JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 – 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, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 – Low tide: 3:37 a.m., 3.1 ft.; High tide: 9:57 a.m., 8.57 ft.; Low tide: 5:15 p.m., -0.74 ft.

Manslaughter, DUII
CCSO release - Location: Transpacific Parkway, North Bend, OR; Suspect(s): Berry, Reef Michael (22); Summary: On December 24th, 2025, at around 10:45pm, Coos County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of Transpacific Parkway and Jordan Cove Road in North Bend, to the report of a motor vehicle crash. Sgt. Boswell located the vehicle, and observed that one passenger, a 19-year-old male, was deceased, and another passenger was injured while trapped inside the vehicle. Fire and Medical personnel were able to successfully rescue the trapped passenger and transport them to the hospital for further treatment. Deputy MR Smith, along with Troopers from the Oregon State Police, also arrived on scene to assist in the investigation. As a result of the investigation, Deputy MR Smith arrested the driver of the vehicle, Reef Michael Berry (22). On December 30th, 2025, Reef Michael Berry was indicted on the charges of: Manslaughter in the First Degree, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Recklessly Endangering Another Person (x2), Reckless Driving, and Driving While Suspended or Revoked (Misdemeanor).

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - 2025 NYE Family Dance Party, Wednesday, December 31 in the Myrtlewood Room, 10:00am – 11:00am. Get ready for the New Year's Eve Dance Party! The program is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, but older children under 12 are welcome. Get ready to move at a special rave for the under five set. Prepare for a ball drop, parachute magic, and of course, bubbles. DJ Jennifer spins. NYE Family Game Night, Wednesday, December 31 in the Myrtlewood Room, 4:30pm – 6:00pm. For families with children ages 4-18. Minors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Celebrate the new year with classic board games, lawn games, and pizza.

Coos Art Museum Carnival
CAM release - Join us on December 31st from 7–9 PM for a lively New Year’s Eve celebration packed with activities, games, and festive fun for all ages! Admission is $24 per person or $75 for a family of four. Guests attending the Mask Class will also receive one free drink token to enjoy refreshments such as gin & tonics, wine, mimosas, and a variety of soft drinks. Explore a variety of exciting booths, including a Doodle Photobooth, Ring Toss, Bowling, Plunko, a Mini Art Table with prize-bag decorating, Guess-the-Number jar, Pin the Tail, and Fishing, plus a lively Dance Room to keep the energy high. Celebrate the new year with creativity, games, and great company!

Free Ice Skating at North Bend New Year’s Eve
City of North Bend release - Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM; North Bend Event Tent, 2040 Union Ave., North Bend. FREE Ice Skating in North Bend! Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the ice! Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Les’ Sanitary Service, enjoy FREE ice skating at the North Bend Ice Rink. Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025; Location: 2040 Union Ave, North Bend, OR 97459. Bring your friends and family and ring in the New Year with winter fun for all ages! Learn more: www.northbendoregon.us/iceskatingrink

South Slough Visitor Center Entrance Improvement Project Begins January 2026
South Slough release - CHARLESTON, Ore. – The South Slough Reserve will begin construction on a major entrance improvement project at its Visitor Center this January. Originally built in 1985, the Visitor Center receives over 3,000 visitors a year from school groups and community members. The improvements will alleviate traffic issues, create needed space for school buses, and improve pedestrian paths. In addition, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, bioswales for stormwater management, and native plant landscaping will be added to support sustainability and habitat restoration. The project is funded by a $1.62 million NOAA Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC) grant, and will be led by Morello Construction. “This project is a critical investment in the future of the Reserve,” said Reserve Manager Patricia Fox. “It will make the Visitor Center safer and more accessible for all.” Construction will run through May 2026, with initial work starting in January. Visitors should expect changing parking locations, selective tree removal, and temporary one-lane access. Trails remain open daily from dawn to dusk and the Visitor Center will remain open Tues-Sat 10-4 pm. Interested members of the community can visit the Reserve website at southsloughestuary.org or following South Slough Reserve on Instagram or Facebook. The Visitor Center can also be reached by phone at (541) 888-5558. About South Slough Reserve: South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected estuary and natural area located on state-owned land in the Coos estuary on Oregon’s southern coast. It is managed in partnership by the Oregon Department of State Lands and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The first of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the nation, South Slough Reserve is a leader in improving understanding of estuaries and coastal watersheds. The Reserve manages and studies nearly 7,000 acres of natural area, including open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested lands. A portion of this area includes waterways, trails, and a visitor center that are open to the public.

Update to Oregon’s Secure, Online Voter Registration Form
Oregon Secretary of State implements House Bill 4133 - OR Sec. of State release - SALEM, OR — As of December 30th, 2025, all eligible Oregonians are able to register to vote through a secure, online form by submitting the last four digits of their Social Security number and their valid signature – just like they would on a paper voter registration form. Previously, only eligible Oregonians with a driver’s license number could register to vote online. This update to Oregon’s online voter registration form was required by House Bill 4133 (2022) with a deadline of January 1, 2026. “Everything in our modern society is evolving to be more convenient – our elections should do the same. Every citizen should get the same opportunity to hold their government accountable at the ballot box. This update will keep online voter registration secure and accurate while making it more available to eligible voters,” said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read. This online form for voter registration maintains the security of Oregon’s voter registration system while expanding access. As they would with paper voter registration forms, elections officials will carefully verify the Social Security numbers and signatures submitted before formally registering citizens to vote. In Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state, and at least 16 years old to register to vote. Oregonians must be 18 years old by Election Day to cast a ballot. For more information, visit our website: OregonVotes.gov.

ODFW seeks nominees to represent Oregon on Pacific Fisheries Management Council
ODFW release - NEWPORT, Ore. – ODFW is accepting nominations for a seat on the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). The three-year term for this Oregon at-large seat begins Aug. 11, 2026. Anyone interested in being considered, or wishing to nominate someone, must contact Jessica Watson at 541-351-1196 or [email protected]. Completed application packets must be submitted no later than January 23, 2026. The Oregon at-large seat currently is held by Brad Pettinger who is not eligible for re-appointment to another three-year term, since he has completed his full allotment of terms. ODFW will send all nominations to the Governor who will then forward the names of at least three candidates to the National Marine Fisheries Service (in the U.S. Department of Commerce) for consideration.?Successful appointees must pass an extensive FBI background check. The Council manages fisheries for approximately 119 species of salmon, groundfish (rockfish, flounders, whiting), coastal pelagic species (sardines, anchovies, and mackerel) and highly migratory species (tunas, sharks, and swordfish) off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and California. It includes 14 voting members representing tribal and state fish and wildlife agencies, and private citizens knowledgeable about sport fishing, commercial fishing, and/or marine conservation. The ideal candidate would be knowledgeable about fishery resource conservation and management in marine waters off the U.S. West Coast.?Specific knowledge of and experience in management issues and fisheries is important as is a strong conservation ethic. The successful candidate works collectively with other Council members, often making difficult decisions to fulfill the standards set forth by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.? Members make a substantial time commitment to fully participate in Council business and related activities. The Pacific Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries from three to 200 miles offshore of the United States coastline.? The Pacific Council is responsible for fisheries off the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.

I-84 Fatal, Umatilla Co.
OSP release - Umatilla County, Ore. (Dec. 30, 2025)- On Monday, December 22, 2025, at 7:50 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 207, in Umatilla County. The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Noah J. Lindsey (25) of Pendleton, was attempting to cross the interstate when they were struck by an eastbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ben Travis Johnson (55) of Kennewick (WA). The pedestrian (Lindsey) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Kenworth (Johnson) was reportedly not injured. The interstate was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by ODOT.

Fatal Accident, Lorane Hwy., Lane Co.
Lane Co. Sheriff's Office release - On December 29th at 8:30 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with fire personnel to a single vehicle crash off Lorane Highway near Sutherlin Lane, south of Eugene. The vehicle, a 2012 Jeep Wrangler, left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree. The driver was the only occupant and was killed in the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The driver was identified as James Lee Blondell, 76, of Reedsport.

Armed Felon Flees Following Vehicle Accident, Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release - On December 29th at 11 p.m., a deputy in the River Road area of Eugene noticed a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer stopped in the middle of Irving Road. As the deputy turned around, the driver, Tyler Gene Dendy, 58, of Eugene, drove away at a high rate of speed. Due to traffic and being in a residential area, the deputy did not pursue. Deputies monitored the vehicle’s location as it continued to drive recklessly on River Road. Deputies and officers from assisting agencies planned to spike the tires of the vehicle to slow it down. Before deputies were in position, the vehicle went off the road and stuck a concrete curb, flattening both driver’s side tires and slowing the vehicle. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, but Dendy continued driving for several miles before surrendering without incident. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a pistol, two daggers, ammunition, and substances that tested positive as methamphetamine and fentanyl. Dendy, a felon, was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges: - Fleeing or Attempt to Elude Police Officer by Vehicle; - Four counts of Reckless Driving; - Recklessly Endangering; - Three counts of Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon; - Possession of Firearm or Ammunition by Certain Persons Prohibited; - Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine; - Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl. Thanks to Junction City Police for their assistance on this case.

Missing Women Follow Up, Lane Co.
Lane Co. SO release – Eighty-two-year-old Karen Joyce Davis, of Elmira, was found late on December 29th in rough terrain past the dead end of a forested road in the area near the 23000 block of Warthen Road after she was reported missing Monday afternoon, Dec. 29th. Her dog, Cami reportedly kept her warm and signaled to Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers as they searched the area. SAR volunteers provided initial medical care for hypothermia, then carried her out to a waiting ambulance for further care at an area hospital. Thanks to area residents and Lane Fire Authority for their assistance on this search, and to Cami for being such a good dog!

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 29, 10:20 a.m., 2100 block Newmark St., Public Square Shopping Center, 34-year old Jeremy Evan Field charged with Criminal Trespass II, “Field cited in lieu of custody.”

Theft
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 29, 11:21 a.m., 1900 block Maple St., “result of criminal trespass/earlier shoplift,” 39-year old William Allen, Jr., charged with Theft III & Probation Violation, “Allen lodged CCJ.”

Burglary
According to an entry on the NBPD log for Dec. 29, 2:25 p.m., 400 block Lombard St., “burglary.”

Violation City Code
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 6:58 a.m., Anderson & 3rd, “violation city code,” 51-year old Harley Hyde, 39-year old Don Boyd & 68-year old David Fitzhenry, all received “Ticket.”

Illegal camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 7:47 a.m., 100 block Ackerman St., “illegal camping,” 33-year old Tucker Bayless, 51-yea old Nathanial Overbey, 33-year old Danielle Betts, 31-year old Jesse Abel Stephens, and 55-year old Damon Glick, all received “Ticket.” At 8:09 a.m., 100 block No. Empire, “illegal camping,” 51-year old Darlene Cady & 32-year old Morgan Berry, both received “Ticket.” At 10:40 a.m., 500 block No. Main St., “illegal camping.”

Unlawful Vehicle, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 8:29 a.m., 100 block Empire, “unlawful vehicle.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, noon, 1500 block Ocean Blvd., “criminal trespass,” 66-year old Danny Allen Vanover charged with Criminal Trespass II, “Vanover transported to CCJ.”

Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 5:47 p.m., 900 block So. 11th St., 28-year old Denver Ray Thurman arrested on Oregon State Parole Board warrant charging Parole Violation, “Thurman transported to CCJ.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 7:18 p.m., 1360 Airport Ln., North Bend, OSP Coos Bay Command, “warrant service,” on 39-year old Dusty Setzer charging FTA on Reckless Driving, Failure to Perform Duties of Driver-Property Damage X2, Criminal Mischief II X2, FTA on Giving False Infor to Police, FTA on Giving False Info to Police, Failure to Carry/Present License, FTA on FTA II.

Burglary
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 9:41 p.m., 300 block No. Marple St., “burglary.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 29, 11:54 p.m., 1360 Airport Ln., North Bend, OSP Coos Bay Command, “warrant served by OSP,” on 22-year old Jesus Santiago Lepiz charging FTA on DUII & Failure to Perform Duties Driver-Property Damage.

Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for Dec. 30, 12:08 a.m., 1111 SW 2nd Ave., Portland PD, “warrant served by Portland Police,” on 34-year old Alora Lee Lattimer arrested on two CCSO warrants charging FTA on Criminal Trespass I.

WX
A Hazardous Sea Watch along the South Oregon Coast. Otherwise, a mix of clouds and sunshine early followed by cloudy afternoon skies with highs in the mid to upper 50s and winds light and variable. Cloudy with occasional light rain late, lows in the mid 40s and winds continue light and variable. Periods of rain on New Year’s Day with highs in the mid to low 50s and wind light and variable.

Sports

Prep GBXB Scores
Prep girls’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Dec. 30: 4A – at the SCTC Holiday Tournament, Stayton HS, Cottage Grove beat Klamath Union, 37-35. At the Vince Dulcich Tournament, Astoria HS, Tillamook over Astoria, 62-35. 3A – Taft beat visiting Salem Academy, 65-15. At the Vince Dulcich Tournament, Clatskanie beat Warrenton, 39-34. 2A – Reedsport lost at New Hope Christian, 44-15. Camas Valley won at Gold Beach, 41-33. At the Pendleton 2A Preview: Weston-McEwen beat Knappa, 39-36. 1A – Powers beat C.S. Lewis Academy, 56-28.

Prep GBXB Schedules
Prep girls’ basketball schedules for Wednesday, Dec. 31: 4A – Cottage Grove at Stayton HS SCTC Holiday Tournament.

Prep BBXB Scores
Prep boys’ basketball scores from Tuesday, Dec. 30: 4A – Cascade lost at Marist Catholic, 55-53. Vince Dulcich Tournament, Astoria HS – Sweet Home beat Seaside, 51-40. Tillamook over Astoria, 55-35. 3A – Salem Academy won at Taft, 87-28. Vince Dulcich Tournament – Warrenton downed Catlin Gabel, 55-42. 2A – Reedsport won at New Hope Christian, 66-54. Gold Beach beat visiting Camas Valley, 64-34. At the Pendleton 2A Preview – Knappa beat Weston-McEwen, 63-33.

Prep BBXB Schedules
Prep boys’ basketball schedules for Wednesday, Dec. 31: 4A – Cottage Grove at Stayton HS SCTC Holiday Tournament.

OSU mbxb
Oregon State’s men’s basketball team beat San Francisco, 70-62 in a WCC road trip, Tuesday. The Beavers (1-1, 8-7) play at Stockton, CA, Friday, Jan. 2, televised on ESPN+.

OSU wbxb
Oregon State’s women’s basketball team picked up a WCC win at Saint Mary’s, 63-57, Tuesday, at Moraga, CA. The Beavers (2-0, 10-5) host Pacific, Friday, Jan. 2, 6 p.m., Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, televised on ESPN+.

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.

More FB Bowl Games
More college football bowl games on the tube, Wednesday, Dec. 31st: The ReliaQuest Bowl has Iowa & Vanderbilt at 9a (ESPN). The Sun Bowl has Arizona State and Duke at 11a (CBS). The Citrus Bowl has Michigan & Texas, noon (ABC). The Las Vegas Bowl has Nebraska & Utah, 12:30p, (ESPN). And, the Cotton Bowl has Miami & Ohio State, 4:30p (ESPN), in the only CFP Quarter-final game. The other three QF games will be on New Years’ Day, Jan. 1st, 2026.