April 1, 2026

Good morning Douglas County! Happy April! Here are today's updates live from the Roseburg Receiver Communications Center.

A long-planned transformation is taking shape at Brown Park, where Roseburg is building a larger and more accessible playground designed for children of all abilities. The estimated $1.1 million project will more than double the size of one of the city’s oldest parks and replace aging 1970s-era equipment with modern, inclusive play features.

Located at Harvard Avenue and Francis Street, Brown Park is being reworked to better serve both children and caregivers, including those who use mobility devices. The redesigned park will be oriented away from busy Harvard Avenue and toward Francis Street, where it will include new sidewalks and three ADA-compliant off-street parking spaces.

The project was made possible through a mix of community support, grant funding and city labor. Roseburg secured a $667,000 Local Government Grant funded through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, while a local couple donated $150,000 to help the city purchase an adjacent 0.55-acre property needed for the expansion. That added land will enlarge the existing 0.3-acre park.

Much of the construction and site work is being handled by Roseburg Parks and Public Works staff, whose labor will make up a large share of the city’s required grant match. City crews are helping oversee design work, install infrastructure and remove the park’s old equipment as the new play area comes together.

When finished, the park will feature separate play areas for younger children and older kids, along with accessible routes and equipment meant to encourage shared play. Planned features include sensory panels, an inclusive swing, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, a multi-seat teeter-totter, shaded picnic space, benches, artificial turf surfacing and landscaped natural areas.

Roseburg Parks and Recreation Program Manager Val Ligon said the goal is to make sure no child feels excluded. The original shaded portion of the park will remain in place for longtime users who have enjoyed it as a quiet gathering space. City officials expect the renewed Brown Park to open by late spring or early summer.

View all images in our article located here.

The Golf Oregon plate will be available through the Oregon DMV beginning April 28. Drivers will be able to apply by mail, at DMV field offices, through a licensed dealer, or online through DMV2U for eligible renewal or replacement transactions. Oregon DMV says it will not accept early applications.

According to Oregon DMV materials, the plate carries an additional $40 surcharge when purchased for the first time and again with each renewal or replacement, on top of regular registration or replacement plate fees. About $35 of that surcharge goes to the Junior Golf Fund to support junior golf.

Drivers who have a pre-paid voucher will not be able to redeem it online. To use a voucher, they must apply in person at a DMV office or by mail to DMV Headquarters, where staff will verify the voucher number before processing the request.

The new Golf Oregon design joins Oregon’s lineup of specialty plates, which includes options such as Crater Lake, Cultural Trust, Gray Whale, Oregon Ducks, OSU Beavers, Oregon Zoo, Pacific Wonderland, Pollinator Paradise, Salmon, Smokey Bear, Trail Blazers, Watch for Wildlife, and Wine Country.

Official links:

• Oregon DMV license plates page: License Plates
• DMV online services: DMV2U
• DMV fee chart for special background plates: Special Background Plates Fees PDF

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is inviting the public to take part in a free virtual education series aimed at helping rural communities better prepare for disasters.

Part one of the series, titled “Rural Communities Prepared for Disasters Webinar Part 1,” is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT. The online event will focus on ways rural areas can prepare for and recover from emergencies including wildfires, floods, ice storms, and extreme heat.

According to the event listing, the webinar will cover how disasters affect communication channels and ways people can stay informed, how to recognize when evacuation is needed and what steps to take when leaving is not possible, and what backup power options are available depending on individual needs.

Organizers say the series is intended for a wide range of participants, including community organizations, faith-based groups, emergency management professionals, people who serve rural communities, and anyone interested in disaster preparedness.

The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required. Participants must also have a free Zoom account to join.

Interpretation will be available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, and Ukrainian. American Sign Language and live captioning will also be offered.

Those who cannot attend the live webinar will still be able to watch later, as recordings are expected to be posted on the Be 2 Weeks Ready YouTube channel.

Registration is available here: https://tinyurl.com/yjdfu73d

The Facebook event can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/17TJBGf3Pr/

A free online webinar focused on wildfire preparedness is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from noon to 1 p.m., offering residents a chance to learn how to get ready for fire season before summer conditions intensify.

“Wildfire Safety, Summer Readiness”, is being hosted by Douglas Public Health Network and Thrive Umpqua.

According to the event description, the webinar will highlight local organizations and state resources tied to wildfire season preparedness. Topics will include how to prepare a home for wildfire, planning for evacuations and where to find notices, wildfire risk assessment and mitigation resources, and information about public use and burn restrictions during fire season.

Featured speakers include:

• Kelsey Scandle, Fire Risk Reduction Specialist with the Oregon State Fire Marshal
• Brad O’Dell, Undersheriff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
• Rachael Pope, Public Information Officer with the Douglas Forest Protective Association
• Alicia Christiansen, Associate Professor of Practice with the OSU Extension Office

Organizers are also promoting a wildfire safety gift basket giveaway for attendees.

The webinar is open to the public and is being held online.

Register on Zoom here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1617739513719/WN_eUHITG6sQhy4NjzBsaZ6vg

The Facebook event can be found here.

Music on the Half Shell announced Tuesday that unaccompanied minors will be allowed at its Tuesday night concerts during the 2026 season, a shift from restrictions put in place after incidents involving unsupervised youth during the start of the 2025 season.

In a Facebook post shared after a committee meeting, organizers said the decision was made as they prepare for the upcoming season. The group said several serious incidents involving minors without adult supervision occurred during the first two shows of the 2025 season, prompting concern last year.

Organizers said their focus remains on keeping the popular summer concerts safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.

The group also made clear that the policy could change again if problems arise this season. According to the post, the “No Unaccompanied Minors” rule would be reinstated if issues involving unaccompanied minors occur during 2026 concerts.

Music on the Half Shell said it hopes the upcoming season will be smooth and positive, adding that its goal is to provide a safe, fun and free concert experience for the whole community.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Thursday for parts of eastern Douglas County and the southern Oregon Cascades, where heavy snow and strong winds are expected to create dangerous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service in Medford said the warning covers the eastern Douglas County foothills above 3,000 feet, the south central Oregon Cascades, and the Siskiyou Mountains and southern Oregon Cascades. Locations listed in the warning include Crescent Lake, Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, Toketee Falls, and Union Creek.

Forecasters said total snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches are expected, with 24 to 30 inches possible in Crater Lake National Park. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph over high and exposed terrain.

The warning includes passes along highways 140, 62, 138, 230, and 58.

Weather officials said the heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday afternoon. Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are considered nearly certain, with a 60% to 80% chance of 2-inch-per-hour snowfall rates for a couple of hours during the main frontal passage.

Officials warned that travel may become very difficult to impossible, and that hazardous conditions could affect both the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches.

Drivers who must travel are urged to carry extra food, water, and a flashlight in their vehicles. Road conditions are available by calling 511 or visiting TripCheck.

The City of Myrtle Creek has listed its public meetings for the month of April.

• The Myrtle Creek Urban Renewal Agency Budget Committee will hold a regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7th. Immediately following will be a regular City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. The Urban Renewal Agency will gather after the council meeting.
• The Myrtle Creek Park Commission will meet on Tuesday April 14th at 5:30 p.m.
• The City Council will meet on Tuesday, April 21st at 5:30 p.m.

All meetings are held in the council chambers on Northwest Pleasant Street.

For more information about the City of Myrtle Creek, go to: https://www.cityofmyrtlecreek.com/

The Travel Information Council, and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, is inviting communities across Oregon to shine a spotlight on their heritage trees in 2026, particularly during Arbor Month in April.

One of those heritage trees is in downtown Roseburg.

Founded in 1996, Oregon was the first state in the country to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. The goal of the program is to educate Oregonians about the value of these trees and promote their appreciation. Over the past 30 years, 85 trees have been designated across the state in 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties. 79 heritage trees are still living and provide the chance to engage the senses and learn about significant people, places, and events at historic sites, public gardens, and hiking trails across the state.

In Roseburg, the Courthouse Elm is a Heritage Tree. This tree was given to Douglas County by Binger Hermann, a U.S. Congressman. The occasion for the tree donation is not known for certain, but research suggests that it was given a dedication ceremony for the courthouse, which was rebuilt after a fire on December 7, 1898.

Oregon Heritage Trees can be located using a map: https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/oregon-heritage-tree-map/

The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (PNWBA) will host a free lunch for veterans and first responders this Saturday, April 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Myrtle Creek Community Center.

Lunch will include a pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, macaroni salad and baked beans for up to 200 people. First come, first served.  Attendees should be prepared to show proof of their veteran and/or first responder status.

The PNWBA is the sponsor organization for the 3^rd annual Fly-In Pig BBQ Competition to be held at the Myrtle Creek regional Airport on Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th. Over 35 BBQ teams have confirmed they will compete. There will be over 30 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and much more. Admission is $5 per person, with parking free. For more information about the event, go to: https://flyinpig.org/

Limited Time Events

• In Studio Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | January 8 - May 17th | Every Week on Wed - Sun
• ART AS RECORD: MINIDOKA + 4 Add'l Exhibits feat. Japanese Artists @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | March 20 - May 22nd | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• The Revolutionists @ Umpqua Actors Community Theatre (UACT) | April 3-5, 9-12, 16-19 | 7 PM | Link
• Roseburg Woodturners Guild Show | Mindpower Gallery - 417 Fir Ave in Reedsport | April 3 - May 2nd | 10 AM - 5 PM | Link

Monday, March 30th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
• Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM
• Celebrate Recovery | Westside Christian Church | Dinner at 5:30, Large group at 6:30.
• Monday Night Auxiliary Bingo | Winston VFW | 4:30 PM | must have papers by 5:30, $17 for all games.

Tuesday, March 31st

• Bingo @ Roseburg Elks Lodge #326 | 6:30 PM
• DJ Bingo @ Workman's Bar and Smokehouse | 6 PM
• DJ Trivia @ Urban NY Pizza & Grill | 7 PM
• Free Line Dancing Lessons - Elements Lounge @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | Every week on Tuesday | 7 - 9 PM | Link
• Open Mic Night @ Kodiak Bar & Grill | Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM
• Tuesdays! Free Line Dancing Lessons at Elements Lounge in Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 9 PM | Link
• Celebrate Recovery | Winston Assembly of God | Dinner at 5:30, Large group at 6:30.
• Jazz Jam @ North Forty Beer Company | 5 - 7:30 PM | Link

Wednesday, April 1st

• DJ Trivia @ Backside Brewing Co. | 6 - 7:30 PM
• Karaoke/Open Mic Night @ Idle Hour Tavern | 9 PM - 12:30 AM
• Open Mic at Brix | Every Wednesday | 6 - 8 PM
• Trivia Night @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 9 PM
• Trivia Night @​ Little Brothers Pub | 6 PM
• Bingo @ Roseburg Senior Center | (Every Wed and Fri) - Doors Open at 5 PM, starts at 6:30PM. Food available. Ages 7+. $1 for non-members.
• Celebrate Recovery | Redeemers (Old movie theater) | Dinner at 5:30, Large group at 6:30.
• Wednesday Night Karaoke with Mr. Michael | Winston VFW | 5 - 9 PM| 21+
• Group Meet - Knitting of Any Kind | Studio Arts Connection (1350 NE Stephens, Roseburg) | 1 - 3:30 PM | Knitting, crochet, hand quilting felting spinning, etc
• Stand-Up Comedy w/ Juan Denmark, feat. Nathaniel Greene @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 8:30 PM | Link

Thursday, April 2nd

• DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 PM
• Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 PM
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday and Saturday | 8 PM
• DJ Bingo @ Brix Bar & Grill | 7 - 9 PM |
• Thirsty Thursday Cornhole Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | Every week on Thursday | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Umpqua Valley Fly Fishers Meetup @ The Roseburg Country Club | Postponed to Thursday, April 9th.
• Live Music: Green Jellÿ @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM

Friday, April 3rd

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4PM
• Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 PM
• Karaoke Night @ Workman's Bar and Smokehouse | 9 PM - 12 AM
• Bingo @ Roseburg Senior Center | (Every Wed and Fri) - Doors Open at 5 PM, starts at 6:30PM. Food available. Ages 7+. $1 for non-members.
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 PM
• Friday Night Live Music | Winston VFW
• Group Meet - Open Painting Watercolor and Small Acrylic | Studio Arts Connection (1350 NE Stephens, Roseburg) | 1 - 3:30 PM
• Live Music: Jim Page @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 PM

Saturday, April 4th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | SE Jackson St | Link
• Karaoke Night @​ Brix Bar & Grill | (Every Saturday) @ 7 - 10PM
• Karaoke Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 PM
• Saturday Night Karaoke with DJ Dan | Winston VFW | 5 - 9 PM | 21+
• Adult Easter Egg Hunt @ Backside Brewing Co. | 12 PM | Link
• Live Music: Homemade Jam Duo @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 PM | Link
• Live Music: The Hoppers Easter Concert @ The Chapel | 4 PM | Link
• Live Music: Wild at Heart @ North Forty Beer Company | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• White Pinot Noir Release @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Annual Easter Egg Hunt | West Intermediate School - 531 N Comstock Ave in Sutherlin | Ages 12 and Under | 1 PM
• Easter Egg Hunt | Winston Community Park - 590 SE Thomson Ave | Ages Birth to 5th Grade| 11:30 AM
• 2nd Annual Easter Egg Drop | Fir Grove Park in Roseburg | 9 AM | Ages 10 and under only
• Live Music: The Hoppers Easter Concert @​ The Chapel | 4 PM. Dinner at 6 PM | Link
• Petty Thievery: Tom Petty Tribute @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM
• Live Music: Overtime @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | Link

Sunday, April 5th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• Riddle Fire District 76th Annual Easter Egg Hunt | Riddle Junior/Senior High Football Field | 1 PM
• 72nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt | Reedsport Community Charter School Football Field | 1:30 PM
• Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast | 7 am | Easter Services at 8:30 AM and 11 AM | Westside Christian Church - 2712 W Harvard Ave
• Easter Egg Hunt after 2nd service (~12 PM) | Westside Christian Church - 2712 W Harvard Ave
• Buddy Wakefield: The Greenland Shark Tour @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM

• We now have 19,621 Facebook group members!! Thank you all so much for being here!
• There is now an opportunity to advertise your local business with The Roseburg Receiver! If your company is interested, please email info@theroseburgreceiver.com. Your ad will be featured in The Roseburg Scoop emails, videos, website, and much more.
• Project Skywatch is still underway to get deployed in the Spring; however, more funding is still required. To donate, become a business sponsor, or read more information of Project Skywatch, visit https://www.theroseburgreceiver.com/project-skywatch/
• Morning Scoop Launching On KQUA - Starting in April, listeners will be able to catch the Morning Scoop on 90.5 KQUA, with a rebroadcast on 99.7 KQUA-LP and online at KQUA. Click here for more information.

The Roseburg Receiver is powered by the community. If you have local news, helpful information, an incident update, or an upcoming event to share, please email us at info@theroseburgreceiver.com so others can stay informed.

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• Protect privacy: For public safety or incident-related posts, please do not share personal or identifying information (names, addresses, license plates, etc.). Event posts, community announcements, and press releases may include names when appropriate.
• Safety first: Never post while driving

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Email: community@theroseburgreceiver.com

That is the scoop for this Wednesday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team