JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 – Sunrise: 7:49 a.m., and Sunset: 4:51 p.m., offering nine-hours and two-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 – High tide: 12:01 a.m., 5.91 ft.; Low tide: 4:41 a.m., 3.29 ft.; High tide: 10:51 a.m., 8.81 ft.; Low tide: 6:09 p.m., -1.26 ft.

Polar Plunge
It’s an event that is Worldwide. The New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. A cleansing chance to jump into the icy cold waters of the planet on the first day of the New Year. That tradition continues in Oregon’s Bay Area this morning as a healthy group of fine young men and women, some decorated in costume, hit the waters of Sunset Bay, west of Charleston, about 9 a.m. to wash away 2025 and begin 2026 with a refreshing outlook. You’re invited, no cost, just bring your swimsuit and be ready to get cold. A water truck with spigots is usually parked nearby to allow the swimmers to rinse off.

CBPL
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - New Years Day Closure, Thursday, January 1. The library will be closed on Thursday, January 1 in observation of New Years Day. Normal opening hours will resume on Friday, January 2.

First Day Hikes at OPRD Coastal Parks
OPRD release - FLORENCE, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting free self-guided First Day Hike at Heceta Head Lighthouse on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 25 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day. Visitors are welcome to explore the first floor of the Heceta Head Lighthouse and learn about the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families from over 130 years ago. Hikers can also enjoy miles of trails leading to several scenic overlooks. Hike hosted at Heceta Head Lighthouse: Enjoy a scenic half-mile self-guided hike from the parking lot to Oregon's most photographed lighthouse. Volunteers will be on-site to provide historical information and answer any questions. Visitors can also observe several native animal species and explore coastal plant life atop the stunning Heceta Head. Guests can access the first floor of the lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about the life of lighthouse keepers and their families. There are numerous photo opportunities where the forest meets the sea. Hikers can also explore miles of additional trails from the lighthouse to several scenic overlooks. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 541-547-3416. If you have questions about access or need any reasonable accommodations for your participation, please contact the park office at 541- 547-3416. (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Bandon State Natural Area on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. Information about the hike at Bandon State Natural Area (Devils Kitchen): The approximate 1.5-mile round-trip hike is down a slight hill onto the beach and back. Hikers will learn about the geology and ecology of the ocean shore. The hike starts at 2 p.m. and begins at the Devils Kitchen access point within the Bandon State Natural Area. Entrance is located just south of the intersection of Beach Loop Road and Saturn Lane in Bandon. Meet at the sign cluster near the parking lot. The hike will traverse a sandy beach and may not be suited for strollers or other wheeled equipment not intended for operating off paved surfaces. Friendly dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes. Participants should dress in layers, including rain protection, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Contact the park office at 541-347-2209 for more information. Information about the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park hike: Join us for a hike through the beautiful Honeyman State Park. This historic trail will wind through lush forests and alongside Woahink Lake, showcasing a variety of local flora and fauna. As we explore the park's natural beauty, we'll also marvel at the rich history that surrounds us, both from natural influences and human impact. The hike starts at 9 a.m. and begins at the East Woahink day-use area adjacent to the restroom. The approximately 3-mile, round trip hike will include very slight, gradual elevation changes. Surfaces will include pavement, gravel, sand, dirt and possibly mud, and can also be uneven at times with exposed roots. Strollers and mobility devices are not recommended. Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are a must; shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring water and snacks. Contact the park office at (541) 997-3851 for more information. If you have questions about access, please contact Park Manager Ryan Warren at 541-997-3851. Information about the hike at Fort Stevens State Park: Join us for a 1-mile and learn about the history of Fort Stevens, Battery Russell and the WWII Japanese submarine attack. There will also be opportunities for birding, wildlife viewing and plant/fungi identification. Meet at 10 a.m. in Battery Russell parking lot. Trail is mostly natural surface and paved bike trail along a moderately steep hill. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Strollers are not recommended due to terrain. Dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, a camera, or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 503-861-3170. Information about the paddle at Brian Booth State Park (Beaver Creek): This is a two-hour guided kayak paddle on the Beaver Creek Marsh, where paddlers will soak in the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. Registration required. The 10 a.m. tour departs from the Beaver Creek boat launch, just east of Hwy 101 on N Beaver Creek Rd., directly across the highway from Ona Beach. The water will be calm with no tidal influence or rapids. Moderate physical exertion: a brief tutorial is provided. Using a kayak paddle will require upper body strength and the use of two hands to wield the paddle for two hours. Previous kayaking experience is recommended but not required. This is a drug and alcohol-free event. No pets allowed. Please bring water to drink, shoes that can get wet, and whatever else will make you comfortable while paddling on the water for 2 hours in potentially inclement weather. We recommend a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes that can be layered. Kayaks, paddles, and personal floatation devices are provided; no personal equipment is allowed. Single kayaks may be operated by anyone age 16 and up. Tandem kayaks may be operated by anyone aged 18 and up, accompanied by a passenger aged six and up. Kayak weight limit is 400 pounds. This program is weather-dependent. If winds of 20 miles per hour or more are forecasted for the day of the event, it will be cancelled. If necessary, cancellation will occur 24 hours before the scheduled start time. For more information, call 541-265-6949. Information about the hike at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area: Join a park ranger for a 2.5-mile guided hike through Sitka Sedge State Natural Area. Experience birdwatching on the Sandlake Estuary, hike through a coastal upland dune forest, and take a stroll along the beach. The hike provides scenic views of the estuary, and the ranger will identify plants and animals while answering any questions. Registration required. The 12 p.m. hike will begin at the trailhead parking area at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area located off Sandlake Road, north of Pacific City and south of Sandlake. If the main parking lot is full, there will be overflow parking across the street. The first half mile of the trail features compacted gravel and has a slight slope, but it is otherwise flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. After this section, the trail narrows and the surface becomes softer. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call (503) 812-2403. Information about the Shore Acres hike: On the approximate 1.5-mile, hikers will experience the ever-changing environment of the Oregon Coast. Learn about the flora, fauna and fungi that have adapted to live in such a dynamic environment. The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at the Shore Acres Observation Building, 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, Oregon. The hike involves mostly easy to medium terrain, some areas will involve hiking up stairs. Expect wet and muddy conditions. Dogs are not allowed at the park. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Contact the park office at 541-888-3778 for more information. Hike hosted at William M. Tugman State Park: Eel Lake offers a perfect venue for a 1-mile out-and-back hike along the shore. There will be scenic viewpoints of Eel Lake, footbridge creek crossings, and opportunities to see amphibians like red-legged frogs, as well as other wildlife. The hike starts at 1 p.m. Meet at Eel Lake day-use area at the boat ramp, 72549 Hwy 101, Lakeside. Please be on time. Meeting place and introduction frog-talk are fully accessible. South Eel Lake trail is a natural surface with exposed roots in places, 4' wide footbridges, and gentle 20' - 30' hills. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 541-759-3604. Information about the Oswald West State Park hike: Join us for a First Day Hike with a park ranger and a guest from the North Coast Land Conservancy at Oswald West State Park. Explore the old-growth forest and discover the natural and cultural history of the oldest state park on the north Oregon Coast. We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve. Registration is required. The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at Oswald West State Park’s main parking lot near Short Sands Beach Trail Head, 41575 Oregon Coast Hwy, Nehalem, OR 97131. The approximately 1-mile hike will be relatively level with few ups and downs. Surfaces will include compacted gravel, sand, dirt, root intrusions, potholes, and possibly mud. Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring pen and paper, water, and snacks for yourself along the hike. Contact the park office at 503-812-0650 for more information. If you have questions about access, please contact Park Ranger, Nathan Emmett at 503-812-0650. If you have questions about access or to request All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park. Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes. First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

Quake
A 2.9-magnitude earthquake was recorded at the southern end of the two fault lines that run parallel with the Oregon Coast, Wednesday, Dec. 31. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was located west to southwest of Petrolia, CA, near Cape Mendocino in Northern California.

Fatal Accident, Camas Swale Rd., Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - On December 30th at 7 p.m. Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with fire personnel to a two-vehicle crash on Camas Swale Road near Sher Khan Road, west of Creswell, that was blocking traffic. Initial investigation indicated a 2003 Toyota Tacoma crossed the center lane while negotiating a curve and struck an oncoming 1979 Mack dump truck. The dump truck driver and a passenger in the Tacoma remained on scene and were cooperative. The driver of the Tacoma, Randy Howard Beers, 65, of Creswell, was killed in the crash. The Lane County Sheriff’s Crash Reconstruction Team was called out to assist. The cause of the crash is under investigation. While investigating the fatal crash, a call came in at 8 p.m. of an injury crash on Cloverdale Road near Dale Kuni Road, east of Creswell, that was blocking the road. Deputies and fire personnel responded. Initial investigation did not determine anything criminal occurred, however one occupant was injured and transported to an area hospital. About 10 minutes later, a call came in of a single-vehicle rollover crash on High Pass Road near Washburn Lane, west of Junction City. The driver, Ronald Wayne Pingelton, 37, of Eugene, was transported by fire personnel to an area hospital with injuries. Due to the extended response time of deputies from the two prior crashes, a Junction City Police Officer initially responded. A deputy contacted Pingelton at the hospital and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Pingelton was arrested for DUII. Thanks to South Lane County Fire & Rescue, Junction City Police Department, and Junction City Rural Fire Protection District for their assistance on these calls.

Murder Suspect in Court
The individual who allegedly murdered another in the parking lot of Staples, on Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, Sunday, was in a Coos Co. Court via video camera for an arraignment on charges of Second-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Coercion, Assault, Harassment and Felon in Possession of a Firearm Wednesday. Fifty-year old Christopher Blodgett is accused of killing 39-year old David Orr. His next hearing is set for Jan. 7, 2026.

Illegal Camping, CQ
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Dec. 30, 5:48 a.m., Central & East 1st St., “illegal camping,” 51-year old Michelle Hicks “Ticket.”

Criminal Mischief
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Dec. 30, 8:56 a.m., 200 block E. 2nd St., 63-year old Sonya Tonia Wert charged with Criminal Mischief III, Disorderly Conduct & Offensive Littering, “Wert transported to CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Dec. 30, 10:25 a.m., 200 block E. 2nd St., 63-year old Sonya Tonia Wert charged with Criminal Trespass II & Resisting Arrest, “transported Wert, Sonya to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CQPD log for Dec. 30, 8:18 p.m., 240 West Hwy. 42, Hwy. Deli Mart, 28-year old Timara Carolanne Lee charged with FTA on Theft I, FTA on FTA I & FTA II, FTA on Failure to Perform Duties of Driver, “transported to CCJ.”

UEMV
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 8:14 a.m., 2000 block Newmark St., “unlawful entry into MV.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 8:21 a.m., 1300 block Sherman Ave., Simpson Park, “illegal camping.” At 10:08 p.m., 1900 block Sherman Ave., “illegal camping.”

Burglary
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 9:16 a.m., 1860 Virginia Ave., Alternative AC, “result of burglary to business,” 33-year old Natasha Lynn Cumings arrested on NBPD Probable Cause for Burglary II X2, Theft I & Criminal Conspiracy; also FTA on Unlawful Possession of Meth & Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapon, and PCS. Also 38-year old Thomas Jeffrey Phillips, Jr, charged with NBPD PC on Burglary II X2, Theft I & Criminal Conspiracy, and FTA II, FTA on Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon & Unlawful Possession of Stolen Property & PCS, “both subjects arrested and transported CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 10:20 a.m., 1800 block Clark St., “result of trespass,” 34-year old Jeremy Evan Field, charged with Criminal Trespass II, “cited in lieu of custody and released.”

Unlawful Vehicle, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 1:42 p.m., 1900 block Union Ave., “unlawful vehicle.”

DUII
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 3:38 p.m., Hwy. 101, McCullough Bridge, “driving complaint,” 27-year old Cameron James Waugh charged with DUII Felony, False Info to Peace Officer, Reckless Endangering Another Person & Reckless Driving, “Waugh was transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 30, 7:11 p.m., 63333 W. Hwy. 20, Deschutes County SO, 63-year old Karen Hayes Belletto arrested on NBPD warrant charging Resisting Arrest & Criminal Trespass II.

Arrest
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 7:15 a.m., 400 block No. Cammann St., 54-year old Steven Wade Sharp charged with Burglary I, Disorderly Conduct II, Menacing & Unlawful Use of a Weapon, “Sharp transported to CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 7:36 a.m., Mingus Park, “illegal camping.” At 8:17 a.m., 900 block So. 2nd St., “illegal camping.”

Wanted
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 7:38 a.m., 2300 block Ocean Blvd., 29-year old James Duke Love arrested on NBPD warrant charging FTA I X2, “Love transported to CCJ.”

Arrest
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 9:50 a.m., 1000 block So. 7th St., “PC Arrest,” 30-year old Ziggy Winn charged with Assault IV Domestic, “Winn transported to CCJ.”

DWS
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 3:28 p.m., 3100 block Ocean Blvd., 41-year old Sean Robert Farrell charged with DWS Misdemeanor, “Farrell transported to CCJ.”

Unlawful Vehicle, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 3:29 p.m., 300 block So. Wasson St., “unlawful vehicle.”

Shoplifter
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 6:14 p.m., 1020 So. 1st St., Fred Meyer, 28-year old Timara Carolanne Lee charged with Theft III, “transported to CCJ.”

Mail Theft
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 6:54 p.m., 900 block Fenwick St., “theft of mail.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 7:22 p.m., 1360 Airport Ln., NB, OSP Coos Bay Command, 32-year old Brianna Carol Huntley arrested on three CBPD warrants charging FTA on Harassment & Escape III X2; FTA on FTA II; FTA on Criminal Mischief II.

Criminal Mischief
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 9:09 p.m., 800 block Augustine St., 23-year old Alvaro Millan Rodriguez charged with Criminal Mischief II, Aggravated Harassment & Resisting Arrest, “transported to CCJ.”

WX
A Gale Warning along the South Oregon Coast. Rain likely today with highs in the mid 50s and winds out of the East to Southeast at 5-10 mph. Rain early tonight, then remaining cloudy with showers overnight and lows in the lower 50s. Winds from the South at 5-10 mph. Overcast with highs in the upper 50s on Friday and winds out of the East to Southeast at 5-10 mph.

Sports

Prep GBXB Scores
Prep girls’ basketball scores from Wednesday, Dec. 31: 4A – Cottage Grove beat Heritage (WA), at the Stayton HS SCTC Holiday Tournament.

Prep GBXB Schedules
Prep girls’ basketball schedules for Thursday, Jan. 1: 4A – Sisters Tournament, Junction City vs. Newport, 1:45 p.m., Taft vs. Madras, 5:15 p.m. 3A – Bandon Dunes Tournament, Umpqua Valley Christian vs. Siuslaw, noon; Brookings-Harbor vs. Coquille, 3:30 p.m. South Umpqua vs. Bandon, 5:15 p.m. Glide vs. Waldport, noon. Games at Bandon MS & HS.

Prep BBXB Schedules
Prep boys’ basketball schedules for Thursday, Jan. 1: 4A – Sisters Shootout Tournament, Madras vs. Newport, 3:30 p.m. Santiam Christian vs. Junction City, 1:45 p.m. 3A – Taft vs. Sisters, Sisters Shootout Tournament, 7 p.m. Bandon Dunes Tournament at Bandon HS & MS, Umpqua Valley Christian vs. Siuslaw, 1:45 p.m. Coquille vs. Bandon, 7 p.m. Brookings-Harbor vs. Elmira, 1:45 p.m.

UO fb
Oregon (12-1) is in the quarter-final round of this season’s College Football Playoffs (CFP) and will play Texas Tech (12-1), Thursday morning, January 1st, 9 a.m., at the Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida, televised on ESPN.

Miami in Final Four
Defending NCAA football champion Ohio State fell in the quarter-final round to former Duck head coach Mario Cristobal and his Miami Hurricanes, 24-14, Wednesday night in the Cotton Bowl. The Canes will now wait for today’s games to see who joins them in the Final Four.

FB Bowl Games
Along with Oregon and Texas Tech in the breakfast game Thursday, Jan. 1st, the other CFP quarter-final games have Alabama vs. Indiana, Rose Bowl, 1 p.m. Ole Miss vs. Georgia, Sugar Bowl, 5 p.m. All on ESPN.