August 13, 2026

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

Fire Weather Forecast for southern Oregon and northern California National Weather Service Medford, OR | 426 AM PDT Thu Aug 13 2026

Breezy afternoon winds will accompany seasonable temperatures and humidities over the next week. A slight chance of thunderstorms is expected each afternoon/early evening for portions of the area Today through Saturday. The highest probability is for northern portions of Klamath and Lake counties, and during Friday. On Friday, a slight chance will also extend to the Cascades, and possibly into western Siskiyou County and southwest Oregon.

Douglas County Wildfires

• Castle Fire
  • 3,612.4 acres | 87% contained
  • Watch Duty
• Gold Mountain Creek Fire
  • 15 acres
  • Watch Duty

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Veterans and military families from across Oregon will have an opportunity to connect directly with more than 100 service providers when the 2026 Veteran Benefit Expo comes to Roseburg later this month.

The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Douglas Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the expo is open to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members and their families. No registration is required.

Representatives from federal, state, county, Tribal, nonprofit, educational and community organizations will be available throughout the day to help attendees understand and access benefits and services connected to their military service.

Resources will cover a wide range of needs, including VA health care, disability claims, employment, education, housing, mental health services, long-term care, recreation and emergency assistance.

“Navigating veteran benefits can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be,” ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels said. “Our Veteran Benefit Expo is designed to be a one-stop shop, making it easier for veterans and their families to get answers, discover new resources and connect with people who are ready to help.”

Daniels said the event is intended for veterans regardless of how long they have been out of the military.

“Whether you’ve been out of the military for six months or 60 years, we encourage you to come see what’s available to you,” she said.

ODVA launched the Veteran Benefit Expo in 2015. The annual event travels to different communities around Oregon and has become one of the department's primary outreach efforts for connecting veterans with earned benefits and support services.

The Oregon Lottery is again serving as the presenting partner for the expo. Since Oregon voters approved Measure 96 in 2016, more than $184 million in Lottery funding has been allocated to veterans' services statewide.

Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells said those funds help support programs and resources for veterans throughout Oregon.

“We’re proud to support events like this in our local communities so veterans can access important benefits and resources,” Wells said.

According to the Oregon Lottery, $191,824 in Lottery revenue went to Douglas County during fiscal year 2025.

The 2026 Veteran Benefit Expo is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required.

CANYONVILLE, Ore. - The FISH of Roseburg is expanding its reach into Canyonville with a new monthly pop-up pantry, funded with support from the Cow Creek Tribal Foundation and 3Rivers Foundation.

The first pop-up pantry will be held Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of the Canyonville City Offices, 250 N. Main St. After that, the pantry will return on the third Thursday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m.

Jenn Reida, executive director of The FISH of Roseburg, said the idea grew out of a simple problem: getting food to families who may not have an easy way to reach a pantry.

"We know transportation can be a huge barrier when a family is already struggling," Reida said. "Sometimes the answer is as simple as bringing the food closer to the people who need it. We are incredibly grateful to Cow Creek Tribal Foundation and 3Rivers Foundation for believing in this project and helping us make it happen."

The funding from both foundations is allowing FISH to start building relationships with Canyonville residents, volunteers and community partners while it works out what long-term food assistance in the area could look like.

Reida said the organization sees the monthly pop-ups as a starting point rather than an end goal, with hopes that Canyonville could eventually support a permanent food pantry of its own.

"We don't want to just show up with food," Reida said. "We want to show up, listen and learn what Canyonville needs. Our hope is that these pop-ups are the beginning of something that can grow into a pantry built by and for this community."

Reida credited the Cow Creek Tribal Foundation and 3Rivers Foundation for turning the idea into action.

"We are incredibly fortunate to live in a community where organizations like Cow Creek Tribal Foundation and 3Rivers Foundation are willing to invest in ideas that directly help our neighbors," Reida said. "Their support means groceries on tables, but it also means we get the opportunity to build something bigger for Canyonville."

FISH said it will be looking for volunteers, community partners and donations to help support the monthly pop-ups as the program grows.

The FISH of Roseburg has served Douglas County for more than 55 years, providing emergency food assistance to area residents.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein has been recognized for his support of employees who serve in the military.

Klopfenstein received the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Department of Defense award recognizes supervisors who provide exceptional support to employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

Roseburg Police Officer Derek Wiebe, who serves in the Army National Guard, nominated Klopfenstein for the award.

In his nomination, Wiebe credited Klopfenstein and the Roseburg Police Department for working around his military obligations, including his drill schedule and a deployment in 2025. He also highlighted the department's support for veterans and employees currently serving in the Army and Air National Guard.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to work under the chief, who is accommodating and supportive of my role in the Army National Guard,” Wiebe wrote.

Klopfenstein said the recognition reflects the department's commitment to supporting employees who serve.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Klopfenstein said. “We fully support our veterans and employees who serve in the National Guard.”

The Patriot Award is presented through Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program that works to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers.

More information about the Patriot Award is available through Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at esgr.mil.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a 52-year-old Drain man who has not been seen since Sunday morning.

Jeffrey Alan Hawks was reported missing to deputies Tuesday evening after family and friends were unable to reach him.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hawks was last seen at approximately 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, when he left Murphy Plywood at 2350 Prairie Road in Eugene. He was expected to return to his home in the 13000 block of Upper Smith River Road near Drain, but investigators say there is no indication he ever arrived.

Hawks has not contacted family or friends and has missed several days of work. His cell phone is currently either turned off or outside of service range.

Hawks is described as a white male, 6 feet, 3 inches tall and approximately 275 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

He is believed to be traveling in a white 2005 Toyota Sequoia with Oregon license plate 216HMS.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and DCSO Search and Rescue are actively searching for Hawks. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Lane County Search and Rescue are also assisting with the search.

Anyone who has seen Hawks, his vehicle or has information that could help investigators locate him is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 541-440-4471 or email dcso.pio@douglascountyor.gov.

Callers should reference DCSO Case #26-2518.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The splash pad at Fir Grove Park is temporarily closed while City of Roseburg crews work to repair a maintenance issue.

City staff discovered Tuesday, Aug. 11, that the splash pad was not operating properly. Replacement parts have been ordered, and officials said they hope to have the popular summertime attraction reopened before the weekend.

The City has not announced a specific reopening date.

Residents can check for updates through the Parks and Recreation section of the City of Roseburg website or through the City’s Facebook page.

City officials thanked the public for their patience while repairs are completed.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg Public Library will welcome author Mitzi Asai Loftus in September for a program exploring her family's experience during the incarceration of Japanese Americans in World War II and her later journey to reconnect with her heritage.

Loftus, author of "From Thorns to Blossoms: A Japanese American Family in War and Peace," will speak at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd. The event is free and open to the public and will be offered in person only.

Loftus, born Mitsuko "Mitzi" Asai, was not yet 10 years old in 1942 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. The order led to the forced removal of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast, including roughly two-thirds who were U.S. citizens.

Her family, which operated a fruit orchard in Hood River, was among those removed from their homes and sent to incarceration camps during the war. While much of the family remained in the camps, two of Loftus' older brothers served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific.

When the family returned to Hood River after the camps began closing, they encountered a community that had changed dramatically. Racism and hostility followed their return, and Loftus eventually distanced herself from her Japanese heritage and even her birth name.

Years later, a Fulbright grant took her to Japan to teach, an experience that helped her reconnect with the culture and identity she had once rejected.

In "From Thorns to Blossoms," published by Oregon State University Press, Loftus recounts those experiences along with her later career as a high school English teacher and college instructor in English as a Second Language.

Copies of the book will be available at the Sept. 3 event for $25, with payment accepted by cash or check only.

The book can also be checked out in physical form through Roseburg Public Library or digitally through Libby.

For more information about the program, contact Roseburg Public Library at 541-492-7050 or library@roseburgor.gov.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Matt Kowal, a local banking executive and longtime community volunteer, has announced he is running for the Ward 3 seat on the Roseburg City Council in the Nov. 3 general election.

Kowal said his campaign will focus on responsible economic development, maintaining essential city services and building stronger partnerships to address issues including homelessness and public safety.

“I am excited to run for Roseburg City Council and look forward to building strong relationships with everyone who helps our community thrive, including residents, local businesses and nonprofit organizations,” Kowal said. “By bringing people together, we can and will make a meaningful difference.”

Kowal is senior vice president and commercial team leader at Oregon Pacific Bank’s Roseburg branch and has more than 25 years of experience in banking. His professional background includes financial strategy, risk management and organizational leadership, as well as working with local businesses throughout the region.

He said that experience has given him a close look at the challenges facing Roseburg businesses, families and employers while also preparing him to evaluate budgets, financial trade-offs and long-term planning decisions at the city level.

“Roseburg’s future depends on our willingness to listen to one another, find common ground and make thoughtful decisions,” Kowal said. “I want to bring people and organizations together around practical solutions that make Roseburg an even stronger place to live, work, raise a family and build a business.”

Kowal is also involved with several local organizations. He serves as chair of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors and is a board member for the Roseburg High School Foundation, Umpqua Economic Development Partnership and Aviva Health.

Through those organizations, Kowal has been involved in efforts supporting student scholarships, classroom resources, economic development, health care access and other community programs.

Kowal and his wife have adopted and raised three children. He said his family and years of community involvement have strengthened his commitment to Roseburg and its future.

More information about Kowal’s campaign is available by contacting him at 509-869-1222 or mattkowalforcouncil@gmail.com.

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. - The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has ended its contract with Flock Safety and deactivated automated license plate reader cameras in rural Josephine County following public concerns over the technology.

Sheriff Dave Daniel announced the decision Wednesday, saying the office had contracted for 10 automated license plate reader, or ALPR, cameras. The cameras were intended to help deputies identify and locate stolen vehicles, wanted or missing people associated with specific vehicles and assist with criminal investigations.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the technology had been beneficial in solving crimes and supporting public safety. However, Daniel said concerns surrounding privacy and potential Fourth Amendment implications had grown within the community.

Some of the equipment and technology has also been vandalized in recent months, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Daniel said other jurisdictions around the country have faced similar concerns involving ALPR systems, including theft or damage to equipment and opposition from residents.

“While the technology has been beneficial in solving crime and overall public safety, it is clear much of Josephine County is not ready or willing to accept the use of ALPR technology,” Daniel said in the release.

Daniel said he asked Josephine County Legal Counsel to send Flock a “contract termination for convenience” letter.

Effective immediately, the Flock cameras used by the Sheriff’s Office are no longer active in rural Josephine County and the contract has ended.

Some of the company’s equipment remains in the field, but the Sheriff’s Office said it is not being used. It is not yet known when Flock will remove the remaining equipment.

“We at the Sheriff’s Office work for the public and we are listening to you,” Daniel said.

The cancellation applies to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office contract announced in Wednesday, August 12, 2026's release.

Limited Time Events

• Wellness Walk | Every Saturday Through September | 9am at the Thrive Umpqua office in Roseburg (556 SE Jackson)
• Seven Feathers’ Wine Trolley Tour | June 6 - September 27 | Link
• 2026 Summerfest @ Roseburg Cinema | June 15 - August 20th | Link
• Zumba in the Park | 6:30-7:30 p.m. At Stewart Park every Wednesday through August 26 | FREE!
• Sutherlin Blackberry Festival 2026 | August 14 - 16 | 8 am - 5 pm | Link
• UTV Takeover (Winchester Bay) | August 11 - 16 | Link

Monday, August 10th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 pm
• 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, August 11th

• 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.
• Music on the Half Shell 2026 | Steward Park | 7 PM
• Live Music: Mark Malefyt @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link

Wednesday, August 12th

• 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 6:30 pm. 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
• Canyonville Farmer's Market | Wednesdays from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm at Seven Feathers Casino Parking Lot | May - October
• Violins In the Vineyard @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Women's "Just for Fun" Summer Golf | 5 pm | Link

Thursday, August 13th

• DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 pm
• Karaoke Night @ Workman's Bar and Smokehouse | 9 pm - 12 am
• 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
• Al-Anon Meeting in Oakland (Weekly) | Oakland Ice House - 212 Lucust St | 2 - 3 PM
• Live Music: Widespread Haze @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Friday, August 14th

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4 pm
• Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 pm
• Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 pm
• Bingo @ Roseburg Senior Center | (Every Wed and Fri) - Doors Open at 5 pm, starts at 6:30 pm. 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
• Sutherlin Blackberry Festival 2026 | August 14 - 16 | 8 am - 5 pm | Link
• SafeHaven Blessing Bag Event | Featuring Back to School clothes for sizes 4T and up.  We will have some Backpacks, Shoes, Socks, Adult clothes and Toys!  We will also display some Baby Equipment, All FREE! | 990 Stanton St in Roseburg | 12 - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Marty Davis Show - Legend of the Pioneer @​ Roseburg Elks Lodge | 5 - 9 pm | Link
• Live Music: Bongolatte @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Saturday, August 15th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9 am - 1 pm | SE Jackson St | Link
• Roseburg Saturday Farmers Market | 2525 W Harvard Ave | 9 am - 2:30 pm | Link
• Karaoke Night @​ Brix Bar & Grill | (Every Saturday) @ 7 - 10 pm
• Karaoke Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 pm
• Saturday Night Karaoke with DJ Dan | Winston VFW | 5 - 9 pm | 21+
• Sutherlin Blackberry Festival 2026 | August 14 - 16 | 8 am - 5 pm | Link
• 2026 Obon Festival @ Stewart Park | 12 - 8 pm | Link
• Deux Barrique Release & Paella @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Humvee Vineyard Excursion @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 11 am - 1 pm | Link
• Live Music: Harlan Rivers @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Wine in the Valley @ Melrose Vineyards | 12 - 8 pm | Link
• Salmon Harbor Fishing Derby (Winchester Bay) | Link
• SafeHaven Blessing Bag Event | Featuring Back to School clothes for sizes 4T and up.  We will have some Backpacks, Shoes, Socks, Adult clothes and Toys!  We will also display some Baby Equipment, All FREE! | 990 Stanton St in Roseburg | 9 - 11:30 am | Link
• Live Music: Not Your Ex Lover, Bad Luck Blackouts @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm
• Live Music: Cover Culture @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Sunday, August 16th

• Sutherlin Blackberry Festival 2026 | August 14 - 16 | 8 am - 5 pm | Link
• Live Music: Flagman, Tethys, Arthur Buezo @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

• We now have 23,063 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.

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team