WLD210 by C.M.I.

Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 |

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Coos County Jail busier than it appears

BY DEAN BRICKEY

COQUILLE — The hulking Coos County Jail occupies about half a city block in the central part of town and, while the three-story white concrete structure seems a calm and serene site, it’s truly a beehive of activity. On a recent Tuesday morning between 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., the jail staff booked six inmates — the county refers to them as “adults in custody” or AICs — and released seven. Five of the six booked were released on their own recognizance to appear in court later. One was jailed. Two others were released from custody after being jailed for a time. Sgt. Christopher Gill of the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce’s Corrections Division, was in charge of the day

shift this day. Watch Commander Miranda Vierck, who’s worked in the Corrections Division for nearly eight years, provided a facility tour. She started as a corrections deputy in 2018 and was promoted to watch commander a few years ago. She replaces Gill when he’s off duty. All deputies have 12-hour shifts, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., usually working three days one week and four the next. The jail’s booking room is on the second floor, which also has two cell units, both unused. The third floor also has two cell units, but only one is used because of budget cuts. An elevator and two sets of stairs allow access between floors. The large booking room features a counter behind which the staff works as they book suspects. Surrounding the room

are five holding cells, a fingerprinting room, records storage and an office for the transport/ court deputy, who is responsible for driving inmates to and from prison or other jurisdictions, or accompanying inmates to court appearances. The county also has equipment for video court appearances in the third-floor library. On day shift today there are seven on staff, Sgt. Gill and six corrections officers. All deputies are versatile, knowing how to accomplish each task that needs doing. “Processing can be really quick,” Vierck said. “Sometimes just five or 10 minutes, but if they’re a medical nightmare or wanting to fight, it could be up to an hour.” On the ground floor is the sally

Sgt. Donovan Delossantos escorts her to a cell. Meanwhile, Corrections Ofﬁce Luke Price is signing a release agreement and giving a court date to another female AIC who’s being released from custody. Sgt. Gill, speaking harshly to a third female inmate, who’s being released, reminds her that the last time she was jailed was a “traumatic” experience. “As much as I care for you, let’s not meet again,” he said. The capacity of the entire facility is about 250 beds (or inmates) in four units, but at present the county jails just 44 AICs in one unit, depending on the hour. “Sometimes we get up to 52-

port, or secure area into which law enforcement vehicles drive to deliver suspects into custody. There’s room for up to four vehicles at a time to park there, plus an ofﬁce and rooms for staff training and the maintenance staff. An elevator provides access to the booking room. At 10:01 a.m., Vierck stepped away from the tour to assist with booking a female suspect. She donned rubber gloves to help LPN Amy Lopez, the county’s health service administrator, admit the female suspect, collecting the woman’s vital health information, including a urine sample, and helping her change into the red jail uniform. She’s issued an inmate brochure, a plastic cup, spoon, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, comb, a pen and two pieces of paper before

See JAIL Continued on Page 5

Construction begins this week on Chandler Bridge east of Coos Bay

FROM ODOT

COOS BAY – Drivers can expect trafﬁc delays on Oregon 241 (Coos River Highway) through the end of summer as a project to paint and repair the Chandler Bridge begins next week. The bridge, located about three miles east of downtown Coos Bay, was built in 1952 and contains a lift span to allow maritime trafﬁc to pass along the Coos River. The paint on the bridge is peeling and much of its surface is covered in rust. This project will paint the steel truss section of the bridge, replace the lift-span tower ladders and ac-

cess platforms, and upgrade the steel guardrail at each end of the bridge. Starting Monday, Feb. 9, contractors plan to set up the work zone, mobilize equipment and install construction signs. For the next few weeks, drivers should watch for intermittent daytime lane closures with flaggers and brief delays. Through most of the spring and summer, the bridge will be limited to a single lane of traffic 24/7. A temporary signal will provide traffic control. Construction will also require two weekend closures of the bridge, probably in early summer. During the closures, traffic from

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the Allegany area will detour along East Bay Road to U.S. 101 north of McCullough Bridge. ODOT will provide public notiﬁcation before any road closures. All work is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 18. Prime contractor Abhe & Svoboda, Inc., based in Jordan, Minn., was awarded the project after a successful bid of $7,288,400. For more information, visit the project website at: oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/ project-details.aspx?project=21773 Or contact ODOT Public Information Ofﬁcer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200 and Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov.

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