JC NEWS by Matt Jarvis

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Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 – Sunrise: 6:07 a.m., and Sunset: 8:38 p.m., offering 14-hours & 31-minutes of daylight.

Tides, Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Tides for the Coos Bay, OR Estuary, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 – Low tide: 1:52 a.m., 1.28 ft.; High tide: 7:50 a.m., 4.34 ft.; Low tide: 1:03 p.m., 2.35 ft.; High tide: 7:38 p.m., 6.33 ft.

Coquille Firefighter's Annual Steak Feed & Car Show
The Annual Coquille Firefighter's Steak Feed & Car Show will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Sturdivant Park, Coquille. One-pound steaks will be on the grill from Noon to 4 p.m., while a car show, featuring over 200 vintage, custom cars and trucks, runs from 9 to 3. Live music and events for children are included. All proceeds benefit the volunteers with training, public education, up-to-date gear and necessary required equipment. Come support those who are protecting us.

It’s canning season!
OHA release - OSU helpline answers questions about proper and safe food preservation row of jars of canned veggies. Canning is a great hobby… it's not only fun and delicious, but also economical. It must be done safely, however, to prevent foodborne illnesses. (Read: Home Canning and Botulism). During peak canning season (July to October), you can call Oregon State University’s (OSU) free food preservation helpline to get advice for the best and safest way to can your fruits and vegetables. The helpline is staffed by certified Master Food Preserver volunteers across Oregon who can provide a wide range of information, including how to safely prepare canned salsa, fruits and seafood, safe storage temperatures, and where to get your pressure canner gauge checked. In 2024, the volunteers fielded 723 calls. Proper canning will remove oxygen, destroy enzymes, and prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria, yeasts, and molds. The food will retain nutrients and flavor and last much longer. However, canning foods incorrectly can create the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow and cause botulism—a rare but potentially deadly illness. Safe canning tips include: Make sure to use the right equipment for the kind of foods you are canning, including the right-sized pressure canner. Low-acid foods such as corn, green beans, mushrooms, potatoes, and most other vegetables must be canned under pressure to be safe. After canning, check that your cans are properly sealed. Label and date your jars. Home-canned food should be thrown out after a year.  Keep jars in a clean, cool, dark, dry place between 50 and 70°F. Stack jars no more than two high so you don’t damage the seals. Once a jar is opened, must be refrigerated. Another great source for food preservation information is the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia. OSU’s Food Safety and Preservation helpline takes calls Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until October 10. Call 800-354-7319, and feel free to leave a message after hours. Learn more from OSU Extension Service’s Home Food Preservation program here, including details about food preservation events in your area.

CBPL Events
Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, OR - Pickup/Drop-off Eastside, Friday, August 1 at the Eastside Fire Station, 365 D Street, Coos Bay, 9:00am – 9:30am. Return or pick up library materials every Friday in front of the Eastside Fire Department. Pickup/Drop-off Empire, Friday, August 1 at the Empire Fire Station, 189 S Wall Street, Coos Bay, 10:00am – 10:30am. Pickup or drop-off library materials in front of the Empire Fire Station. Hike + Story At Shore Acres, Friday, August 1 at Shore Acres State Park, 10:30am – 11:30am, Ages 0-7. OutGrown local organizer Fernanda Lucas De La Torre and the Coos Bay Public Library are teaming up for a special exploration of Shore Acres. Geared towards parents and children under 5, we'll explore Shore Acres, read a story and end at Simpson Beach. Meet outside the Shore Acres gift store. The Coos Bay Public Library will provide passes for families to park from our Park Backpacks Collection on-site; please arrive by 10:20am if you need a pass. Feel free to bring a lunch or snack to explore the beach park on your own afterwards. Friends of the Library Book Sale, Saturday, August 2 in the Myrtlewood & Cedar Rooms, 10:00am* – 4:00pm, Sunday, August 3 in the Myrtlewood & Cedar Rooms, 12:00pm – 3:00pm. Indulge your love for books at August's Friends of the Library Book Sale! The sale will take place in the Myrtlewood and Cedar Rooms on Saturday (10:00am*-4:00pm) and Sunday (12:00pm-3:00pm). *Doors open at 9:00am to Friends of the Library members only! Learn More or Join Friends of the Library. Spice of the Month, Kits become available at 12:00pm on Saturday, August 2. Spice samples are available until we run out. Each month we will have a new spice to sample from Teas Tinctures & Tonics. Available the first Saturday of the month that we are open. These free samples are limited to one per patron. Introduction to the Internet Browser - Saturday, August 2 at the Public Computers, 10:00am – 11:00am. Class is for computer novices who need help in learning how to use the Internet. The class will cover the most important features of a browser, how to use an Internet address, and will also discuss first steps and tips for easier use. Attendees should be comfortable using a computer mouse. Note: Attendees need to be at the front doors by 9:55am.

Happy Diamond
A Tribute to Neil Diamond, Saturday, Aug. 2nd, Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay, 7 p.m., $25 each.

Community Partner Celebration Event
CCSO release - JOIN US, SATURDAY AUGUST 2 for our Annual Bay Area Community Partner Celebration event. Half a century of healing, community support, and priceless collaborations - this couldn't have been possible without our incredible EMS, first responders, and local community partners! With presentations, food trucks, and a chance to meet the real-life heroes of our community, this is an event you don't want to miss. Opening ceremony at 1:00pm. Event runs from 12 noon to 4:00pm in our main parking lot. We look forward to these partners joining us Bay Cities Ambulance, Coquille Fire & Rescue, LifeFlight,Coos Bay Police Department, North Bend Police Department - Oregon, Coos Bay Fire Department, Charleston Fire & Rescue - Oregon, Furry Friends Therapy Dogs, Inc. Coos County Sheriff's Office North Bend Fire Department - Oregon Coos Health & Wellness Oregon State Police U.S. Coast Guard Air Station North Bend Coos County Emergency Management and many others! #BayAreaHospital #localheros.

NBPL Events
North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend, OR - Toddler Music & Movement every Friday at 10:30AM. Enjoy music, moving, and grooving for children ages 2-3. Friday, August 1, 2025 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, North Bend Public Library Launches Weekly Drop-In Gaming Hour - Cards at Noon - as Part of Summer Reading Program. Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend your lunch hour? The North Bend Public Library invites community members to Cards at Noon, a weekly drop-in gaming social hour held every Friday at 12:00 PM through August 1. Participants can enjoy a variety of board games and card games, using the library’s collection or bringing their favorite from home. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or just in it for the fun, all skill levels are welcome. Lunch-break gamers are encouraged to drop in and play a quick round or can bring their lunch and stay for the full hour. Friday, August 1, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. - Solve the Mystery Fridays at the North Bend Public Library. If you love a good whodunit, the North Bend Public Library has your Friday nights covered. Join us for Friday Night Mysteries—a weekly mystery-solving event held every Friday at 6:00 PM through August 1 as part of the Summer Reading Program. (No program on July 4th.) Each week, participants will work together to unravel a new mystery—from suspicious characters in Death at a Dive Bar to uncovering the truth behind the Murder of an Influencer. Players will use clues, solve puzzles, and piece together evidence to crack the case! Bring your inner detective and get ready for a twisty evening of crime-solving excitement.

Third annual Children's Messtival Messy Festival to be held at the North Bend Public Library
Join the North Bend Public Library for our Summer Reading Program 2025 wrap-up party! On Saturday, August 2 from 1:00-3:00 PM, the Library will hold its third annual Messtival. This free event will be located behind the Library on Union Street. During the Messtival, children ages 3 through 12 are invited to play and explore in sand, Oobleck, paint, foam, water, and more. Participants should expect to get messy and are encouraged to dress accordingly and to bring towels and a change of clothes. All participants must be accompanied by a caring adult.

First Chinook fishery since 2021 proposed for Coquille River thanks to success of Coquille Tribe-ODFW partnership, volunteer efforts
ODFW release - BANDON, Ore.— Leadership of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Coquille Indian Tribe came together near the mouth of the Coquille River Thursday to announce a major step forward in the combined management effort on salmon recovery. ODFW is proposing to restart Chinook salmon fishing in the Coquille River this fall following the efforts of the Coquille Tribe, ODFW staff and extensive community volunteer work to improve the performance of the hatchery program. Under a Chinook proposal to be considered by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on Sept. 12 in Ontario and a wild coho proposal to be considered Aug. 15 in Salem, the following regulations would be in effect on the Coquille River this fall: Open for salmon fishing Sept. 13-Oct. 15 from the Hwy 101 bridge upstream to the Hwy 42S Sturdivant Park Bridge near the town of Coquille.  Daily bag limit of two adult salmon (hatchery Chinook and wild coho only, but only one may be a wild coho) and a season limit of 3 wild coho; If approved, the season would mark the first fall Chinook opportunity on the Coquille River since 2021 and add to wild coho fishing opportunities that returned in 2024. Members of the public can comment on the proposals via the ODFW rulemaking page. Fall Chinook fisheries on the Coquille River have primarily been supported by abundant wild populations. But wild Chinook returns to the Coquille River fell dramatically in 2018 due to the illegal introduction and spread of smallmouth bass, a voracious predator of juvenile salmon. Warming river temperatures, low flows and poor ocean conditions also played a role. The long-running hatchery program, which relied heavily on wild broodstock, also experienced several setbacks. ODFW was unable to collect sufficient broodstock/eggs, so fewer smolts were released. ODFW and the Coquille Tribe signed a historic Memorandum of Agreement in June 2022 to collaborate, share resources and work as partners to enhance fish and wildlife populations. They quickly leaned into their relationship and started working together more closely, alongside volunteers from local STEP (Salmon Trout Enhancement Program) groups. This broader effort increased brood collection efforts so more hatchery fish could be spawned and more smolts released. Improvements in design and operations at the Ferry Creek broodstock collection trap helped meet broodstock collection targets. A new smolt acclimation and adult collection site was also developed on the Tribe's Lampa Creek property. The effort is just one of several actions ODFW, the Coquille Tribe, and volunteers are taking to restore fisheries in the Coquille River. Other efforts include: Habitat restoration and protection: Collaborative projects between the Tribe, ODFW, SWCD in Coos County and other partners using federal and other grant funds to improve fish passage and restore habitat.  Electrofishing to remove smallmouth bass: Nearly 40,000 smallmouth bass have been removed from the Coquille River. Conservation hatchery program: An additional hatchery program to supplement the wild population is underway, rearing some fish at Elk River Hatchery and releasing them in the upper basin at a size and time when they are less vulnerable to smallmouth bass. Experimental hatchboxes: Unfed fry are being released from hatchboxes (aka streamside incubators) at several locations with genetic sampling of adult returns planned to help determine the experimental program's effectiveness. During a press conference announcing the proposals in Bandon, Ore., ODFW Director Debbie Colbert and Coquille Indian Tribe Chairwoman Brenda Meade expressed their commitment to continuing to work together to enhance salmon and steelhead populations and fishing opportunities. They say given the unique past, current, and anticipated future conditions of the Coquille system, a unified, holistic management approach is essential to achieve this mission. "Coquille people have a sacred duty to care for fish and wildlife that aligns with the mission of the ODFW well," said Chair Brenda Meade. "Our shared vision is that the Coquille and Coos systems will be widely recognized as a premier salmon and steelhead fishery and a cornerstone of the cultural, social and economic well-being of the region. We are calling this the "Hot Zone" – a Harvest Opportunity Zone. Our MOA and work we do under it is not only about government-to-government work and respect, but also about truly listening to this community and involving the community in our work as valued partners with knowledge, ideas, and contributions to give too." "We needed to act after the Coquille River reached a tipping point a few years ago with the drastic decline of wild Chinook from an average of about 10,000 returning adults to just 300 in 2019 due to low flows, warming river temperatures and invasive predators," said ODFW Director Debbie Colbert. "The situation called for an all-out effort to pull Coquille River's salmon and fishing opportunities back from the brink." I'm thrilled we can celebrate this positive step in the right direction," Colbert continued. "I hope the collective efforts of the Tribe, ODFW and volunteers bring more results for salmon in the future, including for wild runs which remain very low." ODFW and the Tribe remain committed to management actions and projects that grow salmon and steelhead abundance and enhance harvest opportunities, with both natural and hatchery produced salmon playing an important role.

Best bets for weekend fishing
ODFW release - We just stocked millions of trout this year, and some are for you! Check the trout stocking schedule and maps for locations near you. Fall seasons on the Columbia River start Aug. 1 including the popular fall Buoy 10 fishery. Also, summer steelhead retention has been extended until Aug. 31 from the Buoy 10 line upstream to Bonneville Dam. Check the regulation updates for details. Fall Chinook seasons are getting underway. On the North Coast, Tillamook Bay, the Nestucca estuary (Pacific City), Trask River, Nestucca River, and the lower Columbia tributaries (Big Cr., Gnat Cr., and Klaskanine R.) will provide the best opportunities. Check the regulation updates including bag limits for wild Chinook. Summer steelhead runs are on in the Nestucca and Wilson Rivers. Summers are throughout the fisheries and there have been some getting caught. Nehalem fall Chinook run is showing up with a few getting caught down by the mouth of the bay. The next stocking for North coast lake trout will be in September (see the schedule below or online). There will be trout available most of the summer, but fishing will get more challenging as the water warms up. Fishing early morning and late evening and targeting higher elevation lakes that stay cooler will up the odds of success. The North Jetty of Tillamook Bay (accessible through Barview County Park) provides some good angling opportunity for rockfish and kelp greenling this time of year. Reminder the annual razor clam conservation closure runs through Sept. 30 on Clatsop Beaches. The closure restores the clam grounds and allows repopulation. Check tide tables here: https://tides.net/oregon/ and check for any closures. Razor clam digging is still open along the central and south Oregon coast. Crabbing remains open along the Oregon coast. It's a great time of year to fish for warmwater species. See our guide. The General Marine Species bag limit increased to a 5-fish bag limit with a 1-fish sub-bag limit for cabezon which also opened July 1. With warm weather on the beach, it's a good time to try surf perch fishing. The Rogue River above Lost Creek Reservoir is the premier summer trout fishery in the Rogue watershed. Anglers can escape the heat of the Rogue Valley, enjoy beautiful scenery, and catch fish. Campgrounds and other public access sites along Highway 62 and Highway 230 are stocked with rainbow trout on a weekly basis between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Haystack Reservoir continues to yield trophy-sized and brood trout in the 16-17-inch range! Redband trout fishing from bank and boat is fair on Upper Klamath and Agency lakes. Anglers report excellent kokanee fishing at Lake Billy Chinook, and Wickiup Reservoir. Fish at Lake Billy Chinook average 13 inches; while 14–17-inch fish can be found at Wickiup.

OEM Debriefing
OR Dept. of Emergency Management release - Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today reiterated its dedication to continuous improvement and readiness across the state in the wake of recent emergency response activities. “Our agency recognizes that every incident is an opportunity to assess, learn and enhance our systems. Continuous improvement is baked into our organizational DNA,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. What Went Right During the Recent Tsunami Advisory - State, local and federal partners acted quickly to evaluate risks and communicate with the public, working in close coordination with the National Tsunami Warning Center. Timely and accurate public messaging was issued via multiple channels to inform coastal communities and ensure situational awareness. Our partnerships with county emergency managers, Tribal governments, and other agencies were essential to a united response effort. “We acknowledge there is always room for improvement,” McMahon said. “As lawmakers and others have noted, this event shed light on areas where our emergency systems, critical infrastructure, and communication protocols could benefit from refinement and funding. This includes a need for robust federal mitigation funding and technical assistance. We are committed to working collaboratively with partners statewide to address those gaps—especially as we review readiness for low-notice, high-impact events.” Staffing, ECC Activation, and Organizational Development - OEM is not staffed 24/7 under normal operating conditions, but staffing is scaled up immediately when an emergency or threat arises—a common practice among states. Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) are routinely activated in response to significant incidents, including natural disasters, major public events, or other large-scale emergencies. Activation decisions are guided by incident complexity and statewide coordination needs. When warranted, OEM launches its ECC and deploys necessary personnel—including state agency liaisons—to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Since legislative changes in July 2022 established OEM as a standalone department, the agency has continued to evolve. One notable change from the last legislative session was the transfer of oversight for the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability program from the State Chief Information Officer to OEM. This program ensures emergency responders maintain effective communication during crises and supports the ORAlert.gov system. OEM has also been tasked with launching the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) by next summer, aimed at establishing a 24/7 statewide watch capability. “This program marks a significant advancement in readiness,” McMahon said. “Although not fully funded in the last session, we are actively identifying the equipment, systems and personnel needed to sustain this enhanced function. Once operational, OERS will strengthen Oregon’s ability to provide 24/7 monitoring and improve our ability to respond to and coordinate during emergencies—boosting statewide resilience.” While OEM does not currently maintain 24/7 monitoring or staffing, programs such as the emergency duty officer system and the current version of OERS do play critical support roles by maintaining on-call duty officers that enable activation and coordination around-the-clock. These systems are not the initial point of contact; that responsibility remains with 911 call centers, law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel—who provide direct, front-line service at all times. However, when local resources are overwhelmed—whether by evacuation needs or technical support requirements—local emergency operations centers (EOCs) and emergency managers activate to coordinate wraparound services and leverage mutual aid agreements. If the incident escalates further and regional capacities are exceeded, OEM steps in to mobilize support from across the state, and when necessary, from national or international sources. Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Activation Levels and What They Mean - Level 4: Normal Operations / Steady State: No emergency or disruption. ECC is not activated. Agencies operate under routine conditions. Level 3: ECC Regional Response: A regional emergency is anticipated or occurring. May affect community lifelines or public safety. ECC is activated virtually or in-person as needed. Level 2: ECC Limited Activation: A significant emergency is underway. Requires multi-agency coordination and additional resources. ECC is activated virtually or in-person, directed by the ECC Manager. Level 1: ECC Full Activation: A major emergency or disaster impacting multiple lifelines. Full-scale coordination and resource deployment needed. “OEM will always remain committed to improving preparedness and building resilience throughout Oregon,” McMahon said. “And we value feedback from communities, policymakers and partners. We strongly encourage people to connect with the emergency management offices in their county to learn more about how they can help advocate for emergency preparedness in their area.”

DEQ issues 12 penalties in June for environmental violations
DEQ release - Statewide, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 12 penalties totaling $756,921 in June for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at ordeq.org/enforcement. Fines ranged from $2,550 to $464,678. Alleged violations included a construction company filling in a stream and wetland without the required stormwater permit; a pulp and paper mill violating its air permit; and a vessel owner not immediately collecting and removing spilled diesel fuel. DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations: AMA Mini Mart Inc. 1, Klamath Falls, $15,300, underground storage tanks; Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, McMinnville, $26,400, wastewater; City of Stanfield, Stanfield, $6,825, wastewater; City of Willamina, Willamina, $2,550, wastewater; Edward Stanton, Arlington, $43,800, emergency response; Georgia-Pacific Toledo LLC, Toledo, $116,108, air quality; Joshua Kimber, Cloverdale, $10,914, stormwater; Medford Water Commission, Central Point, $6,000, wastewater; Mike O’Malley & O'Malley Brothers Corporation, Boring, $464,678 stormwater; Northwest Freight LLC, Troutdale, $33,898, stormwater; Reinard Pollmann, Reedsport, $21,734, solid waste; Walsh Trucking Co. LTD, Troutdale, $8,714, stormwater. Recipients of DEQ civil penalties must either pay the fines to the state treasury or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. They may be able to offset a portion of a penalty by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves Oregon’s environment. Learn more about these projects at ordeq.org/sep. Penalties may also include orders requiring specific tasks to prevent ongoing violations or additional environmental harm. DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon’s air, land and water. DEQ uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.

Murder Charge, East of Lowell, Lane Co.
On July 31st at about noon, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives responded to a report of a deceased person in the forest about 10 miles east of Lowell. Initial investigation revealed the person’s death was the result of homicidal violence. Detectives quickly located and detained the suspect in the area, identified as Aaron Douglas Omer, 53, of Eugene. After additional investigation, Omer was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Murder in the 2nd Degree. The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification. Thanks to the Oregon State Police, US Marshals Service, Eugene Police Department, and FBI for their assistance in this case.

"Significant" Drug Seizure, I-5, Linn Co.
LINN COUNTY, Ore. 31 July 2025 – Oregon State Police traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Linn County yields a significant drug seizure. On Wednesday, July 31, 2025, at 9:47 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a passenger vehicle on I-5 southbound near Albany for multiple traffic violations. With the assistance of an OSP drug detection K-9, approximately 112 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.6 pounds of cocaine, and 4.4 pounds of fentanyl were located within the vehicle. Both the vehicle operator, Jesus Compos Roman (29) of Everett (WA) and passenger Eduar Freites Mosquera of Mill Creek (WA) were arrested for possession and delivery of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and lodged at the Linn County Jail. The case remains under investigation and no additional information is available for release at this time.

Disorderly Conduct
According to an entry on the CQPD log for July 30, 9:56 a.m., E 2nd & Central, 42-year old Mitchell Wayne Bissonnette charged with Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, PCS Meth, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree & Probation Violation, “Bissonnette was transported to CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 30, 6:46 pm., 1800 block McPherson, “illegal camping,” 43-year old Jeremy Lewis & 40-year old Magen Kiser both “Ticket.”

Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for July 30, 11:17 p.m., 3201 Tremont Ave., KoKwel Casino, “result of criminal trespass,” 34-year old Json Olaf Holmen arrested on warrant charging Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver-Property Damage, “Holmen lodged CCJ.”

Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 30, 7:34 a.m., No. 13th & E. Park Roadway, “illegal camping.” At 8:17 p.m., 400 block Ackerman St., “illegal camping.” At 9:53 p.m., 800 block Taylor Ave., “illegal camping.”

Arrest
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 30, 12:06 p.m., 1st & Hall, 49-year old Ryan Layton Cox charged with Harassment & Resisting Arrest, “Cox was transported to CCJ.”

Burglary
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 30, 2:02 p.m., 1600 block Ocean Blvd., “burglary.”

Illegal Dumping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for July 30, 8:38 p.m., Fulton Ave. & So. Empire Blvd., “illegal dumping from illegal camping.”

WX
Foggy in the morning, then partly cloudy by afternoon with highs in the upper 60s and winds from the North at 10-20 mph. Cloudy skies this evening, expect for, mist and reduced visibilities, lows in the upper 50s and winds out of the North to Northwest at 10-20 mph. Cloudy skies early Saturday, then partly cloudy in the afternoon with highs in the upper 60s and winds from the North to Northwest at 10-20 mph.

Sports

Become a High School FB Official
SW Oregon Football Officials Assoc. is in desperate need of new officials! Jr. High/Middle School - Junior Varsity – Varsity; Training and Rule Books Provided; Pay for games and travel; Knowledge of football preferred but not required; Men and Women wanted; Get back on the field with the game you love! Veterans can also take advantage of the “Battlefield to Ballfield” program aimed at paying a Veterans expense to become a high school official for prep sports. It’s free to Veterans! Check out their website. For more info contact Glenn at: [email protected] Or go to: www.NewOfficials.org. Registration fee and background check required.

OSAA Moratorium Week
The Oregon Schools Activities Association holds a Moratorium Week from high school practices each year during the Summer. This year’s Moratorium Week is July 27th through August 2nd. OSAA statement: "Each year a seven-day OSAA Moratorium Week shall be in effect during which there shall be no contact between administrators/coaches/directors/advisors and students involved in any OSAA-sanctioned sport or activity, including cheer, dance/drill, speech, solo music, choir, band/orchestra. In addition, there shall be no high school athletic facility usage by athletic staff and students/teams, including dance/drill and cheer, during the OSAA Moratorium Week. Use of non-athletic facilities by athletic staff is allowed.”

NFL Preseason
The NFL 2025 Preseason got underway Thursday night from Canton, Ohio, the site of the NFL Hall of Fame with a contest between Detroit and the LA Chargers. The Chargers won 34-7. Normal season starters were mostly on the sidelines as the new players trying to make the teams were on the field. The rest of the league will start preseason games on Thursday, August 7th with three games, including Pete Carroll’s debut with the Las Vegas Raiders. The former Seahawk coach will take on his old team, Seattle, at Lumen Field, Seattle, 7 p.m.

USATF Championships, Hayward Field, Eugene
UO release - The Portland, Ore., native ran a lifetime best in Thursday’s first round at Hayward Field. EUGENE, Ore. — Benjamin Balazs ran a lifetime best Thursday in the 3,000-meter steeplechase to move into the finals of the 2025 Toyota USATF Championships at Hayward Field. The meet continues through Sunday afternoon. Balazs took nearly two seconds off his previous lifetime best, crossing in 8:22.58 to secure his spot in to Saturday's final. He ran himself into a top-five automatic qualifier with a surge off the final barrier down the homestretch. The rising junior, and already the No. 2 performer in program history, came into the day with a best of 8:24.46 from his seventh-place finish at the NCAA Championships this past June. With Thursday's effort, Balazs is now within Ken Martin's school record of 8:20.97 set in 1980. The men's steeplechase final goes off Saturday at 2:49 p.m. (PT) on NBC and Peacock. Cole Hocker, the 2024 Olympic champion and three-time NCAA champion in 2021 while at Oregon, was the fastest qualifier (3:32.57, SB) in the first round of the 1500 meters. He and former UO standout Sam Prakel (3:33.08, PB) both advanced to Saturday's final. Elliott Cook finished 13th place overall in 3:35.36, just one shy of advancing to the final. In the opening heat of the women's 800 meters, Raevyn Rogers cruised to a time of 2:01.74 to move on to Friday's semifinal round. She finished second in her heat and 17th overall. Rogers won World silver in 2019 followed by a bronze medal at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Jenna Prandini (10.95w) led a trio of past UO standouts in the first round of the women's 100 meters. She was the sixth-fastest qualifier overall while Jadyn Mays (11.11) and English Gardner (11.12) each earned a lane of their own into Friday's semifinal heats. Mays' time was a season's best. On the men's side of the 100, Kyree King clocked in at 10.14 to automatically advance. The women's semifinals go off Friday at 4:20 p.m. followed by the men's heats at 5:10 p.m. The finals will close out the day two schedule, beginning at 7:17 p.m. on NBC. In other Oregon-affiliated results, Nikki Hiltz won their heat in 4:05.99 and finished as the fifth overall qualifier into the final of the 1500 meters. The women will race for a spot at the World Championships on Saturday at 2:03 p.m. Hiltz's collegiate career began at Oregon before they transferred to Arkansas. Recent UO signee Peyton Bair is in sixth place after day one of the decathlon with 4,268 points. He was first in the 100 (10.41) and 400 (46.25) meters, bookending his day with wins. He will begin the second day of competition 109 points shy of a top-three spot. Bair (Mississippi State) won the NCAA title in the event this past June. The USATF Outdoor Championships will serve as the selection event for the upcoming World Athletics Championships (Sept. 13-21, Tokyo) and NACAC Area Championships (Aug. 15-17, Bahamas).