August 19, 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 | 445 AM PDT Wed Aug 19 2026

Isolated thunderstorms possible along Cascades north of Crater Lake Friday afternoon and early evening

Low RH and gusty winds are possible Friday and Saturday afternoon for eastside areas and northern California

Aside from some enhanced afternoon breezes today, fire weather concerns will remain fairly standard for this time of year. Expect typical summer conditions with dry weather across the area, nightly marine pushes along the coast and temperatures trending above normal through tomorrow. An offshore trough will impact the region Thu-Sat, potentially resulting in critical conditions due to gusty winds/low RH with some thunder potential across northern areas on Friday.

Douglas County Wildfires

• Castle Fire
  • 3,615 acres | 97% contained
  • Watch Duty

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

WINSTON, Ore. - The Winston Police Department has canceled its contract with Flock Safety, ending the city's eight-camera automated license plate reader program as the department works to absorb $215,000 in budget reductions.

Winston Mayor Christie Knutson confirmed the decision to The Roseburg Receiver Tuesday morning.

"The flock cameras were canceled by Chief Sarti as part of his ask to cut 215k from his budget," Knutson said.

The cancellation was discussed at length during Monday night's Winston City Council meeting, where Police Chief Brandon Sarti described the financial pressures facing his department and explained why Flock was among the expenses he chose to eliminate.

The City Council also voted Monday to terminate a separate resolution involving an agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation for automated license plate readers along Oregon Highway 42.

The full Aug. 17 Winston City Council meeting packet is available through the city.

The recording of the audio is found below:

Police Department Asked to Cut $215,000

During his department report Monday, Sarti said he had been working to reduce expenses and pursue outside funding, including several grants intended to offset police department costs.

Sarti said he initially expected the department might be asked to find another $50,000 in reductions, or as much as $80,000. Instead, he said he was asked to cut $215,000.

Sarti described the reduction as significant for the department, particularly as it faces staffing challenges. He told the council his lieutenant is retiring Sept. 1 and said the department was already dealing with other personnel shortages.

City Administrator Thomas McIntosh also addressed the city's financial situation, saying rising costs, including medical insurance and other expenses, have contributed to budget shortfalls across the city.

McIntosh said the process of asking departments to make reductions has been difficult and acknowledged that many of the programs being considered for cuts provide value to the city.

Flock Among Programs Cut

During his report, Sarti announced that he was ending Winston's Flock contract.

Later in the discussion, Sarti said he had contacted Flock that day and requested that the city's cameras be shut down.

The decision was financial, but the discussion also touched on concerns surrounding the technology and public trust.

Sarti said he understood concerns about what he described as the "Big Brother" perception surrounding automated license plate readers. At the same time, he strongly defended the cameras as an investigative tool.

He told the council Winston police had used Flock cameras in cases involving a homicide, a drive-by shooting and incidents in city parks. He also pointed to their potential usefulness in cases involving stolen vehicles, wanted suspects and abducted children.

Sarti said the usefulness of the technology had to be weighed against both the department's financial situation and what the community wanted.

He said that if residents did not want the cameras, the department would turn them off. Sarti also said Flock was the first program he selected when looking for an expense to eliminate.

Public Concerns Also Discussed

Knutson also discussed the broader debate surrounding Flock cameras during Monday's meeting.

She said she had recently attended an Oregon Mayors Association event where automated license plate readers were discussed and said some communities had experienced significant public opposition to the technology.

Knutson also expressed support for the potential public safety value of the cameras, particularly in circumstances such as locating an abducted child, while acknowledging concerns surrounding the systems.

Sarti said Winston had attempted to provide public oversight of its program by publishing information on the city's website, including camera locations and information about agencies authorized to access the system.

The Winston Police Department maintains an Automated License Plate Recognition section on the city's website.

Sarti said federal agencies did not have direct access through Winston's system and acknowledged that federal access had become one of the major areas of public concern surrounding Flock.

Winston Had Eight Flock Cameras

Sarti told the council Winston had eight Flock cameras assigned to the city at a total cost of approximately $24,000.

The cameras were positioned at several approaches to Winston, including Lookingglass Road and Highway 42, with some placed outside city limits so officers could receive alerts before a vehicle entered Winston.

Sarti explained that the cameras were networked with other law enforcement resources in Douglas County, allowing officers to receive information when a vehicle being sought by police was detected.

He said the locations were selected strategically to give officers additional time to respond when a vehicle of interest was approaching the city.

Winston's cameras were still operating at the time of Monday night's meeting, but Sarti said he had requested that all eight be shut down and removed.

Highway 42 Resolution Terminated

The council separately considered Resolution No. 26-1237, an intergovernmental agreement with ODOT involving automated license plate readers along Highway 42.

The agreement had previously been discussed by the council and returned Monday under old business.

With the Flock program being canceled, Sarti recommended that the city no longer move forward with the ODOT agreement.

The council subsequently approved a motion to terminate Resolution No. 26-1237.

McIntosh told the council that while reducing the number of cameras could theoretically have been considered, the larger financial situation meant the approximately $24,000 spent on the Flock program was needed for higher-priority areas of the police department.

Removal Timeline Still Unknown

Although Winston has canceled its contract, it remains unclear exactly when the cameras will be shut off and physically removed.

Sarti said during the meeting that he had notified Flock that the city was ending the program but did not yet know the company's exact cancellation procedure or timeline.

Knutson later told The Roseburg Receiver that Flock is responsible for installing and removing its cameras.

She said the city has not been notified when the cameras will be removed or whether Flock will notify Winston before that occurs.

The equipment belongs to Flock rather than the city.

What Are Flock Cameras?

Flock Safety operates automated license plate reader systems used by law enforcement agencies to identify and search for vehicles.

The cameras capture information about passing vehicles, allowing authorized law enforcement users to search the system or receive alerts when certain vehicles are detected.

Supporters of automated license plate readers point to their usefulness in locating stolen vehicles, wanted suspects and missing or abducted people. Critics have raised concerns about privacy, data collection and the sharing of information between law enforcement agencies.

Those competing considerations were reflected in Monday's discussion in Winston. Sarti repeatedly described the cameras as useful to police investigations while also acknowledging public concerns about the technology.

For Winston, however, city officials said the immediate issue was money.

The Flock program was one of several expenses being eliminated as Sarti works to find $215,000 in reductions while attempting to maintain the police department's core patrol and investigative services.

The city has canceled the contract, the council has terminated the Highway 42 resolution and Flock is expected to shut down and remove Winston's eight cameras. The timing of that process remains unknown.

GLENDALE, Ore. - Firefighters stopped the forward spread of a vegetation fire near Glendale Tuesday evening after ground and air crews responded to the approximately 2-acre blaze.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association said the Mt. Reuben Fire was reported near the 400 block of Reuben Road within the Glendale Fire District.

DFPA and rural fire department crews responded to the fire around 5 p.m., with both ground and aerial resources working the flanks of the blaze. Officials reported crews were making good progress shortly after arriving.

By 5:30 p.m., firefighters and a DFPA dozer were continuing to construct a trail around the fire. A helicopter assigned to the incident was released as conditions improved.

At 6 p.m., DFPA reported that all forward spread of the fire had been knocked down and approximately 40% of the perimeter had been dozer trailed. Crews then began transitioning into mop-up operations. DFPA's fixed-wing air attack was also released from the incident.

No homes or other structures were threatened.

By 7 p.m., DFPA said command of the fire was being turned over to the local rural fire department because of the fire's location within the Glendale Fire District and the significant progress made by responding crews. DFPA remained on scene to provide assistance as needed.

The cause of the Mt. Reuben Fire remains under investigation.

DFPA said the 7 p.m. update would be its final update regarding the incident.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - August 19, 2026 - Thrive Umpqua and the Umpqua Valley Arts Association will bring movement and creativity together Thursday evening during this month’s Third Thursday open house.

The event will run from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, at the Umpqua Valley Arts Association, 1624 W. Harvard Avenue in Roseburg.

Third Thursday is designed as a casual open-house gathering where community members can spend time together, unwind and take part in creative activities. This month’s event will begin with a qigong session led by Susie Shea from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that incorporates gentle movement, breathing and focused meditation. The session is free and open to participants regardless of experience.

Following qigong, local artist Lisa Hubbard will lead a hands-on art activity called “Bright Blooms” from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Participants will use acrylic ink to create colorful floral-inspired designs, allowing the ink to flow, stain and spread across the surface before adding lines, textures and other details with pencils, oil pastels and additional art materials.

No previous art experience is required, and supplies will be provided. Beverages and light snacks will also be available during the evening.

Activities are scheduled to take place outside Gallery 2 under the festival tents.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register online.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg is expected to remain sunny and dry through at least Thursday as temperatures climb into the low 90s, while forecasters are watching for increasing fire weather concerns across parts of Southern Oregon later this week.

The National Weather Service in Medford expects a high near 90 degrees in Roseburg on Wednesday. Winds will initially be calm before becoming northerly at 5 to 7 mph during the afternoon.

Wednesday night will remain mostly clear, with a low around 57 degrees. North to northwest winds around 6 mph are expected to become calm during the evening.

Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly Thursday, with Roseburg reaching a high near 92 degrees under sunny skies. Winds will again be light, becoming northwesterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Thursday night is expected to be partly cloudy with a low around 58.

Forecasters said temperatures across the region will remain above normal for the next couple of days before trending closer to seasonal averages beginning Friday.

While Roseburg is expected to remain largely dry, weather conditions elsewhere in Southern Oregon could become more favorable for wildfire activity as the week progresses. An upper-level low approaching the Pacific Northwest is expected to increase winds beginning Thursday, with Friday and Saturday currently considered the most noteworthy days for fire weather concerns.

The combination of gustier winds and low relative humidity could bring conditions close to critical fire weather thresholds, particularly east of the Cascades and in portions of Northern California.

There is also a chance of isolated thunderstorms Friday afternoon and early evening, primarily along the Cascades and potentially extending into areas east of the mountains. Forecasters said uncertainty remains regarding how widespread any thunderstorms will become.

For the Roseburg area, the primary impacts are expected to be continued dry weather and typical afternoon breezes rather than thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service said elevated to potentially critical fire weather conditions could continue into early next week depending on the movement of the offshore weather system.

Smoke from wildfires may also continue to affect portions of western Siskiyou County and parts of Klamath and Lake counties.

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!

Monday, August 17th

• 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 18th

• 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.
• Melrose Sunset Club: Rudof Korv @ Melrose Vineyards | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Trivia with Amy @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8:30 pm | Link

Wednesday, August 19th

• 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
• Live Music: Dylan James Clark @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link

Thursday, August 20th

• 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: Jay William Miller @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Friday, August 21st

• 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
• Live Music: Belltower @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm
• Live Music: Devon Rockholt @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 pm

Saturday, August 22nd

• 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+
• David Brighton’s Space Oddity @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 8:30 pm | Link
• DCCS Scottish Highland Games @ Melrose Vineyards | August 22 & 23rd | 9 am - 5 pm | Link
• Umpqua Brew Fest - Downtown Roseburg | 12 - 7 pm | Link
• Kool Coastal Night Car Show | Winchester Bay | Beach Blvd | Link
• Live Music: Ty Curtis @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 pm

Sunday, August 23rd

• DCCS Scottish Highland Games @ Melrose Vineyards | August 22 & 23rd | 9 am - 5 pm | Link

• We now have 23,231 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 cam is now live! WATCH IT HERE!

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team