JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Wednesday, March 11, 20-26 – Sunrise: 7:35 a.m. and Sunset: 7:18 p.m., offering eleven-hours & 43-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Wednesday, March 11, 2-26 – Low tide: 12:34 a.m., 3.51 ft.; High tide: 6:58 a.m., 6.4 ft.; Low tide: 2:44 p.m., 1.24 ft.; High tide: 9:55 p.m., 4.6 ft.

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Storytime, Wednesday, March 11 in the Myrtlewood Room, 10:00am – 10:30am. Sing, read, talk, write, and play with the children in your life! Join us for a family storytime at the library for rhymes, songs, and stories for children and a parent or a caregiver. Age Bracket: Kids, Families. Teen Crafts After School, Wednesday, March 11 in the Cedar Room, 2:30pm – 4:00pm. Twice a month on Wednesdays, teens in the library after school are invited to join us in the Cedar Room for a craft. Each week will be a different craft. Teens who wish to simply socialize and work on their own crafts with the given supplies are invited to join as well. Ages 12-18, Age Bracket: Teens.

Library Board Meeting and Public Comment Options
City of North Bend release - The next North Bend Public Library Board meeting will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the library conference room. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the library’s YouTube channel. Members of the public may provide comments by registering in person before the meeting begins or remotely by submitting the Remote Public Comment Request Form on the City of North Bend website by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. (North Bend Strategic Plan: Policy Review).

WBC Forum
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Business Connection (WBC) Forum is held at 11:30 a.m., East Salmon Room, Ko Kwel Resort, North Bend. The program will be JL Wilson, Oregon State Chamber Legislative update. Bring your business cards.

New Business Opening—Tractor Supply Company
City of North Bend release - Tractor Supply Company is now open in North Bend at 2121 Newmark Street (former Big Lots location). The store celebrated its grand opening with a kickoff on March 6, 2026, including a ribbon-cutting coordinated by the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The new location includes Petsense plus grooming services, welcomes leashed pets, and features a do-it-yourself pet wash station. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (North Bend Strategic Plan: Economic Development; Financial Sustainability).

Coquille Indian Tribe Awarded Oregon Heritage Grant to Create Permanent Canoe Fragment Exhibit
Coquille Indian Tribe release - Coos Bay, OR — A true team effort is bringing a story to life on Oregon’s South Coast. One that has been hundreds of years in the making. The Coquille (Ko-Kwel) Indian Tribe has been awarded a $7,500 Oregon Heritage Grant to assist in a $15,000 project that will design and construct a permanent exhibit for a traditional dugout canoe fragment discovered near Sunset Bay State Park. The Coquille Indian Tribe worked closely with the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Oregon Department of State Lands, and South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve are part of this cooperative project. The artifact, believed to date from the 18th or 19th century, offers physical evidence of Indigenous life along Oregon’s southern coast and will be housed at the South Slough Reserve Visitor Center in Charleston. Coquille Indian Tribe Chairman Brenda Meade said this is a great example of tribes working together to accomplish something of tremendous importance for all. “The exhibit being built is going to be so helpful in telling our people’s story now and for future generations,” Meade said. “This project honors all the Indigenous peoples of this area who have walked these lands since time immemorial.” The canoe fragment, carefully preserved through collaborative efforts between tribal and state partners, will be displayed in a custom-designed exhibit featuring a pedestal and display case, a nature-inspired mural, and an interpretive plaque. All components will be created by local and regional Indigenous artists, ensuring cultural authenticity and respect. “It is an amazing opportunity to educate the public and celebrate our shared heritage and we are already looking forward to the next step in the process,” Meade added. The exhibit will serve an estimated 10,000 annual visitors and support ongoing studies in archaeology, history, and anthropology. It also reflects a broader commitment to preserving and sharing untold stories of Oregon’s Indigenous communities. “The South Slough Reserve is honored to showcase this cultural artifact and co-steward these lands with our tribal partners so that this place may continue to teach and inspire us for generations to come,” said Reserve Manager Patricia Fox. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. A public dedication ceremony is planned upon completion.

2026 Recreational Ocean Salmon Information Update
ODFW release - ACTION TAKEN (no action): The planned recreational ocean Chinook salmon season (all-salmon-except coho) will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain from March 15 through May 15. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with minimum size limits of 24” for Chinook and 20” for steelhead. RATIONALE: The recreational ocean salmon fishery off Oregon in March, April, and early May typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2026 fishing year. Seasons from May 16, 2026 through May 15, 2027 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Portland, OR from April 7-12, 2026. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting. Visit www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ for more information on Oregon's ocean salmon seasons and fisheries.

Recreational Salmon Ocean Salmon Information Update & Clarification
ODFW release - Resending this update to clarify the area open is from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border (larger area than initially stated as Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain). ACTION TAKEN (no action): The planned recreational ocean Chinook salmon season (all-salmon-except coho) will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to the OREGON/CALIFORNIA BORDER from March 15 through May 15. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with minimum size limits of 24” for Chinook and 20” for steelhead. RATIONALE: The recreational ocean salmon fishery off Oregon in March, April, and early May typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2026 fishing year. Seasons from May 16, 2026 through May 15, 2027 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Portland, OR from April 7-12, 2026. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting. Visit www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ for more information on Oregon's ocean salmon seasons and fisheries.

Smelt fishery on Sandy River opens 12-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11
ODFW release - SALEM, Ore. – Recreational harvest of eulachon smelt on the Sandy River will be open from 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 only. Regulations: Open area: From the mouth of the Sandy River upstream to the Stark Street Bridge. Limit: 10 pounds per dipper. Each dipper must dip smelt for themselves with their own container. Harvest method: Harvest is allowed with dipnet only and smelt may only be caught from the bank. Required permit: Each dipper must also have a valid 2026 Oregon angling license. The smelt harvest limit is 10 pounds per person. An example of a legal limit is roughly ¼ of a five-gallon bucket; however, people should bring scales to ensure they do not exceed the legal limit. ODFW also recommends that dippers bring waders, and ice if they plan to keep smelt for consumption. Life jackets are strongly recommended for children. Public access points along the open area: Lewis and Clark Park, Glenn Otto Park, Along the dike off of Perimeter Way near Troutdale Airport, Pullouts along the Historic Columbia Highway. Public support needed: Dippers should respect local businesses and private property by parking only in designated public parking areas, obeying all posted signs, and avoiding driveways, private lots, and restricted access areas. In previous years, ODFW and Oregon State Police have witnessed some participants failing to comply with the 10-pound limit. These fish are listed under the Endangered Species Act, and compliance is critical to ensure the sustainability of the smelt population. The department is asking for public support: please follow all regulations, respect the harvest limit, and help ODFW protect this unique opportunity for years to come. About smelt: "This is the first time in nearly 50-years that smelt have been in the Sandy River four years in a row, it's quite an unusual thing to witness," said Tucker Jones, ODFW's Ocean Salmon and Columbia River Program Manager. "That said, the eulachon smelt have already been in the Sandy for a few days now, this return doesn't appear to be as big as last year's return, and we're already seeing some post-spawn die-offs." The eulachon smelt spends most of its life in the ocean, migrating up rivers, including the Columbia and some of its tributaries, to spawn. They grow to be six to nine inches long and live three to five years. Most adults die shortly after spawning, so it is not uncommon to see large numbers of dead smelt along the river. While Columbia River eulachon smelt were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2010, abundance has increased to levels that allow limited, conservative harvest. The smelt return each year to the Columbia, but just periodically to the Sandy River.

Wind Sailors Return
They’re called “Vella Vella.” To Oregon beachcombers, they’re the tiny purple jellyfish-like creatures with sails. With the right winds and tides, they can cover a beach and add another marine smell to the ocean front. They are only about two-inches long and described as a close relative to jellyfish and corals. Beaches from Lincoln City north into Washington State have been experiencing the return of Vella Vella. Some sporadic and some covered by the purple “Wind Sailors.”

NB Proposed Public Safety Fee Measure Explained
City of North Bend release - NORTH BEND, Ore. — [March 10, 2026] — The City of North Bend is providing factual information regarding a proposed Public Safety Fee increase expected to appear on the May 19, 2026 primary election ballot. The proposal would increase the City’s Public Safety Fee from $15 to $20 per month. The fee currently helps support police services and emergency response operations in the community. The City is sharing this information to explain the proposal, the financial context behind it, and why residents may remember voting on a similar measure in 2025. “In local government, it is important that residents have clear and accurate information about what is being proposed and why it is before them,” said David A. Milliron, City Administrator for the City of North Bend. “This effort is intended to provide factual background so the community understands the measure and the context in which it is being considered.” North Bend’s General Fund supports a wide range of core city services, with public safety, including police and fire, accounting for approximately 71 percent of General Fund spending. City budget documents also show that annual property tax revenues alone are not sufficient to cover the full cost of General Fund-supported services, and that the City relies on a combination of revenue sources, including franchise fees, intergovernmental agreements, and the Public Safety Fee. Over the last five years, the City has experienced increased operating and personnel costs. According to City budget information, inflation and service costs have risen 23.5 percent, while revenue growth has not kept pace. The City has also seen continued increases in healthcare, retirement, utilities, and property and casualty insurance costs. The North Bend Police Department has 22 full-time equivalent positions budgeted for Fiscal Year 2026. Budget documents note that police personnel costs have increased due to wage adjustments, overtime estimates, and higher retirement contribution rates. The department’s budget also includes replacement of aging police vehicles. The City has also secured a federal COPS Hiring Grant to help fund a narcotics-focused officer position during an initial three-year period. City officials note that the grant covers only a portion of the total cost and does not provide full long-term funding, meaning the City would be responsible for the full cost after the grant period ends. Recruitment for that position was delayed and is now underway. If approved by voters, the proposed Public Safety Fee increase would help support the City’s broader public safety funding capacity, including the local share and long-term sustainability associated with positions and services of this type. A narcotics-focused officer typically works on drug investigations, coordination with regional law enforcement partners, and efforts to address drug-related crimes within the community. The City also wishes to clarify the history of a similar measure considered in 2025. In the May 20, 2025 Special District Election, voters approved a charter amendment changing the voting requirement for city fee increases. Before that amendment, a fee increase required approval by a majority of all registered voters, rather than a majority of those participating in the election. In that same election, the proposed Public Safety Fee increase received more yes than no votes, but it did not take effect because it did not meet the charter requirement then in place. The City now expects to revisit the measure under the updated charter language. Police Chief Cal Mitts said the department remains focused on providing professional public safety services to residents, businesses, and visitors. “Our responsibility is to continue serving the community and to provide clear information about how policing resources are funded and sustained over time,” Mitts said. The City emphasizes that this communication is intended solely to provide factual and educational information about the proposal. Under Oregon law, city resources may not be used to advocate for the passage of a ballot measure. For additional factual information about the proposed Public Safety Fee measure, community members may review City of North Bend materials as they become available at northbendoregon.gov VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/reel/25869291629358489

Menacing, Bunker Hill
CCSO release - Date/Time: March 10th, 2026, around 12:10am; Case #: S202600360; Classification: Menacing, Assault (Domestic), Resisting Arrest. Location: 63033 Hwy 101, Coos Bay (7/11 in Bunker Hill); Suspect(s): Flowers, Quintravius (28); Summary: On March 10th, 2026, around 12:10am, North Coos 911 Dispatch received a call about a potential hit and run involving a pedestrian, which occurred in the parking lot of the Bunker Hill 7-Eleven Convenience Store located at 63033 Hwy 101, Coos Bay. Deputy Lay, along with officers from the Coos Bay and North Bend Police Departments responded to the scene and began their investigation. Both involved parties from the incident were transported to Bay Area Hospital to be evaluated for injuries. As a result of the investigation Quintravius Flowers (28), was arrested for Menacing-Domestic and Assault IV-Domestic (Felony). Flowers was additionally charged with resisting arrest, and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Flowers was transported to the Coos County Jail where he was booked and lodged.

Theft
According to an entry on the NBPD log for March 9, 11:22 a.m., 1760 Virginia Ave., Green Lion Dispensary, “theft,” 21-year old Tyler Jason Hayes charged with Theft II, “transported CCJ.”

Suspicious
According to an entry on the NBPD log for March 9, 3:27 p.m., Virginia & Hamilton, “suspicious subject,” 39-year old Christopher Michael Skeels charged with Probation Violation and PCS Meth, “transported CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the NBPD log for March 10, 1:57 a.m., 3201 Tremont Ave., Ko Kwel Casino, “subject trespassing,” 51-year old Nathanial Joseph Overbey, charged with Criminal Trespass II, “Overby was transported to CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for March 9, 6:58 a.m., Anderson & So. 2nd St., “illegal camping,” 68-year old David Fitzhenry “Ticket.” At 7:47 a.m., 525 Andrson Ave., CBPL, “illegal camping,” 39-year old Don Boyd, “Ticket.” At 1:22 p.m., 4th & Elrod, 39-year old Don Boyd, “Ticket.”

Casual Contact
According to an entry on the CBPD log for March 9, 7:02 a.m., 100 block Anderson Ave., 50-year old Lamont DeRoss; 49-year old Jason King; 62-year old Lisa Robinett; 51-year old Harley Hyde; and, 58-year old Jes Manzanares, all received “Ticket.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for March 9, 7:54 a.m., 525 Anderson Ave., CBPL, “warrant service,” on 39-year old Dallan Joal Annon arrested on NBPD warrant charging Theft II, Criminal Trespass I & Tampering with Evidence, “transported CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for March 9, 8:09 a.m., 2575 Center St., Salem, Oregon Department of Corrections, 35-year old Heather Ann Aday arrested on CBPD warrant charging Criminal Mischief II, “Aday already lodged at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.”

Unlawful vehicle, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for March 9, 1 p.m., 200 block So. Wall St., “unlawful vehicle.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for March 9, 7:49 p.m., 800 block So. 2nd St., “warrant service,” on 36-year old Ryan George Fleek arrested on CBPD warrant charging FTA on Unlawful PCS-Schedule II, “Fleek was transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on he CBPD log for March 9, 9:01 p.m., Douglas Co. Communications, “warrant service,” on 33-year old Cody Dye.

WX
A Hazardous Seas Warning along the South Oregon Coast. Cloudy with a few showers. Highs in the mid 50s and winds out of the South to Southwest at 15-25 mph. Showers this evening then becoming a steady light rain overnight with low near 50 and winds from the South to Southwest at 10-20 mph. Rain early on Thursday, then cloudy in the afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 50s and winds from the South to Southwest at 10-20 mph.

Sports

UO bb
Oregon’s baseball team opened a two-day stand with visiting Xavier, Tuesday, March 10, PK Park, Eugene. The Ducks won, 10-0 (8). The two teams play again today, 3:05 p.m., televised on B1G+ Network.

OSU sb
Oregon State’s softball team hosts Penn State, Wednesday, March 11th, 5 p.m., Kelly Field, Corvallis.

UO mbxb
Oregon’s men’s basketball team fell in the First Round of the Big Ten Conference Basketball Tournament to Maryland, 70-60 on Tuesday, March 10, at the United Center at Chicago, IL. The Ducks end their season with a 12-20 overall record.

OSU wbxb
Oregon State’s women lost 76-66 to visiting Gonzaga in a WCC Tournament championship game, Tuesday, at Gill Coliseum, Corvallis. OSU (23-11) will now await the NCAA Tournament Championship Committee’s selection decision to see if they get a bid.