February 11, 2026

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

• Current Temp: 38° F
• Humidity: 89%
• Wind: 1 MPH SE
• Current Conditions: Cloudy / Fog
• Air Quality Index: 32
• Today's Forecast: High 56 | Low 38 | Sunny
• Sunrise: 7:17 AM | Sunset: 5:40 PM

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Roseburg High School Theatre students partnered with Altrusa to present the 26th annual Celebration of Literacy play for elementary students across Douglas County on Jan. 30, continuing a long-running program that connects reading and live performance for younger audiences.

Each year, Altrusa helps coordinate participating schools and sets a theme for the production. From there, Roseburg High’s advanced acting class develops the show from the ground up. Theatre Director Troy Pennington said students are responsible for building the entire performance once the theme is established.

“The advanced acting class then takes that theme and creates, from scratch, the entire show… Then the elementary school students throughout the district get to come and enjoy what we've created and take away a lesson about the magic and power of reading,” Pennington said.

Students involved in the production said the interactive nature of the show helps create memorable moments for younger audiences. Jayden Stewart said he enjoyed developing scenes that allowed elementary students to be part of the performance.

“I really enjoyed coming up with the interactive segments where we get to talk to the kids directly,” Stewart said. “It always made me happy hearing the children laugh at a joke or be involved when the characters would speak to the audience.”

He added that reactions from the audience often stayed with the cast after the curtain closed. “It was always nice to see one of the kids be super enthusiastic about a character (or a chicken).”

For some performers, the literacy play also carries personal meaning. Emma Markert said she attended the production as an elementary student and credits it with sparking her interest in reading and theatre.

“When I saw the literacy play, back in elementary school, I learned many important things… My love for live theater and performing arts, and how much I truly appreciate literature,” Markert said.

Now part of the cast, Markert portrayed Chief Willow Wordsmith in this year’s production. “There were some days when I would stand by the door in my goofy red costume and get hug-after-hug from kids,” she said. “Now, here I am on the other end playing ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS. It's truly full-circle.”

Students also played a role in writing and shaping the show. Hannah Geier said creating humor for younger audiences was one of the most rewarding parts of the process.

“The most fun part of playwriting was getting to create jokes and the funny moments in the show we think the kids will love,” Geier said. “It is an extremely special thing to be the spark that hooks the students on what will hopefully be a lifelong passion for books and reading.”

The Celebration of Literacy play has been a yearly collaboration between Roseburg High School Theatre students and Altrusa, bringing performances focused on reading and storytelling to elementary students across Douglas County.

Visitors to Wildlife Safari now have a chance to see two new residents in the park’s free walk-through area. The Winston wildlife park recently introduced a pair of grey fox sisters, Tundra and Mesa, now on exhibit inside Safari Village.

The addition gives guests an up-close look at one of North America’s most adaptable native fox species. The animals are currently on display in the park’s walk-through section, where visitors can observe their behavior and movement in a setting designed to mimic natural conditions.

Safari staff say the foxes add another layer to the Village experience, which already includes a mix of birds, mammals, reptiles and interactive elements aimed at families and casual visitors. The walk-through portion of the park remains free to access, separate from the drive-through safari.

Wildlife Safari is open daily, though visitors are encouraged to check current hours and updates before arriving. Additional details about exhibits and programming are available through the park’s website and social media channels.

The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and the Roseburg Public Library will feature “A Bird’s Rainbow” presentation by scientist, birder and teacher Bob Lewis on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

The free public program will be offered at the library on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard.

Many birds are brightly colored. Others use patterned feathers for camouflage. Lewis will talk about how these colors originate and what the difference is between pigments and physical colors. Lewis has taught birding classes in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 25 years and served as the chair of the Golden Gate Bird Alliance’s Adult Education Committee. He was honored with the American Birding Association’s Chandler Robbins Award for Education and Conservation in 2016. Lewis has photographed birds in more than 60 countries.

For more information, contact Roseburg Public Library staff at 492-7050 or: library@roseburgor.gov

To learn more about the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, visit their website: www.umpquaaudubon.org

A Roseburg hotel has changed its name, with big plans for renovation over the next twelve to eighteen months.

Formerly the Holiday Inn Express, the hotel overlooking the South Umpqua River across West Harvard Avenue from Roseburg High School, is now known at The Lodge. Robert Jensen, Principal of the Kensington Investment Group in San Francisco, California told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that he wants to incorporate “cool outdoorsy themes” and transform the 100-room property into something more unique and special, helping it to realize its full potential, with an emphasis on its view overlooking the river.

Kensington Investment Group, a family business with no outside investment partners, built the hotel in 1994. The company currently has four hotels, including two in Grants Pass and one in Medford, but has owned many others in the past in Oregon and California. Jensen describes the company as diversified and said they have or currently also own apartments, mixed use buildings, office properties, and shopping centers, in addition to the hotels. Jensen said Kensington’s footprint is the Pacific Northwest from Monterey, California to Seattle, Washington.

Jensen said the renovation of The Lodge is in the early stages of design and approvals with the estimated project cost still being defined. Jensen wants the new look to go with what brings people to the Umpqua Valley – fishing, hiking, cycling, wineries and more. He said his sister, Rebecca Maher is the company’s principal for design and construction and is excited about what the property will look like when the work is complete.

Jensen is also interested in the possibility of future partnerships with recreation and activities providers – like fishing guides, wineries and others, who could help craft trips to Roseburg that include a stay at The Lodge, where the day begins and ends with the view of the river. More amenities are planned for the hotel, especially to emphasize the river, but specifics have not yet been determined.

Jensen said after the project is complete, the now independent hotel hopes to “soft brand” with a national hotel chain.

Robert Jensen said the property has always been a special one for the family, and there are even paintings in the lobby that he and his sister drew as young children. Now Kensington Investment Group is ready to take The Lodge to a new level.

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice and Tim Freeman would like to remind citizens that most county government offices will be closed to the public on Monday, February 16th, in observance of the President’s Day holiday.

A county release said that includes the courthouse on Southeast Douglas Avenue in Roseburg as well as the Justice Building, Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, county landfill and transfer stations, fairgrounds and all external government offices.

Even when county government offices are closed, many officials and public employees continue working on special, routine, or emergency projects. Those include the Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, and more.

Both the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Roseburg and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open on Monday for normal business hours.

All county parks, campgrounds, and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public. Salmon Harbor Marina and Winchester Bay RV Park will also be open.

Even though the Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, deputies, 911 communications and other DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for residents. Those with an emergency can still call 911. To reach dispatch for a non-emergency situation, call 440-4471.

Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday, February 14th and 15th.

A release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said no fishing or shellfish licenses or tags, endorsements or validations are required on these two days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.

All other fishing regulations apply including closures, single rod limitations, bag limits and size restrictions. Remember to check www.myodfw.com for any in-season regulation changes, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Lots of rainbow trout will be stocked in Oregon ponds and lakes for the weekend.

Crab, bay clam and mussel harvest are all open coastwide. Razor clam harvest is allowed from the Washington border to Cape Blanco but is closed from Cape Blanco to the California border.

Submit photos of your catch at www.myodfw.com

H.O.P.E. Drug Court program participant Nate Sessions is turning recovery into action by organizing a community fundraising effort to support Chadwick Clubhouse, a local organization dedicated to serving adults living with mental illness. Recognizing the vital role transportation plays in access to services, the project aims to help Chadwick Clubhouse replace its aging vans, which have over 300,000 miles and are no longer reliable.

To assist with the purchase of a gently used replacement van, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. In addition, a community spaghetti feed fundraiser will be held on Friday, March 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Liberty Christian Fellowship on Southeast Lane Street in downtown Roseburg. The cost is $10 per person and includes spaghetti, bread, salad, dessert and a beverage. Funds raised during the event will help cover insurance costs associated with the new vehicle.

For more information about the fundraiser, how to contribute, information about the Chadwick Clubhouse program, or to schedule a tour, community members are encouraged to contact Chadwick Clubhouse at 671-2176. The GoFundMe link to help purchase a van is: https://gofund.me/1e70e549c

Limited Time Events

• In Studio Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | January 8 - May 17th | Every Week on Wed - Sun
• "Shifting Landscapes" + Add'l Exhibits @ Umpqua Valley Arts | January 9 - March 6 | Every week Tuesday - Friday | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Sweeney Todd @ Umpqua Actors Community Theatre (UACT) | Jan 30 - 31, Feb 1, 5-8, 12-15 | 7 PM | Link
• “The Power of Place,” Photography Exhibit @ Roseburg Public Library | Jan 15 - Feb 19 | Tuesday - Saturday

Monday, February 9th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
• Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM

Tuesday, February 10th

• 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
• Live Music: Liz Jones Duo @ Abacela | 2 - 4 PM | Link

Wednesday, February 11th

• 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 | Link
• Karaoke Night at The Wild Rose Saloon | 7 - 10 PM | Link
• 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.
• Valentine's Day Matinee: Mike Frazier Duo @ The Rosebud Theatre | 4 - 7 PM | Link

Thursday, February 12th

• 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 | Link
• Draper Jam Night | 8 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Thirsty Thursday Cornhole Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | Every week on Thursday | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Galentine's Day Bingo @ Melrose Vineyards | 5 PM | Link
• Homeless Forum | Roseburg Public Library | 6 - 7:30 PM | Link

Friday, February 13th

• 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
• Galentine’s Night Out @ The Chapel | 7 PM | Link
• The Blessing Bag Giveaway | Free clothing from infant to adult sizes, formula, baby equipment, diapers, maternity clothes, and more. Bring your own bag. | 12 - 4 PM | Meyer Activity Center - 990 W Stanton St, Roseburg

Saturday, February 14th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | SE Jackson St | Link
• Roseburg Saturday Market - Outside Winter Market | 10AM - 2PM | Harvard Ave - Rife's Home Furniture Parking Lot (Every Saturday until December 20th)
• 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
• Andrew Santino: Live @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Gun & Knife Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | Feb 14 & 15th | Link
• Locked Zoo: Secret Safari Valentine’s Day Escape Room @ Wildlife Safari | 3:30 PM | Link
• Valentine's Day Conscious Playful Dance & Drum Circle @ Body Balance Yoga Center | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• Valentine's Dinner @ Melrose Vineyards | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Valentine's Dinner @ The Chapel | 4 PM | Link
• Rogue Snowmobilers - $5k Poker Run | Diamond Lake Resort
• Valentine's Day Comedy w/ Lexis Sharde, Eleanore Ryan @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 10 PM | Link

Sunday, February 15th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• Gun & Knife Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | Feb 14 & 15th | Link
• FREE Fishing Weekend | Feb 15 & 16th

• We now have 18,859 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/
• The Roseburg Receiver's website has changed from roseburgscanner.com to theroseburgreceiver.com to align with the business name. All links and tools will continue to work with the roseburgscanner.com address.
• NEW! The Roseburg Receiver and The Roseburg Plug have opened a downtown office and production space at 537 SE Main Street, marking the growth of a community-driven information network focused on emergency communications, unbiased local news, storytelling, and long-term service to Douglas County.
• The Roseburg Receiver is developing a new analytics platform for local businesses that sponsor our work. This platform will give sponsors their own secure login where they can view ad views and unique clicks across The Roseburg Receiver website and our broader distribution channels. The first version of the platform is expected to launch within the next few weeks.

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 Wednesday morning. Enjoy your day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team