

UEMV
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Dec. 23, 10:51 a.m., 155 E. 1st St., Safeway, “Unlawful Entry into MV.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 23, 6:47 a.m., 2741 Sherman Ave., Faith Lutheran Church, “illegal camping.” At 9:58 p.m., 1800 Sherman Ave., NBPL, “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 23, 9:23 a.m., Meade & Colorado, “warrant service,” 34-year old Ashley Rose Oaks arrested on Deschutes Co. warrant charging Probation Violation on Aggravated ID Theft, No Bail, “Oaks was transported to CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 23, 11:11 a.m., 1880 Newmark St., EZ Mart, 41-year old Cristina Lynn Lewis, 31-year old Brian Quinn Stuart and 39-year old Nadean Alexandra Haubbert all charged with Criminal Trespass II, “all 3 were cited in lieu of custody.”

Wanted
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 23, 10:58 p.m., 2000 block Virginia Ave., “located wanted subject by NBPD, on NBPD warrant, as result of welfare check,” 41-year old Cristina Lynn Lewis charged with Probation Violation, and NBPD warrant for Criminal Trespass II & Unlawful Possession of Meth, “arrested and transported CCJ.”

Wanted
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 24, 4:12 a.m., 1600 block Virginia Ave., “located wanted subject, by NBPD, on 2 Clackamas CO SO warrant, as result of illegal camping,” 39-year old Joseph Allen Reilly Chase charged with FTA on FTA Theft II; and, FTA on FTA II & FTA on a Criminal Citation, “arrested and transported CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to entries on the CBPD log for Dec. 23, 7:25 a.m., 100 block Anderson, “illegal camping.” At 7:30 a.m., So. Bayshore Dr., Coos Bay Boardwalk, “illegal camping.” At 7:47 a.m., Central Ave., Visitor Information Center, “illegal camping.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 23, 7:52 a.m., 100 block Central Ave., “result of illegal camping,” 56-year old Gregory James Kuehne arrested on CBPD warrant charging Theft II, Criminal Mischief II & Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, “Kuehne transported to CCJ.”

Wanted
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 23, 9:45 p.m., 525 Anderson Ave., CBPL, “located wanted subject by CBPD on CQPD warrant, as result of dispute,” 28-year old Derek James Kilcoyne charged with FTA on Criminal Driving While Suspended or Revoked, “arrested and transported CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 23, 11:16 p.m., 1360 Airport Ln., North Bend, OSP Coos Bay Command, “warrant service,” on 48-year old Farah Riemens charging Giving False Information to Peace Officer in Connection with a Citation/Warrant; additional OSP warrant for Giving False Information to a Peace Officer X3 counts, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, “Riemens was arrested by OSP.”

Dispute
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 23, 11:21 p.m., 100 block No. 9th St., “dispute,” 45-year old Willam Lockhart charged with Domestic Harassment, “Lockhart lodged CCJ.”

WX
A Hazardous Sea Warning along the South Oregon Coast. Cloudy today with periods of light rain in the morning, highs in the mid 50s and winds out of the South to Southeast at 10-20 mph. Overcast with rain showers at times tonight, lows in the mid 40s and winds out of the Southeast at 5-10 mph. Rain early on Friday, then remaining cloudy with showers by afternoon. Highs around 50 and winds out of the West at 5-10 mph.

Sports

NFL Christmas Day Games
While others spend their holiday with family and friends, six NFL football teams, and their fans, will take to the gridiron Christmas Day to play three pro football games, and you won’t find any of them on the standard TV stations. First up is the Dallas Cowboys at the Washington Commanders, 10a, televised on Netflix. Second game is the Detroit Lions at the Minnesota Vikings, 1:30p, televised on Netflix. The last game is the Denver Broncos at the Kansas City Chiefs, 5:15p, televised on Amazon Prime. Get that computer ready!