Sunrise/Sunset, Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, Friday, April 26, 2024 – Sunrise: 6:15 a.m., and Sunset: 8:13 p.m., offering 13-hours and 58-minutes of daylight.
Tides Coos Bay, OR Estuary
Coos Bay, OR Estuary tides for Friday, April 26, 2024 – High tide: 3:02 a.m., 7.45 ft.; Low tide: 9:59 a.m., -0.58 ft.; High tide: 4:40 p.m., 5.83 ft.; Low tide: 9:39 p.m., 2.8 ft.
US Coast Guard Recruiting Open House
With recruiting in mind, the U.S. Coast Guard will hold an open house on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the US Coast Guard Base & Air Station, 2000 Connecticut Ave., North Bend. “An opportunity to learn more about various careers in the U.S. Coast Guard. Helicopter & Boats will be available at the Base for touring. For further information RSVP to Adrian.C. Stimach@uscg.mil or call (541) 608-0506.”
Bluey Party at NBPL
WHAT: Join the North Bend Public Library for a Bluey Party! Bluey, a popular animated TV show on Disney+, is based on the adventures of Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy and her family. At the Library’s Bluey Party, we will have Bluey-themed activities, crafts, and snacks. WHEN: The Bluey Party is Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 PM. WHERE: In the Meeting Room of the North Bend Public Library. WHO: The party is geared to children ages 4-8. All children ages 12 and under are welcome. CONTACT: For more information, visit www.northbendlibrary.org or call (541) 756-0400.
Family Fun Day at John Topits Park
The Kids’ Hope Center invites all to their Annual Family Fun Day at John Topits Park, Empire Lakes, Coos Bay, April 27, with events for kids and families. A Run for the Kids begins at 9 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m. The run begins at the National Guard Armory on Norman St.
ODFW to host family fishing event at Devils Lake April 27
NEWPORT, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a Family Fishing Event on Saturday, April 27 at Devils Lake in Lincoln City. This event is also being sponsored by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Regatta Park. ODFW will stock the lake with 8,700 rainbow trout before the event, including 4,000 fish that will be released in a large net pen reserved for youth fishing (ages 17 and under). ODFW staff and volunteers will be present to hand out equipment and be available to teach kids how to bait, cast, and land their catch. Youth will be able to keep two fish from inside the fish enclosure, after which they can continue fishing in the lake until they reach their 5 fish limit. These events are intended to help families learn how to fish together and get outside. There is also a great playground at Regatta Park, so pack a lunch and stay a while! The fishing enclosure is reserved for youth fishing, but adults can get tips on basic rigging, fish identification and casting at the event. Kids 11 and under can fish free at this event. Youth 12-17 need a youth license, which can be purchased for $10 online at www.MyODFW.com or at any ODFW field office or license outlet. Licenses will not be sold onsite at the event. Regatta Park is located on the south west side of Devils Lake. From Highway 101, take NE 14th St east for about ½ mile until you see the sign for Regatta Park on the right. There is parking by the dock and overflow parking is available along the one-way road in and out of the park. For a list of other family fishing events visit https://myodfw.com/articles/take-family-fishing
“Weed Wrangle” to Remove Invasive Vegetation at the Airport
(NORTH BEND, OR) – As part of the Earth Day activities around the globe, volunteers will gather for a weed wrangle to pull and eradicate invasive Scotch broom and Himalayan Blackberry within the Coos County Airport District (CCAD) property near the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. The event, sponsored by the Coos Watershed Association, is a great opportunity to impact the area near the Airport Heights neighborhood and the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. Volunteers will stage west of Airport Heights Park at the intersection of Colorado and Arthur from 10:00 am to noon on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The work will take place along the park boundary and unimproved trail access that runs along the bluff above the airport. Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom) and Himalayan Blackberry are invasive species that tend to outcompete native plants. They spread rapidly and create opportunities to potentially catch fire. Everyone is encouraged to attend and make a positive impact on the watershed during Earth Week. Tools, gloves, and snacks will be provided. A billion people globally will likely celebrate Earth Week and activities that take place globally on April 22, 2024. Earth Day encourages people to come together and take action for a healthier planet. CCAD is a special district that owns and operates the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. It consists of 619 landside and airside acres. It also includes a park and walking/biking trails. For more information, call (541) 756-8531 or visit our website www.flyoth.com. You can also follow the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport on Facebook and Instagram. One year after the COVID-19 pandemic emergency ended, Oregon among top states keeping people covered OHA release – Nearly 82% of Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) members are keeping health coverage since the state began reviewing eligibility last year. This puts Oregon in the top three states for people keeping Medicaid benefits after the COVID-19 public health emergency ended in April 2023. More than 90% of the 1.5 million OHP members have completed the renewal process, with most of the remaining renewals starting this summer. Renewal letters will be sent to members between June and September. These letters explain whether members need to provide additional information or take action to keep coverage. Members will have 90 days to respond, and 60 days’ advance notice before any termination or reduction in benefits. The final responses would be due in December 2024, and the final ending of benefits will happen in February 2025. If you’re 65 or older and losing OHP coverage and would like help understanding Medicare options, visit this webpage to learn more and connect with a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA), or call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.
North Bend Male Indicted in Federal Court
U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon release – EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon man suspected of abusing multiple children has been indicted in federal court. Christopher Jay Young, 39, has been charged in a two-count indictment with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce and entice a minor. According to the indictment, on or about January 20, 2024, Young is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and record the conduct. Young’s crimes involving one minor victim, as alleged in the indictment, are part of a broader series of similar abusive crimes he is suspected to have committed involving multiple other children during a similar timeframe. Between April 4 and 8, 2024, the FBI applied for and obtained multiple federal search warrants for Young’s person, home and vehicles. On April 11, 2024, special agents and deputies from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrants and arrested Young. Five days later, on April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Young. He was arraigned on the indictment Wednesday in federal court in Eugene by a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Young pleaded not guilty and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. Attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. Attempted coercion and enticement of a minor is punishable by up to life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. This case is being investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
STEP Hatchery Break-In Arrest, Gardiner
Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office release – GARDINER, Ore. – A Gardiner man has been arrested in a burglary of the Gardiner, Reedsport, and Winchester Bay (GRWB) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) hatchery. The investigation began on Monday, April 22, 2024, when deputies were alerted that someone had forcibly made entry into the hatchery building. Once inside, the suspect had poured a chemical substance into one of the rearing ponds causing the death of approximately 15,000-20,000 smolt chinook salmon. Deputies processed the scene and began conducting a follow up investigation. On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, around 6:30 p.m., a deputy patrolling the area observed a male walking south along Highway 101 near milepost 210. A short time later the deputy walked into the hatchery and observed that same male behind the locked gate and no trespassing signs. The male, identified as 22-year-old Gardiner resident Joshua Alexander Heckathorn, was contacted and interviewed by the deputy. During the interview, Heckathorn admitted to trespassing on the property and entering a storage location and handling the chemical bottle on Monday. Deputies arrested Heckathorn and lodged him at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Burglary II, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief. Due to the number of smolt chinook salmon that were killed in the incident, the Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife unit on the case. “Solving this case is the result of collaboration and good policework,” Sheriff John Hanlin remarked. “I am proud of the work done by the deputies and have full confidence that the investigation will aid in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.” The Sheriff’s Office was also assisted by the Reedsport Police Department.
Vandal poisons thousands of young salmon at Oregon hatchery
ODFW release – REEDSPORT, Ore. — Nearly 18,000 young salmon died after a vandal poured bleach into a Douglas County fish hatchery tank on Monday, according to law enforcement authorities. What may have started as vandalism evolved into poaching with the illegal killing of fish in one of four tanks at the Gardiner, Reedsport, and Winchester Bay (GRWB) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) hatchery in Reedsport. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Deputies arrested Joshua Heckathorn, 20, of Gardiner, and lodged him at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Burglary II, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief. According to an agency news release, on Apr. 23, a DCSO patrol deputy saw Heckathorn walking south along Highway 101, then encountered him again that evening behind a locked gate in the hatchery facility. Heckathorn admitted to trespassing on the property, entering a storage location, and handling the chemical bottle on Monday. In a cooperative law enforcement effort, DCSO and Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division will collaborate efforts to address both vandalism on the property and a significant poaching incident, according to OSP F and W Sergeant Levi Harris. “The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has been a great partner for the OSP F and W Division,” Harris said, “Their enthusiasm and professionalism is very much appreciated. Their coastal deputies have helped solve cases and/or held wildlife violators for us a number of times here in Western Douglas County.” Poaching charges will include Unlawful Taking Chinook Salmon for 17,890 fish, which raised the charge to a Class C felony. In addition, Heckathorn faces charges of Making a Toxic Substance Available to Wildlife, which is a Class A Misdemeanor; and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Damaging or destroying property of another in an amount exceeding $1,000). Additional penalties could include a lifetime angling license suspension and damage suits for unlawful killing of wildlife. The maximum civil penalty in Oregon for illegal take of a single Chinook salmon is $750. Courts have the authority to multiply that amount by the number of fish taken, with a judgement in this case potentially raising the amount to over $13 million, according to Sergeant Harris. Although it is unlikely to elevate to that level, the case represents a significant loss to the STEP program. “The killing of these fish is a real blow to the STEP Program Volunteers, ODFW, fishermen, and the community as a whole,” Sergeant Harris said, “In my 25 years as a game warden, this is one of the most senseless acts I have seen.” Oregon legislators created the STEP Program in 1981, to give volunteers and others passionate about fish a way to contribute their time and effort. In the time since, thousands of volunteers have assisted Oregon’s fisheries with materials, equipment, and countless hours of time and labor. STEP volunteers complete stream habitat restoration work, conduct surveys, educate the public, and hatch and rear salmon and trout eggs. The estimated 18,000 fish lost contribute to the lower Umpqua River fall Chinook fishery and would have joined approximately 60,000 other fall Chinook pre-smolts that will be fin clipped and released in June. At Elk River Hatchery, about 60,000 fall Chinook of the same cohort is scheduled for release as smolts in Winchester Bay in early October. This incident doesn’t make sense to volunteers and others who raise the fish, according to Deborah Yates, President of the GRWB STEP program. “You get attached to those fish,” Yates said, “When nature does something, it’s crushing. But it’s nature and it happens. But when someone comes in and does something like this, you can’t wrap your head around it. We have so many hours wrapped up in those fish, to have someone come in so cavalier, and kill them, it doesn’t make sense.” “The volunteers have spent hundreds of hours raising those fish,” Yates said, “It’s an incredible time investment, and they mean a lot to people.” The Protect Oregon’s Wildlife- Turn in Poachers campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among state agencies, sportsmen and other conservationists, landowners, and recreationists to engage the public in combatting Oregon’s poaching problem. Our goal is to: Incentivize reporting on wildlife crimes through the TIP Line; Strengthen enforcement by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers; and Support prosecution in becoming an effective deterrent. The campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Contact campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw for more information. Yvonne.L.Shaw@odfw.oregon.gov. If you know of or suspect other crimes against fish wildlife or habitat, please report to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line. 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Or email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/images/2024/042524_hatchery.jpg
Caption: GRWB Hatchery Manager Tim Hooper shovels the dead pre-smolts from the bottom of the rearing pond. The fish will be frozen for future evidence in the criminal case.
UPDATE – Suspect arrested for murder in California
Lane Co. SO release – Early this morning, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was advised by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office in California that they arrested Kelley on our warrant for Murder in the Second Degree. He was arrested without incident and the involved vehicle was recovered. Kelley is being held pending extradition to Oregon. We would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, and many other partners who assisted on this case. — On April 24th 2024, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a deceased adult female at a residence in the 28000 block of Hwy. 36 south of Junction City. Upon arrival, investigators observed the deceased had suspicious injuries that may have contributed to her death. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 49-year-old John Jay Kelley of Eugene. He is considered a person of interest at this time. Kelley is described as a white male adult with brown hair, green eyes, weighing approximately 220 pounds and standing approximately 5’08” tall. Kelley is possibly driving a silver 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV bearing Oregon license plate #532PMQ. Kelley is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone aware of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.
Increasing Jail Capacity, Coquille
CCSO release – Coos County Jail is doubling its capacity to 98 beds on April 27th at 8:00 a.m. This expansion, is a significant milestone, which will enable us to better serve our community and contribute to a safer Coos County. Since Sheriff Fabrizio’s election, he and his command staff have tirelessly worked to rehire Corrections and Patrol Deputies who were lost to attrition, retirements, and better-paying departments. This collective effort is a testament to their dedication and the value they place on public safety. Since the beginning of 2023, the Sheriff’s Office has rehired 27% of overall staff, and these deputies have been fully trained, allowing the Coos County Jail to double its capacity from 49 beds to 98 beds on April 27th at 8:00 a.m. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is excited about adding this additional jail space, which will assist the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies in combating crime within Coos County and beyond.
Harassment
According to an entry on the CQPD log for April 24, 9:50 a.m., 1300 block W. 10th St., 43-year old Shannon Marie Hebert-Fleshman charged with Harassment, “transported to CCJ.”
Violation City Code, CQ
According to an entry on the CQPD log for April 24, 11:35 a.m., Fairview Rd., “violation city code.”
Illegal Camping NB
According to an entry on the NBPD log for April 24, 7:41 a.m., 2000 block Everett St., “illegal camping.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the NBPD log for April 24, 8:29 a.m., 2000 block Hayes St., 46-year old Charlie William Yancey IV arrested on US Marshal’s Service Warrant for Probation Violation on Possession of a Weapon, “transported CCJ.”
Criminal Trespass
According to an entry on the NBPD log for April 25, 2:47 a.m., 3201 Tremont Ave., Mill Casino, 40-year old Janice Monic Sanders arrested on charge of Criminal Trespass II, “cited in lieu of custody.”
Probation Violation
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 5:06 a.m., 371 So. 5th St., Bay Area Four Square Church, “probation violation as result of suspicious circumstances,” 34-year old Danny Ray O’Dell charged with Probation Violation and 27-year old Gage M. Hutchinson charged with Probation Violation, “both subjects arrested and transported CCJ.”
Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 7:59 a.m., 2nd & Hall, “illegal camping.” At 8:04 a.m., So. 1st St. & Hwy. 101, “illegal camping.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 10:21 a.m., 1200 block No. 10th St., “subject viewed on camera, on the property,” 44-year old Jacob Michael Baumgardner arrested on CCSO warrant charging Contempt of Court – Punitive, “transported to CCJ.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 11:20 a.m., 1775 Thompson Road, BAH, “located wanted subject,” 36-year old Andrew Lee Beska arrested on Douglas Co. SO warrant charging Probation Violation on Traffic Offense. Also, Klamath Co. Corrections warrant charging FTA on Kidnapping, “transported CCJ.”
Violation City Code, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 11:32 a.m., 100 block So. Marple, “out with RV parked at location.” At 3:39 p.m., Wallace St., “violation city code.” At 3:54 p.m., Wallace St., “violation city code.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 12:06 p.m., 1117 SE Jackson St., Albany PD, 31-year old Matthew Robert Joe Wagner arrested on CBPD warrant charging FTA on Criminal Citation, “Wagner lodged Linn County Jail.”
Fight
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 2:03 p.m., Mingus Skate Park, “fight outside the park,” 63-year old Ronald Sly Rickman charged with Assault II & Menacing, “transported to CCJ.”
Burglary
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 3:56 p.m., 2nd & Central, “storage shed broken into.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 5:55 p.m., 29832 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach, “warrant service,” Nannette Rene Moyer arrested by Curry Co. SO on CBPD warrant charging FTA on Criminal Citation, and DUII & Reckless Driving.
Illegal Camping, CB
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 7:05 p.m., 100 block So. 7th St., “out with one.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 7:11 p.m., So. Broadway & Golden, “possibly observed wanted subject at location,” 41-year old Joshua Robert Rider arrested on CBPD warrant for FTA in the 2nd Degree, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 7:22 p.m., E. Ingersoll & So. 1st St., “observed wanted subject passing Papa Murphys,” 65-year old Robin Reed Shook arrested on two NBPD warrants charging Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree and FTA on a Criminal Citation, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.”
Burglary
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 7:24 p.m., 1200 block No. 6th St., “result of possible trespass,” 31-year old Lindsay Sue Wright and 39-year old Travis Joseph Roland both charged with Burglary II & Criminal Mischief II, “arrested and transported CCJ.”
Dispute
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 9:02 p.m., Cedar Ave. east of Bayshore, “dispute/possible restraining order violation,” 37-year old Jack Raymond McGuire III, charged with Restraining Order Violation, Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapon, Resisting Arrest & Attempted Assault on a Public Safety Officer, “transported to Coos Co. Jail.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 9:12 p.m., Ivy & No. Bayshore Dr., “traffic stop related to dispute,” 42-year old Robert Christopher Harris arrested on CBPD warrant charging FTA on Unlawful Posssion of Meth, “transported to Coos Co. Jail by NBPD.”
DUII
According to an entry on the CBPD log for April 24, 10:56 p.m., 1800 block No. 7th St., “ATL possible intoxicated driver,” 22-year old Trinity Terry Watts arrested on charge of DUII, “cited in lieu of custody.”
WX
Rain likely today along the South Oregon Coast with highs in the low 50s and winds from the West at 10-15 mph. Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight and lows in the mid 40s with winds out of the Southwest at 5-10 mph. Cloudy with showers on Saturday, highs in the low 50s.
Sports
Prep sb scores
Prep softball scores for Thursday, April 25: 3A – Brookings-Harbor split at North Valley, Knights won the first gam 11-10, Bruins took the second 10-0 (6).
Prep bb scores
Prep baseball scores for Thursday, April 25: 4A – Marshfield downed visiting Coquille 5-4 (nl). 3A – visiting Brookings-Harbor split at North Valley, Bruins won the opener 5-3, Knights took the second game 5-4.
Prep sb schedule
Prep softball schedule for Friday, April 26: 4A – Cottage Grove at North end, 3 & 5p. 3A – Siuslaw at Harrisburg/Monroe, 2 & 4:30p. 2A/1A – Toledo at Bandon/Pacific, 4:30p. Myrtle Pt./Powers at Gold Beach, 4:30p. Eddyville Charter at Reedsport, 2p.
Prep bb schedule
Prep baseball schedule for Friday, April 26: 4A – Cottage Grove at North Bend, Clyde Allen Field, 3 & 5p. 3A – Siuslaw/Mapleton at Harrisburg, 2 & 4:30p. 2A/1A – Toledo at Bandon/Pacific, 4:30p. Myrtle Pt. at Gold Beach, 4:30p. Eddyville Charter at Reedsport, 4:30p.
Coos Co. Track Meet
The 116th Annual Coos Co. Track Meet takes place Friday, April 26, 2024 on Prefontaine Track, inside Pete Susick Stadium at Marshfield High School at Coos Bay. Field events begin at 5p and track events at 6p.
SWOCC sports
The South Division third-place Southwestern Oregon baseball team travels to first-place Linn-Bendon on Saturday, April 27, for two NWAC games at 1 & 4p. On the softball side, the 3rd place Lakers play at Clark College, Vancouver, WA, Saturday, noon & 2p.
Ducks & Beavers BB
It’s inner-state rivalry time for Oregon State and Oregon in Pac-12 baseball. The Beavers host the Ducks for three games at Goss Stadium, Corvallis, beginning Friday, April 26, 6:05p, on Pac-12 Oregon. Saturday, 6:05p, on ESPN2, and Sunday, 2:05p, on Pac-12 Oregon.
UO SB
Oregon’s softball team has a non-conference game at home Sunday, April 28, 11a, against Northern Colorado, on Pac-12 Oregon.
OSU SB
Oregon State’s softball team host Utah for three-Pac-12 games this weekend at Corvallis, beginning Friday, 7p, televised on Pac-12 Mountain. Saturday, 3p, on Oregon State Live Stream. Sunday, noon, on Pac-12 Mountain.
Pac-12 tr
Oregon’s track team heads north to Corvallis Friday and Saturday to participate in the annual OSU High Performance Meet televised on RunnerSpace.
Nix Selected by Broncos in NFL Draft
UO release – EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon quarterback Bo Nix was selected by the Denver Broncos with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Nix becomes the seventh Duck quarterback to be drafted in the first round, joining Justin Herbert (2020), Marcus Mariota (2015), Joey Harrington (2002), Akili Smith (1999), Chris Miller (1987) and George Shaw (1955). Oregon has now had a first-round pick in five straight NFL Drafts, with Nix following Christian Gonzalez (2023), Kayvon Thibodeaux (2022), Sewell and Justin Herbert (2020). Oregon now has 22 total first-round picks in program history, including 10 since 2013 and 13 since 2000. Nix becomes the first Duck to be taken by the Broncos in the first round and the 10th overall to be drafted by Denver, reuniting with former center Alex Forsyth who was a seventh-round pick in 2023. “I had great meetings with them,” Nix said. “Between meetings and workouts, throwing, all that good stuff, I was able to build a great connection with them. I always loved being around the coaches and the guys making the decisions and all that kind of thing. I was just very excited, almost speechless when I got that call. I’m just very excited, very happy to be a Bronco.” The fourth Heisman Trophy finalist in program history and fourth Duck to be named the conference offensive player of the year, Nix put together one of the greatest seasons ever by an Oregon quarterback in 2023 to cap his collegiate career. He led the nation in passing touchdowns (45) while ranking second in passing yards per game (322.0), passing yards (4,508) and passer rating (188.32), and he set a new NCAA single-season record with a stellar 77.45 completion percentage (364-of-470). Nix set Oregon single-season records for completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns, and became the first Duck ever to surpass 4,500 passing yards in a season. He also threw just three interceptions, becoming the first FBS player since at least 2000 to record at least 45 passing touchdowns and no more than three picks in a season.
UO Football Spring Game 2024
EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon football team will host its annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 27, at 1 p.m. PT in Autzen Stadium, and the UO Athletic Department has announced a postgame concert by Eugene native and fan-favorite artist Mat Kearney. The intrasquad scrimmage will conclude the third spring season for the Ducks under head coach Dan Lanning, who formally invited Kearney to play the postgame concert last week. The Spring Game – which will be broadcast live on Pac-12 Networks – will feature pregame and in-game programming around Autzen Stadium for fans to enjoy before a live concert by Kearney on the field shortly after the game’s conclusion. Fans will be allowed on the field for the concert. Schedule of Events – Saturday, April 27: 10:30 a.m. – Autzen Stadium East parking lot opens; 11:00 a.m. – Oregon Soccer Exhibition vs. Portland State (Papé Field); 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Pregame Fan Fest (Moshofsky Center); 11:00 a.m. Fan shuttles to Autzen begin running from Valley River Center; 12:00 p.m. – Autzen Stadium gates open; 1:00 p.m. – Oregon Football Spring Game; Following Spring Game Mat Kearney Concert (on field). The Spring Game will once again feature a military appreciation theme, including a halftime tribute to Gold Star Families, in-game veteran recognitions, an F-15 flyover, the annual postgame gift exchange between the Oregon football team and active duty military, and many displays and activities in the Moshofsky Center hosted by the United States Armed Forces. Spring Game Admission – Admission for the Spring Game is free. Gates will open at 12 Noon. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Food For Lane County. Students are encouraged to sit in sections 7 & 8 and will be provided rally towels.