JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 – Sunrise: 7:43 a.m., and Sunset: 4:41 p.m., offering eight-hours and 59-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 – Low tide: 4:19 a.m., 3.18 ft.; High tide: 10:30 a.m., 7.57 ft.; Low tide: 5:40 p.m., 0.28 ft.

North Morrison Road Closure
City of Coos Bay release - The City of Coos Bays Transportation and Facility Department has contracted with Brown Trucking and Development to replace a failed culvert on North Morison Street between Harris Avenue and Taylor Avenue, beginning the morning of Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. To complete the work, the street will be closed to thru traffic from 7:30am to 5:30pm each day. It is anticipated that the work will be completed by Thursday December 18th at 5:30 PM. Detour signs will be in place to direct traffic near the construction site. Please follow posted detours and use caution in the area. Should you have any questions or want more information, please contact Greg Hamblet at (541) 269-1181 ext. 3521 or email [email protected].

Coos Co. Commissioners
The Coos Co. Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 16th, 8:30 a.m., executive session, 9:30 a.m., regular session, Owen Building, 201 No. Adams St., Coquille. For a regular board meeting. A public hearing on Fees will be held at 1:30 p.m., also in the Owen Building.

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Baby Storytime, Tuesday, December 16 in the Myrtlewood Room, 10:00am – 10:30am. Meet other parents or caregivers and learn songs, rhymes, and early literacy tips. Geared towards kids 0-14 months and an adult parent or caregiver. STEAMTime, Tuesday, December 16 in the Myrtlewood Room, 10:00am – 10:30am. Ages 4-8 with a parent or caregiver. Get ready for STEAM Time! Hear a story and watch a demo or do a hands-on activity with a local STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) professional. Each week will feature a different Coos County presenter. The program is geared towards preschoolers and home school students. Create a bug hotel with the Coos Watershed Association at this week's STEAMTime. Art in the Library, Tuesday, December 16 in the Myrtlewood Room, 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. - Pablo Picasso. We will be painting miniature canvases and attempting to recreate famous paintings. All materials will be provided. Free snacks and beverages will be provided. Sewing Class. Tuesday, December 16 in the Cedar Room.  5:00pm – 7:30pm. Learn the basics of how to run a sewing machine with Kell Smith of OCATEC, then complete a project for hands-on learning! This month we'll be making cloth gift baskets. This class is intended for those who have taken our introductory sewing class. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Anyone ages 15+ is welcome to attend.

NBPL Event
North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend, OR - Preschool Storytime (Ages 2-5), Tuesday, December 16, & 23 at 10:30 AM. Enjoy stories, activities, & a craft.

Coos Bay Council Meeting
The Coos Bay City Council will meet on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Council Chambers - 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay. Planning Commission Interviews. Zoom Remote Attendance Link & YouTube Link Agenda: 1. Flag Salute; 2. Public Comments. The Public Comments period is intended for the public to share ideas and concerns; it is not intended for an interactive discussion with Council. There may be opportunities for public comments during specific agenda items that require a Public Hearing, members of the public are requested to confine their remarks to questions or issues under discussion during this time. During ANY designated comment period, individuals shall not engage in personal attacks, shall not impugn the motives of any speaker, and shall at all times, while in session conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. No person shall make personal, impertinent, slanderous or unauthorized remarks or become boisterous while addressing the Council. a. Public Comments; 3. Consent Calendar: a. Acceptance of November 2025 Financial Reports and Check Register; b. Consideration to Accept a Reser Family Foundation Grant and Approve Resolution 25-37 Making Appropriations; c. Consideration to Accept a Citycounty Insurance Services (CIS) Grant and Approve Resolution 25-38 Making Appropriations; d. Consideration to Ratify Planning Commissioner, Rex Miller to the Parks Commission; e. Consideration to Ratify the Lodging and Chamber of Commerce Representatives to the Visitor and Convention Bureau Board; 4. Presentation: a. Presentation of Appreciation of Service Plaque to Bill Davis; b. Coos Bay School District Update; c. Semi-Annual Presentation by Coos Bay Downtown Association; 5. Action Items: a. Consideration of Appointments to the Planning Commission; b. Consideration to approve purchase of a 2018 Pierce 100 Ft Aerial Platform Fire Truck; c. Consideration to Accept Privately Constructed Sewer Improvements Along Park Place; d. Consideration to Approve an Emergency Contract for the Onsite Force Main Associated with the Timber Cove Estates Project; e. Consideration to Approve the John Topits Defensible Space Work Plan; 6. City Manager's Report; 7. Mayor and Council Comments; 8. Adjourn.

Coos Bay URA
The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (URA) will meet on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 7:00 PM, Council Chambers - 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay. Zoom Remote Attendance Link & YouTube Link Agenda: 1. Public Comments: a. Public Comments; 2. Consent Calendar: a. Acceptance of August 2025 Financial Reports and Check Register; b. Acceptance of September 2025 Financial Reports and Check Register; c. Acceptance of October 2025 Financial Reports and Check Register; d. Acceptance of November 2025 Financial Reports and Check Register; 3. Action Items: a. Consideration to Approve Improvement Grant Request for 1155 & 1165 Newmark Avenue; 4. Adjourn.

Be alert for landslides and debris flows across Northwest Oregon
DOGAMI release - Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Northwest Oregon from late Wednesday night (12/17/2025) through late Friday night (12/19/2025). Heavy rainfall from a forecasted atmospheric river event may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes all of Northwest Oregon. Find the latest information here: https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk. If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area: Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.  Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream. Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road. For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

Yuletide kissers, smooch without guilt: Research suggests your mistletoe didn’t harm its tree host
By Steve Lundeberg, OSU release - CORVALLIS, Ore. – If mistletoe’s status as a nutrient-stealing freeloader has been cooling your holiday ardor, new research led by an Oregon State University scientist may help relight the fire. A survey of urban forests in seven western Oregon cities found no observable connection between mistletoe infestation and negative health outcomes for the trees it was parasitizing. So worry not: Your yuletide kissing tradition probably does not involve a tree killer. And as you’re setting concern aside, you might want to head outside. “This is the best time of year to look for mistletoe because there are no leaves on the trees,” said College of Forestry professor emeritus Dave Shaw, an OSU Extension Service forest health specialist. “Also, chances are it will be found in an oak tree – most other trees don’t get infested. So if you are looking for a kiss, keep an eye out for oaks.” Shaw and collaborators at OSU, the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry examined the occurrence of western oak mistletoe in city forests to learn about mistletoe hosts and gain insight into mistletoe management. Common from Baja California to the northern Willamette Valley, western oak mistletoe is one of more than 1,400 species of mistletoe, a type of flowering plant that attaches to the branches of trees and shrubs around the globe. Western oak mistletoe berries (on the female plants only, and toxic to humans) ripen in late fall or early winter and are eaten by western bluebirds and other birds, who disperse the seeds, most commonly on larger trees. Mistletoe seeds are covered in a sticky substance that allows them to cling to branches. Mistletoes siphon food and water from their hosts via a bark-penetrating, root-like structure, sometimes to the detriment of the host tree. “Western oak mistletoe is probably a benefit to wildlife in urban forests,” Shaw said. “On the other hand, there is the potential for negative impacts on amenity trees, which is why it’s important for urban forest managers to have assessments of mistletoe host range, both for future tree planting decisions and managing current tree populations.” Western oak mistletoe occurs on native oaks and a collection of other hosts – including acacia, alder, aspen, birch, chestnut, locust, pear, poplar, walnut and willow – so vast that no definitive host list exists. Shaw notes that urban forests often include a variety of non-native trees, planted historically for reasons that include aesthetics, adaptability, and rapid growth of shade-producing canopy. For this study, the researchers focused on introduced tree species in Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Medford, Central Point, Rogue River and Ashland. The scientists conducted their surveys by driving, walking and biking city streets, parks, university campuses and arboreta, with the goal of visually examining all non-native tree crowns for the presence of mistletoe plants. “Urban forests are unique settings that allow for a wide assortment of potential hosts to be exposed to mistletoe seed,” Shaw said. “We observed western oak mistletoe in 227 non-native trees, of which 85% were pin oak or northern red oak.” Among the rest, 12% were other oak species, meaning just 3% were not some kind of oak tree – even though non-oaks were in the majority. Western oak mistletoe infested trees of all size classes, but only six of the 227 infested trees were less than 10 centimeters in diameter and just nine were less than 10 meters tall. Only one infested tree looked to be in poor condition, 14 were in moderate condition, and 212 appeared to be in good condition. “That suggests mistletoe, at the levels of infestation we saw, is not adversely impacting tree health,” Shaw said. “Of the 42 trees with greater than 20 mistletoe plants in their crowns, none was in poor condition, one was moderate and 41 were in apparently good condition.” Mistletoe has been a symbol of health, love, vitality and fertility in multiple cultures since ancient times, and the tradition of kissing under mistletoe has its roots in 18th century England. “The word ‘parasite’ can carry negative connotations, but mistletoe is a remarkable and beautiful plant with centuries of cultural importance behind it,” Shaw said. “It was nice that our survey showed that it wasn’t causing appreciable harm to its hosts.” OSU professor emeritus Max Bennett also participated in the study, which was published in Northwest Science. The other collaborators were retired Forest Service researcher Don Goheen, retired Oregon Department of Forestry scientist Alan Kanaskie, and current ODF scientist Scott Altenhoff.

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts 33rd Annual Economic Outlook Forum
BACC release - Coos Bay, OR — The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Banner Bank, successfully hosted its 33rd Annual Economic Outlook Forum, bringing together business leaders, legislators, workforce partners, and economic development organizations from across the region for a timely and informative discussion on the future of Oregon’s economy. This year’s forum centered on the theme Workforce & Trades, recognizing the critical role skilled labor plays in the strength and sustainability of local businesses. A featured panel, moderated by Ron Kutch of West Coast Contractors, included representatives from Knife River, AYA, IBEW Local 932, Southwestern Oregon Community College, and SoWIB. Panelists shared insights on workforce training programs, career pathways, and collaborative initiatives designed to build skills and address current and future workforce needs. The event also featured economic updates from Damon Runberg of Business Oregon and Guy Tauer of the Oregon Employment Department, who provided data-driven perspectives on statewide and regional economic trends. Their presentations highlighted both encouraging indicators and ongoing challenges, reinforcing the need for continued education, advocacy, and policy efforts to make Oregon a more business-friendly state. Local legislators and economic development partners were in attendance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors as the region works toward shared economic goals. “This forum is about education, awareness, and action,” said Rosey Thomas, Executive Director of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “Understanding where we stand economically helps our business community advocate for meaningful change and work together toward a stronger and more diverse future.” The Economic Outlook Forum is made possible through the support of Co-Sponsor Banner Bank and many Chamber sponsors. As an organization solely funded by membership, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce relies on local business support to deliver advocacy, workforce development initiatives, and educational programs that benefit the entire community. As the year comes to a close, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce extends warm holiday wishes to the community and reminds the public that Business and Citizen of the Year nominations are now open. Nominations can be submitted online at www.oregonsbayarea.org.

Hwy. 99E Fatal, Marion Co.
Marion County, Ore. (Dec. 15, 2025)- On Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99E, at the intersection with Quinaby Road NE, in Marion County. The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Charger, operated by Juan Santiago Sandoval (30) of Woodburn, was stopped on Quinaby Road NE at the intersection Highway 99E when it turned northbound onto the highway. The Dodge entered the path of a southbound Yamaha XJ650 motorcycle, operated by Xander Ashton Colter (22) of Kiezer, causing a side impact collision. The operator of the Yamaha (Colter) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Dodge (Sandoval) and passenger, Ricardo Alvarez Acosta (27) of Woodburn, were reportedly uninjured. The operator of the Dodge (Sandoval) was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment is considered a primary contributor to the crash. The investigation is on-going. OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Salem Fire Department, and ODOT.

Hwy. 395A Fatal, Umatilla Co.
Umatilla County, Ore. (Dec. 15, 2025)- On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 5:13 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 395A, near milepost 2, in Umatilla County. The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Tony James McCorkindale (39) of Pendleton, was struck by a northbound Scion xB, operated by Jose Trinidad Mariano (37) of Hermiston, while crossing the highway in an unlit area. The pedestrian (McCorkindale) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Scion (Mariano) was reportedly uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Hermiston Police Department, Umatilla County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

DUII Blitz in Effect!
CCSO release - Coos County residents and visitors: We kicked off our DUII Blitz on December 10, 2025, and it will run through January 1, 2026. Our deputies are out in full force to keep our roads safe during the holiday season by cracking down on impaired driving. Remember, driving under the influence endangers everyone – including you and your loved ones. Plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a taxi service, or call a friend/family member for a safe ride home. Let's all commit to making smart choices and arriving alive. If you see an impaired driver, report it to us immediately at 541-269-8911 or dial 9-1-1 if an emergency. Stay safe, Coos County! #DriveSober #HolidaySafety #CoosCountySheriff

SCINT Investigation/Arrest
CCSO release - As I wrote the last press release over Thanksgiving, I stated that we as a team would work holidays or not. Over the holiday, we worked on a warrant for a case that SCINT started investigating back in 2021. This warrant was granted by the Coos County Circuit Court during December 2025, which demanded the search of Richard Joyner’s property located within Curry County. SCINT and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Oregon State Police SWAT team, Detectives, and federal agents. This warrant was safely executed by the Oregon State Police and lead to a 16-hour day for the investigators. A search of this property yielded over 13lbs of meth, 9 firearms, one of which was stolen, several other items found to be stolen on the property, and over $60,000.00 in drug proceeds were seized. SCINT will continue to investigate any dealer, whether it takes days, months, or years, to bring those plaguing the community to justice.

North Bend Man Arrested for Domestic Assault and Strangulation After Vehicle Altercation
CCSO release - On December 10, 2025, at approximately 7:45 PM, Deputy Converse responded to a reported dispute at a residence on East Bay Road in North Bend. Upon arrival, he heard a male and female engaged in a verbal argument. Deputy Converse separated the individuals and began an investigation. The inquiry revealed that a physical altercation had occurred between the couple while driving home. The suspect, Jeromy Haren, 37, allegedly choked and struck the victim while the vehicle was stopped. A third passenger in the car intervened, physically restraining Haren to stop the assault and removing him from the vehicle. Deputy Converse arrested Haren on charges of Assault 4 - Domestic Violence and Strangulation - Domestic Violence. Haren was transported to Coos County Jail, where he was booked and lodged. Haren appeared in court on December 12, 2025, where an additional charge of Reckless Endangering was filed, and his bail was set at $25,000. He is scheduled for another court appearance on December 19, 2025. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 14, 7:26 a.m., Harbor Ave., “NBPD served CBPD warrant” on 49-year old Hilary Kathleen Barker charging FTA on Criminal Trespass II & Theft II additional charge of PCS Fentanyl. Also, 70-year old Michael Eugene Herman charged with PCS Meth, “Barker & Herman transported to CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 14, 9:36 a.m., 1800 block Union Ave., “illegal camping.” On Dec. 15, 1:35 a.m., 1900 block Sherman Ave., “illegal camping.”

Criminal Trespassing
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 14, 4:22 p.m., 1800 block Garfield St., “result of trespass,” 68-year old Vickie Ann Asher charged with Criminal Trespass II, “Asher cited in lieu of custody.”

Sex Offender
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 14, 4:51 p.m., 2100 block Connecticut Ave., “result of suspicious circumstances,” 61-year old Michael David Youravish charged with Failure to Register as Sex Offender, “Youravish transported to CCJ.”

Burglary
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 15, 3:15 a.m., 2100 block Connecticut, “claims someone in her house again while she was sleeping.”

Mailboxes
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 15, 4:45 a.m., 17th & Fir, “suspicious subjects looking into mailboxes.

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 14, 12:58 p.m., 898 Elk Dr., Brookings PD, “warrant service,:” on 45-year old Jonathon Michael Schmidt charging FTA on FTA Second Degree; FTA on Carry a Concealed Weapon; FTA on Carry a Concealed Weapon, “lodged Brookings.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 14, 7:45 p.m., Fulton & So. Marple, “observed subject at location,” 27-year old Nicholas Anthony Campbell arrested on CCSO warrant charging Probation Violation on three-counts of Aggravated Harassment & two-counts Attempt to Commit a Class C/Unclassified Felony, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.”

WX
A Gale Warning along the South Oregon Coast, otherwise, areas of dense morning fog, cloudy with occasional rain showers, highs near 60 and winds out of the South at 10-20 mph. Windy with rain likely tonight. Lows in the mid to upper 40s and winds out of the west to southwest at 20-30 mph Winds could gust over 40 mph. Partly cloudy skies Wednesday morning, then overcast by afternoon with highs in the mid to low 50s and winds from the Southwest at 5-10 mph.

Sports

Prep GBXB Polls
Unbeaten Stayton is on top of this week’s OSAA/Coach’s 4A Girl’s Basketball Poll. The Eagles (4-0) are followed by Philomath (2-0), Baker (3-1), Cascade (1-1) and Henley No. 5 (2-3). Seaside (2-2) is No. 7, and North Bend (3-0) No. 9. The OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 3A State Basketball Championships return to the Bay Area, March 5-7, and Amity (3-0) leads the girl’s poll, followed by Vale (5-0), Valley Catholic (4-0), Banks (2-2) and Creswell (3-2) at No. 5. Coquille (3-1) comes in at No. 10. Regis (3-0) leads the 2A Poll, followed by Nestucca (4-0) and Bandon No. 4 (4-1). Waldport (3-1) is tied with Knappa (1-3) for ninth. North Clackamas Christian (4-0) tops the 1A Poll, South Albany (3-0) the 5A Poll and Tualatin (2-0) the 6A Poll.

Prep GBXB Scores
Prep girls’ basketball scores from Monday, Dec. 15: 4A – Seaside fell at Stayton, 66-44. 3A – Warrenton lost at Faith Bible/Life Christian, 34-22. Waldport won at Siuslaw, 53-30. Brookings-Harbor (JV) won at Pacific, 55-34. 2A – Toledo fell at Nestucca, 64-28.

Prep GBXB Schedules
Prep girls’ basketball schedules for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025: 4A – North Bend at North Valley, 6p. Cottage Grove at Hidden Valley, 6p. Tillamook at Gladstone, 5:30p. 3A – Scio at Taft, 6p; Knappa at Neah-Kah-Nie, 6p. Coquille (JV) at Gold Beach, 6p. 2A – Camas Valley at Myrtle Pt., 6p. Glendale at Bandon (JV), 4:30p. Reedsport at Pacific, 6p. 1A – Powers at North Clackamas Christian, 5:45p.

Prep BBXB Scores
Prep boys’ basketball scores from Monday, Dec. 15: 3A – Warrenton won at Faith Bible/Life Christian, 64-53. Waldport lost at Siuslaw, 54-39. Brookings-Harbor won at Pacific, 64-23. 2A – Toledo won at Nestucca, 50-39.

Prep BBXB Schedules
Prep boys’ basketball schedules for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025: 4A – North Bend at North Valley, 7:30p. Cottage Grove at Hidden Valley, 7:30p. Astoria at Gladstone, 7p. 3A – Scio at Taft, 7:30p. Knappa at Neah-Kah-Nie, 7:30p. Douglas at Bandon, 7:30p. Coquille at Gold Beach, 7:30p. 2A – Camas Valley at Myrtle Pt., 7:30p. Reedsport at Pacific, 7:30p. 1A – Powers at Mapleton, cancelled.