August 31, 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 | 432 AM PDT Mon Aug 31 2026

Gusty winds and dry humidities will reach critical levels this afternoon in the Scott and Shasta valleys and east of the Cascades. On Tuesday, gusty winds will persist yet humidities will trend higher. A front moves inland Wednesday afternoon with temperatures trending significantly cooler as humidities rise. Wetting rain is likely west of the Cascades Wednesday with lighter rain accumulation to the east. Cool overnight temperatures with good recoveries are expected Tuesday onwards.

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

ROSEBURG, Ore. - For thousands of Douglas County students, summer break ends Sunday night.

A large second wave of local schools will begin the 2026-27 school year Monday, Aug. 31, bringing more school buses, students and morning traffic back to communities across the county.

Camas Valley Community Charter School, Glide School District, North Douglas School District, Oakland School District, Riddle School District, South Umpqua School District and Sutherlin School District all have students returning Monday. District calendars identify Aug. 31 as the beginning of student instruction.

Reedsport School District also begins Monday. Its 2026-27 calendar lists Aug. 31 as the first day of school for students in Reedsport.

Roseburg Uses Staggered Start

Roseburg Public Schools will begin the year with a staggered schedule.

Students in grades 1 through 5, sixth grade and ninth grade begin Monday, Aug. 31. Students in grades 7 and 8 and grades 10 through 12 begin Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Kindergarten students will have a soft start, with schedules varying by school. Families are encouraged to check with their individual elementary school for details.

Roseburg Schools also says basic school supplies are being provided for students in kindergarten through fifth grade this year. Those students are asked to bring a backpack, wired headphones or earbuds and tissues.

Some Yoncalla Students Also Start Monday

Yoncalla School District began its school year Aug. 24, but Monday marks another milestone for its youngest students.

Kindergarten students will have their first full day of school Aug. 31 following a soft-start schedule last week. Preschool students also begin Monday.

Days Creek, Elkton, Glendale and Winston-Dillard were among the other Douglas County districts that began classes Aug. 24.

School Buses and School Zones Return

With many more students returning Monday, drivers should expect increased traffic around schools, additional school buses on local roads and children walking or waiting near bus stops.

Under Oregon driving rules, flashing amber lights on a school bus mean the bus is preparing to stop and drivers should prepare to stop as well. When the bus displays flashing red lights, motorists must stop and remain stopped until the red lights are turned off.

On a divided highway where the directions of travel are separated by an unpaved median or barrier, traffic traveling in the opposite direction is not required to stop. A painted median or center turn lane does not count as a divided highway, meaning traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights.

Drivers should also watch for school-zone signs. Oregon school speed zones have a 20 mph speed limit when the conditions listed on the signs apply, including when lights are flashing, during designated school-day hours or when children are present.

Monday's return will bring most Douglas County school districts into the 2026-27 academic year, with Roseburg's remaining students joining them Tuesday.

2026-27 School District Calendars

Families can find the full 2026-27 school-year calendars for Douglas County school districts below:

• Camas Valley School District
• Days Creek School District
• Elkton School District
• Glendale School District
• Glide School District
• North Douglas School District
• Oakland School District
• Reedsport School District
• Riddle School District
• Roseburg Public Schools
• South Umpqua School District
• Sutherlin School District
• Winston-Dillard School District
• Yoncalla School District

MYRTLE CREEK, Ore. - A Tri City man was arrested early Saturday morning following an investigation into alleged online contact with a juvenile, according to the Myrtle Creek Police Department.

Police said the investigation began Aug. 28 after officers became aware of an online conversation between 52-year-old Andrew Anthony Howren of Tri City and a juvenile who was not known to him.

According to the department, the conversation included graphic sexual messages and photographs allegedly sent by Howren to the juvenile. Police said the two eventually made plans to meet for sexual contact.

At about 1 a.m. Aug. 29, police said Howren arrived to pick up the juvenile and was taken into custody without incident.

After being interviewed, Howren was transported to the Douglas County Jail, where he was lodged on allegations of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree and Luring a Minor.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office assisted Myrtle Creek police with the arrest.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have had, or witnessed, inappropriate online contact involving Howren to contact Detective Kevin Taggart. Police are also encouraging parents to monitor their children's online activity and report anything suspicious to authorities.

The Myrtle Creek Police Department said the case remains under investigation and no additional details are being released at this time.

Charges are allegations, and Howren is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

WINSTON, Ore. - The City of Winston is asking federal officials to look into ongoing concerns about mail and package delivery in the 97496 ZIP code after receiving complaints from residents and businesses.

In a letter dated Friday, Winston Mayor Christie Knutson asked U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle's office to assist with a review of mail delivery practices serving the Winston area.

According to the letter, the city has received reports of mail being delivered to incorrect addresses, packages being marked as delivered but left at another residence, and mail intended for one household being delivered to another.

The city said some of the concerns involve prescription medications and other time-sensitive items. In some cases, residents reportedly received electronic or photographic confirmation that a package had been delivered, but later found that it had been left at another address and could not be recovered.

City officials said Winston City Hall has also experienced delivery issues. According to the letter, City Hall periodically receives mail intended for residents or businesses elsewhere in the community and, on some occasions, has received mail addressed to people or locations in other Douglas County communities.

The city acknowledged that individual delivery mistakes can occur, but said the number and consistency of complaints raised concerns about whether a broader review may be appropriate. The letter also states that some residents have told the city they previously raised concerns with the local post office without reaching a lasting resolution.

Winston is asking for a review of mail and package delivery practices within the 97496 area, including whether staffing, route assignments, training, addressing information, scanning procedures or other operational factors may be contributing to the reported problems.

The city is also asking that appropriate corrective measures be considered if problems are identified and that Winston receive a written response outlining the results of the review and any actions USPS plans to take.

Knutson said in the letter that the city's intent is to have recurring issues identified and corrected while recognizing the work performed by Postal Service employees serving the community.

Copies of the letter were also directed to USPS Consumer Advocacy, members of Oregon's congressional and state legislative delegations, Winston City Council members and City Manager Thomas McIntosh.

The letter represents a request for review based on complaints reported to the city. It does not establish the cause of the reported delivery problems or whether any specific USPS practice or employee is responsible.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Stacey Crowe, president of the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley Board of Directors, has been named the Oregon Area Council’s 2025 Area Council Liaison of the Year.

Crowe received the recognition during a June 2026 gathering of Boys & Girls Club leaders from Oregon and throughout the Pacific Region.

As the local club’s representative on the Oregon Area Council, Crowe helps keep the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley connected with other clubs and leaders across the state. Following Area Council meetings, she brings information back to the local organization, including updates, best practices and potential opportunities that could support its work with youth in Douglas County.

Her involvement in the community extends beyond the Boys & Girls Club.

Crowe previously served on the Roseburg City Council and has also been involved with organizing the annual Downtown Neewollah Parade. She and her husband, Gary, have supported the Family Development Center and other community efforts in the Roseburg area.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley said Crowe’s leadership and willingness to serve have helped strengthen the organization and its connection to the broader Boys & Girls Club network.

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to have Stacey leading our Board of Directors,” the organization said in announcing the award.

The Oregon Area Council recognition honors Crowe’s work representing the local club and helping connect it with resources, ideas and leadership from across the state.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - A 25-year-old Roseburg woman died Wednesday night after a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in Douglas County.

Oregon State Police said troopers responded at about 8:18 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, to the crash on southbound I-5 near milepost 127.

According to a preliminary investigation, a black 2009 Toyota Scion tC driven by Deanndra Elaine Hamlett, 25, of Roseburg was traveling south when the vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled.

Hamlett was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

OSP said Interstate 5 was impacted for approximately five hours while investigators worked at the scene.

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted Oregon State Police.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The field for Roseburg's 2026 municipal election is taking shape, with candidates listed for mayor and Position 1 seats in all four City Council wards ahead of the November 3 general election.

According to the City of Roseburg's election information page, the mayor and four council positions will be on the ballot this year. The mayor is elected citywide to a two-year term, while councilors are elected by voters within their respective wards to four-year terms. Roseburg's mayor and City Council positions are nonpartisan and unpaid volunteer positions.

For mayor, the City currently lists Max Smoot and Steve Loosley. Smoot completed his filing on August 10, while Loosley completed his filing on August 5. Smoot identified his current occupation as a self-employed artist, with previous work in design and production, customer service, education, recreation and childcare. Loosley listed his current occupation as real estate development and his occupational background as a small business owner. Loosley also listed service on the Umpqua Community College Board of Education beginning in 2017, including service as chair.

Current Mayor Larry Rich's term expires December 31, 2026. The City's current elected-official page continues to list Rich as mayor, but he is not included among the mayoral candidates on the City's 2026 election filing page.

In Ward 1, the City lists R.J. Mills, who submitted a prospective filing on August 7. The City's online table does not currently show a completed filing date for Mills. His candidate filing identifies him as a small business owner and lists no prior elected or appointed government experience.

In Ward 2, Mike Baker completed his filing on July 14. Baker listed his current occupation as a region transportation planning manager and identified the Oregon Department of Transportation in his occupational background. His filing also lists previous service on the Roseburg Planning Commission and Roseburg City Council, along with service involving the Housing Authority of Douglas County, Umpqua Public Transportation District, Roseburg Charter Review Committee, Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority and Roseburg Budget Committee.

The Ward 3 race currently includes Samuel Denney and Matt Kowal. Denney completed his filing August 10, while Kowal completed his filing August 14. The City's page also lists current Ward 3 Councilor Ellen Porter as withdrawn.

Denney listed two current positions on his filing: director of operations for Adapt Integrated Health Care's Opioid Treatment Program and registered nurse in the Mercy Medical Center Emergency Department. He also listed appointed service on the Roseburg Parks and Recreation Commission and current service as treasurer of the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society. Kowal identified his current occupation as commercial team lead with Oregon Pacific Bank and listed previous work as a regional market manager.

In Ward 4, the City's election page currently lists David Bolhuis, Tiffany Fouse and Ruth Smith. Bolhuis submitted a prospective filing July 28, but the City's online table does not currently show a completed filing date for him. Fouse completed her filing August 13 and Smith completed hers August 18. Smith is the incumbent Ward 4 councilor, with her current term scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

Bolhuis' filing identifies him as self-employed, with a background in real estate and prior service on the Roseburg Planning Commission. Fouse listed her current occupation as community engagement specialist with Roseburg Schools and reported no prior elected or appointed government experience.

The City's candidate packet says the mayoral term elected this November will run through December 31, 2028, while the four council terms will run through December 31, 2030. Candidates for mayor must collect at least 50 signatures from Roseburg electors, while council candidates must collect at least 20 signatures from electors in the ward they seek to represent.

The packet also sets 4 p.m. Friday, August 28, as the deadline for a candidate to withdraw and be removed from the November ballot. Because that deadline has not yet passed, the City's published candidate information could still change.

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Additional candidate filings, ward information and election resources are available through the City of Roseburg's election information page.

City of Roseburg Election Information

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Umpqua Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new Track & Field Complex Saturday, welcoming athletes and community members to campus for a morning of racing, activities and celebration.

The Aug. 29 event marked the official grand opening of the facility, which represents the return of a permanent home for Riverhawk track and field competition at UCC after more than three decades.

The new track was put to use during Saturday's celebration as high school cross-country athletes from across Oregon competed in the Riverhawk 5K. Runners, families, UCC alumni and other community members also gathered at the facility throughout the morning.

In a post following the event, UCC thanked those who attended and said the college was excited to see the new complex filled with people and being used to bring the community together.

The grand opening also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, pancake breakfast and family-friendly activities. The event and Riverhawk 5K were free and open to the public.

While Saturday marked the formal grand opening, the facility had already reached a major milestone earlier this year. UCC hosted its first home collegiate track and field meet since 1995 on Feb. 28, bringing collegiate competition back to the Roseburg campus after approximately 30 years.

The college previously relied on Sutherlin High School for track and field training and competition opportunities. UCC has said the new complex gives Riverhawk athletes a permanent place to train and compete while also creating opportunities for K-12 competitions, youth athletics, community recreation, campus events and regional gatherings.

The facility is formally recognized as the UCC Track & Field Complex Sponsored by Rogue Credit Union through a five-year partnership announced earlier this summer. The project was also supported by donors and community partners, with UCC recognizing Shelley Briggs Loosley and the Briggs Loosley Foundation among those who played significant roles in bringing the project to completion.

Saturday's celebration brought the project full circle, with the new facility already serving both Riverhawk Athletics and the broader community it was designed to welcome.

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 Umpqua Plein Air Exhibit: an exhibit celebrating the Umpqua Valley @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | August 22 - October 23 | 10 am - 6 pm | Link
• Murder on the Orient Express | UACT Theatre | September 3 - 20 | Link

Monday, August 31st

• 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, September 1st

• 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, September 2nd

• 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, September 3rd

• 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
• Stand-Up Comedy w/ Nathan Hart, Chadhurst Sharpe, Nathaniel Greene @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 10 pm | Link
• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link

Friday, September 4th

• 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
• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Live Music: Drive to Space @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 pm | Link

Saturday, September 5th

• 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+
• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Live Music: Wild Hare (FKA Billy & The Box Kid), Blue Jay Blue @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 pm | Link
• End of Summer Celebration @ Diamond Lake Resort | September 5 & 6th | Link
• Fort Umpqua Days | Elkton Community Education Center | September 5 & 6th | Link

Sunday, September 6th

• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Open-Mic Night @ The Rosebud Theatre | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• End of Summer Celebration @ Diamond Lake Resort | September 5 & 6th | Link
• Fort Umpqua Days | Elkton Community Education Center | September 5 & 6th | Link

• We now have 23,703 Facebook group members!! Thank you all so much for being here!
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That is the scoop for this Monday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team