August 26, 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 | 306 AM PDT Wed Aug 26 2026

Temperatures will gradually cool through the week as an upper level trough gradually moves inland over the Pacific Northwest through Friday. This pattern will bring gusty winds during the afternoons/evenings, and when coupled with low daytime RHs, will likely result in elevated to critical fire weather conditions each day through Friday, especially east of the Cascades. Gusty winds will continue through the weekend, but daytime RHs will trend higher Friday, limiting critical conditions through the weekend.

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Samuel Denney, a Roseburg-area healthcare professional and community volunteer, has announced his candidacy for Roseburg City Council Ward 3, Position 1, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Position 1 council seats in each of Roseburg's four wards are up for election this year. Roseburg city councilors serve four-year terms.

Denney announced his campaign in a press release provided to The Roseburg Receiver, outlining his background in healthcare, substance use treatment and several local organizations.

Denney said he was born and raised in Roseburg and graduated from Douglas High School. He later attended Umpqua Community College's nursing program, earning his Registered Nurse license before continuing his education at Oregon Health & Science University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in nursing. He later earned a master's degree in nursing with an emphasis in nursing leadership and business administration from Capella University.

According to Denney, he has worked in Mercy Medical Center's Emergency Department for approximately 15 years. About five years ago, he also began working full time with Adapt Integrated Health Care, where he oversees operations of multiple substance use treatment programs while continuing to work part time in the emergency department.

Denney said those experiences have shaped some of the issues he plans to focus on if elected, including public safety, homelessness, substance use and the city's continued growth.

In his campaign announcement, Denney said he believes the city should make efficient and fiscally responsible use of resources available to people seeking assistance while also emphasizing personal responsibility.

Denney is also involved with several local and statewide organizations. He said he currently serves as treasurer of the Umpqua Bird Alliance, formerly known as the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, and serves on the Roseburg Parks and Recreation Commission. He is also a member of the Drug, Alcohol and Rx Taskforce and the Oregon chapter of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence.

Bird City Effort

Denney also pointed to his involvement in Roseburg's effort to pursue recognition through the Bird City Network as an example of the type of community work he hopes to continue.

On Aug. 24, the Roseburg City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-20 supporting an effort by local organizations to seek Bird City Oregon designation for Roseburg. The resolution supports a coalition involving the Umpqua Bird Alliance, Umpqua Watersheds and Friends of Ford's Pond as the organizations work toward completing the requirements for designation.

The council's action does not mean Roseburg has already received Bird City designation. Instead, the resolution provides formal municipal support needed as part of the application process. The resolution does not commit the city to providing funding or other city resources to the effort.

Denney said he spent several months working with fellow Umpqua Bird Alliance board members, local organizations and other Audubon groups on the effort. He said he believes recognition could provide benefits beyond wildlife conservation by helping promote Roseburg to visitors interested in birding and outdoor recreation.

"This is just one example of many ways I hope to promote economic growth of Roseburg," Denney said in his announcement.

Denney said his broader reason for seeking office is his connection to the community where he grew up and where much of his family and many of his friends continue to live.

"I love this community and this county," Denney said. "My family and closest friends live in Roseburg, and I want to continue to make our city better for all of the people who call it home."

Roseburg's 2026 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Douglas County residents will have an opportunity next month to share their views on the relationship between rural and urban communities during a public town hall in Roseburg.

The Oregon Rural Urban Project will hold the forum Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Ford Room at the Roseburg Public Library.

The event is part of a statewide effort to hear directly from Oregonians about what they believe contributes to divisions between rural and urban communities and what could help improve understanding between them.

Organizers say the town hall will be structured as an open forum, giving community members an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and ideas while also listening to perspectives from others.

Among the topics expected to be discussed are what participants believe has contributed to Oregon's rural-urban divide and what changes, policies or community efforts could help bridge those differences.

The Oregon Rural Urban Project is associated with Braver Angels, an organization that describes itself as nonpartisan and focused on reducing political polarization and encouraging dialogue between people with differing political views.

The Roseburg town hall will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing people to attend either in person or online through Zoom.

The event is free to attend. Those wishing to participate online must register in advance to receive the Zoom meeting information.

Organizers noted that the registration form may include an optional donation field. A donation is not required, and participants who do not wish to contribute can enter zero in that section.

The town hall is scheduled for:

• Wednesday, Sept. 9
• 7 to 9 p.m.
• Roseburg Public Library, Ford Room
• 1409 NE Diamond Lake Boulevard, Roseburg
• In-person and online participation available

Registration is available through Eventbrite.

The forum is open to community members interested in sharing their perspective on rural and urban issues in Oregon. Participation does not require agreement with the organizers or with other attendees, and the event is intended to provide a setting for discussion among people with differing viewpoints.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - A 13-year-old boy was killed and several others, including multiple children, were injured in a head-on crash on Highway 38 in Douglas County on Friday afternoon.

Oregon State Police responded to the crash near milepost 27 at approximately 1:38 p.m. on August 21.

According to OSP, the preliminary investigation found that a yellow 2021 Ram 2500 pickup towing a 17-foot boat was traveling eastbound on Highway 38 when it left its lane, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound 2012 Ford F350 pickup.

The Ram was driven by 63-year-old Jason Dean Paden of Portland. Paden suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Two passengers in the Ram, including a 14-year-old girl, were also taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The Ford was driven by 56-year-old William Everett Ratledge of Oakland. Ratledge was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital following the crash.

Three juvenile boys were also traveling in the Ford. Two were transported to a local hospital with injuries. A 13-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash left a family mourning the loss of a child while several others began recovering from injuries sustained in the collision. OSP has not released the name of the 13-year-old who died.

Highway 38 was impacted for approximately five hours while emergency crews cared for those involved and investigators worked at the scene.

Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Elkton Fire and Rescue, Scottsburg Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted Oregon State Police.

OSP Seeking Information

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen the yellow Ram pickup and the boat it was towing before the crash to contact Oregon State Police.

Anyone with information about the crash or who observed the vehicle before the collision can contact OSP Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or dial OSP (677) from a mobile phone.

Callers should reference case number SP26-273676.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The City of Roseburg has acknowledged that an executive session held earlier this month during the search for a new city manager was not properly included in a public meeting notice.

The issue involved an executive session held by the Roseburg City Council on Aug. 6 following interviews with candidates for the city manager position.

The recruitment process included a publicly noticed meet-and-greet on Aug. 4, where members of the community had an opportunity to hear from the candidates. Candidate interviews were then conducted by the City Council and two interview panels on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6.

After the interviews concluded on Aug. 6, councilors met in executive session to discuss matters related to the recruitment.

According to the City, that executive session should have been publicly noticed. While notice had been provided for the Aug. 4 meet-and-greet, the Aug. 6 executive session was not included in that notice and was not separately announced to the public.

The City disclosed the mistake Tuesday, saying it was doing so in the interest of transparency.

“The City takes its responsibilities under Oregon Public Meetings Law seriously,” City Recorder Amy Nytes said. “We believe it is important to acknowledge this error publicly and take appropriate steps to prevent it from happening again.”

Executive sessions allow governing bodies to meet privately for certain purposes permitted under Oregon law, including some discussions involving employment and personnel matters. Although members of the public generally cannot attend those portions of a meeting, public notice requirements still apply.

The City said the notice deficiency does not, by itself, invalidate the meeting or actions taken by the City Council.

Roseburg officials are now reviewing the City's meeting-notice procedures in an effort to make sure executive sessions connected with future recruitment activities are properly announced.

The City said it remains committed to conducting public business transparently and in accordance with Oregon law.

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
• Zumba in the Park | 6:30-7:30 p.m. At Stewart Park every Wednesday through August 26 | FREE!
• Canyonville Pioneer Days | Pioneer Park in Canyonville | August 27 - 30 | Link
• 2026 Umpqua Plein Air Exhibit: an exhibit celebrating the Umpqua Valley @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | August 22 - October 23 | 10 am - 6 pm | Link

Monday, August 24th

• 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 25th

• 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.

Wednesday, August 26th

• 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

Thursday, August 27th

• 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
• Canyonville Pioneer Days | Pioneer Park in Canyonville | August 27 - 30 | Link
• In a Lanscape: Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park | 5 - 6:30 pm | Link
• Live Music: Torn From Ashes, Achromic, Atelectasis @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 pm

Friday, August 28th

• 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: Bob Hall @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Canyonville Pioneer Days | Pioneer Park in Canyonville | August 27 - 30 | Link
• Paws for a Cause - Saving Grace Fundraiser | Melrose Vineyards | Link
• Live Music: Tommy Whiteside Combo @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 pm

Saturday, August 29th

• 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+
• Live Music: David Rogers @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 pm | Link
• Stars & Stripes Mega-Drop Grand Prize @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 6 - 10:30 pm | Link
• UCC's Track & Field Grand Opening | 8 am - 11 am | Link
• Canyonville Pioneer Days | Pioneer Park in Canyonville | August 27 - 30 | Link
• K9s in the Grapevines | Melrose Vineyards | Link
• Summer Shakedown @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 4 - 9 pm | Link
• Live Music: Russian Blue, combobox, Sellout @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm
• Live Music: Kacie Corrine @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Sunday, August 30th

• Live Music: Chrysalis Sisters @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 pm | Link
• Canyonville Pioneer Days | Pioneer Park in Canyonville | August 27 - 30 | Link

• We now have 23,568 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!

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team