July 9, 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 | 300 AM PDT Thu Jul 9 2026

Seasonable temperatures and humidities are expected for the remainder of the week, with critical fire weather concerns increasing Friday and continuing through the weekend. Strong gusty southwest to west winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected Friday through Sunday, with daytime humidities in the mid to low teens. Conditions peak on Saturday as winds increase, humidities trend lower into the low teens and single digits, and these combined conditions become more widespread. A potential thunderstorm pattern is shaping up for early next week, with the best chances across far northern California and east of the Cascades.

DFPA Protected Lands

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The newly expanded Brown Park is officially open, giving families in southwest Roseburg more room to play, gather and enjoy the outdoors.

City officials and community members celebrated the completed project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon. The neighborhood park is located at the corner of Harvard Avenue and Francis Street.

The expansion brings several major improvements to the property, including inclusive playground equipment designed for children with a range of abilities. New accessible pathways connect the park’s features, while ADA-compliant parking provides easier access for visitors.

Additional green space was also incorporated into the project, creating more room for families and neighborhood residents to relax or spend time outdoors.

The expansion increased Brown Park to just under one acre. The project was made possible through a combination of grant funding, community support and private donations, including a $150,000 contribution from a local family that helped the City purchase the neighboring property.

Funding from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Local Government Grant Program also helped move the long-planned project forward.

A memorial bench honoring the former owner of the property has been installed at the park. The City has also purchased a pavilion that is expected to be added later this summer, bringing another gathering space to the expanded property.

Brown Park’s improvements were planned with accessibility at the center of the project, offering a welcoming place where children and families of all abilities can play, explore and spend time together.

The park is now open to the public.

ELKTON, Ore. — Fire crews are working to contain a wildfire burning in a previously logged area near Elkton.

The Little Paradise Fire is currently estimated at approximately 3.5 acres and is showing moderate fire activity, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association.

Resources from DFPA and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s West Lane District are conducting an aggressive initial attack on the fire.

Resources currently assigned include:

• Two helicopters
• DFPA air attack
• Three ODF West Lane engines
• Four DFPA engines
• Two firefighting squads
• One bulldozer

Officials said no homes or other structures are currently threatened.

As of 8:30 pm Wednesday, The fire perimeter is now 100% hose-layed and 100% plumbed. Ground crews, supported by a dozer, continue to make steady progress in trailing the fire's perimeter.

Suppression activities will continue throughout the night and into tomorrow. Additional resources have been ordered and continue to arrive on scene to support ongoing firefighting operations and strengthen containment efforts.

An update on the fire status as well as an official press release will be issued today, July 9, 2026.

An Oakland, Oregon, native has been identified as the U.S. Navy sailor who went missing after a helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea last week.

The Navy identified Cmdr. Gabriel “Gabe” Edwards as the missing sailor Tuesday. Edwards was the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, known as the “Nightdippers.”

The MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea during the early morning hours of July 1. Three of the four crew members were rescued and returned to the aircraft carrier in stable condition. Edwards remained missing.

Ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, patrol squadrons and the U.S. Air Force searched for Edwards for more than 102 hours. The effort covered more than 14,000 square miles before the Navy suspended its search July 5.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Navy officials said there is no indication that hostile action caused the emergency.

From Oakland to Naval Aviation

Edwards grew up in Oakland before graduating from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and earned his naval aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008.

During nearly two decades of service, Edwards flew more than 2,000 hours in SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S helicopters. His assignments included service with several helicopter squadrons and Naval Special Warfare Group 4.

He took command of HSC-5 in July 2025 and had been selected for promotion to captain. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao has directed that Edwards receive the promotion posthumously.

His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and several unit and campaign awards.

Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 7, described Edwards as the “epitome of selfless leadership” and said he led his squadron with integrity and strength.

Family Remembers Husband and Father

Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, their two children and an extended family.

Rebecca Edwards thanked the sailors, aviators and airmen who participated in the lengthy effort to bring her husband home. She remembered him as a humble and compassionate leader who always put others first.

“To our family, he is the love of my life, an extraordinary father to his children, and the foundation of our home,” she said. “His greatest joy was always his family.”

The family also expressed appreciation for the prayers and messages received from friends, the Nightdippers, members of the naval aviation community and people around the world.

“As we begin to face the difficult road ahead, we respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family,” Rebecca Edwards said. “We find comfort in knowing that Gabe lived a life of extraordinary purpose, devoted to his country, his squadron, and above all, the family he loved so completely.”

Lone Rock Resources recently gathered employees, contractors, friends and family to celebrate a major milestone: Duane Grant’s 50 years with the company.

For Grant, the celebration was about more than marking five decades on the job. Looking around at the people who attended, he reflected on the relationships built throughout his career.

“A lot of men consider money, lots of money,” Grant said. “I’m a rich man. And I look at this crowd and I’m going, I am the richest man on the face of the earth right here.”

Grant began working in the timber industry in 1976, when the operation was still known as Sun Studs. His father had also worked for the company during its earlier years.

His first job involved setting chokers behind a Caterpillar tractor. Over the next 20 years, Grant worked throughout the company’s operations, running equipment, working on the ground, planting trees and gaining experience in logging, surveying and engineering.

When the company’s road construction supervisor retired in 1996, Grant was selected to take over the position. He remained in that role for 10 years before being promoted to logging manager in 2006.

Another change came in 2016, when Grant became director of internal operations. In that position, he used his experience across the company’s departments to mentor younger employees and help them understand what he described as the “Lone Rock Way.”

Grant said that philosophy means employees take ownership in the company, look out for its interests, make good decisions and do their part to help it succeed.

Those who worked alongside Grant described him as committed, steadfast and someone who always placed an emphasis on doing quality work.

“When Duane was about the project, you were going to end up with quality,” one speaker said during the celebration. “No question. It’ll be done right.”

Grant was not referring to financial wealth, but to the friends, family members, coworkers and contractors who had gathered to celebrate the relationships he built during his 50-year career.

Another colleague recalled working with Grant during a wildfire response in 2015. Despite difficult terrain and challenging conditions, Grant’s skill operating heavy equipment stood out.

“He’s like a surgeon,” the colleague said, adding that Grant could accomplish things with equipment that few others could.

Grant’s impact, however, extended beyond his knowledge of logging roads, equipment and timber operations. Several speakers talked about his willingness to teach others and the influence he had on employees who were just beginning their careers.

One employee recalled being told to work with Grant and learn everything possible from him.

“Honestly, I don’t know where I would be at this company,” the employee said, describing Grant as one of the nicest people someone could meet and a person who was never confused about what mattered most.

Throughout the celebration, speakers also emphasized Grant’s dedication to his wife and family. His professional accomplishments may have been the reason for the gathering, they said, but his family has always remained at the center of his life.

Grant encouraged others to do the best they can, enjoy what they are doing and remember that every day is a good day, even though some are better than others.

After 50 years of working, teaching and passing along what he has learned, Grant said it is finally time to begin stepping back.

“Now it’s time to slow down and turn it over to them,” Grant said, “and hope they paid attention.”

WINSTON, Ore. - Vehicles will fill the streets of Winston this Saturday as the Winston Summer Nite Cruise returns with a longer route and five hours of cruising.

The event will take place Saturday, July 11, with registration beginning at 3 p.m. at Civic Wayside Park, located at 151 NW Douglas Blvd. Cruising is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m.

Registration is $5, with dash plaques available for the first 300 registered vehicles. Cruise shirts, vendors and entertainment are also planned near the registration area.

Longer Route Returns for 2026

The Winston-Dillard Area Festival Association announced that the cruise route will be extended back to Abraham Avenue and Lookingglass Road this year.

The change brings back portions of a longer route used during previous Winston Summer Nite Cruise events. Cruisers will once again travel through additional sections of Winston, giving spectators more places to watch and bringing the event past several familiar businesses along Douglas Boulevard.

The route had been shortened in recent years. Organizers previously credited cooperation between the association, the City of Winston and the Winston Police Department with helping make the expanded route possible for 2026.

Wide Range of Vehicles Welcome

The Winston Summer Nite Cruise is open to more than vintage and classic vehicles.

Organizers said classics, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles and other types of vehicles may participate. All entries must be street legal, and drivers must have proof of insurance.

Unlike some other Graffiti Weekend cruises, the Winston event does not list a model-year restriction.

Event details

• Date: Saturday, July 11
• Registration: Begins at 3 p.m.
• Cruise: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Registration fee: $5
• Location: Civic Wayside Park, 151 NW Douglas Blvd.
• Dash plaques: Available to the first 300 registered vehicles
• Eligible vehicles: Street-legal cars, classics, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles
• Required: Proof of insurance

Organizers Emphasize Safety

With the route extending back to Abraham Avenue and Lookingglass Road, organizers are asking participants and spectators to help keep the event safe.

The Winston-Dillard Area Festival Association specifically warned against placing water or any other substances on the highway or city streets. Those who do so could be subject to fines.

Organizers said the practice creates a safety concern and could jeopardize the future of the cruise.

“The Winston Dillard Area Festival Association and the City of Winston encourages everyone to have a safe and great time,” the association said in its announcement.

Drivers will be traveling on public streets, and regular traffic laws will remain in effect. Spectators should remain safely outside the roadway and use caution around the cruise route.

The Winston Summer Nite Cruise is one of several automotive events taking place across Douglas County during Graffiti Weekend. Complete event information is available through the Winston-Dillard Area Festival Association and the Graffiti Weekend calendar.

The Bureau of Land Management generated more than $10.7 million from timber sales in Oregon and California during the second quarter of 2026, according to figures released by the agency.

Between April and June, the BLM sold approximately 41 million board feet of timber from about 1,500 acres. The agency estimates that is enough lumber to build nearly 2,600 homes.

BLM officials said the timber sales help support jobs in logging, milling and construction while adding to the domestic supply of wood products.

The results were announced following a visit to western Oregon by recently confirmed BLM Director Steve Pearce. During the trip, Pearce met with agency employees, timber industry representatives and local mill operators to discuss timber production on BLM-managed lands.

Pearce said the visit gave him an opportunity to see the work being done on the ground and hear directly from people involved in the region’s timber industry.

More timber sales are planned this summer. The BLM expects to hold six sales in July, offering approximately 31 million board feet of timber from nearly 835 acres.

The agency manages 58 million acres of forests nationwide, including approximately 2.4 million acres in western Oregon. BLM officials say timber management also plays a role in reducing wildfire risks, maintaining wildlife habitat and supporting communities that depend on forestry-related employment.

More information about upcoming timber sales and previously completed sales is available through the BLM timber sales program.

Limited Time Events

• Guest Artist Dave Hall Exhibit @ Gallery Northwest | May 3nd - June 30th | Every week Tue - Sat | 11 am - 4 pm | Link
• 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!
• Graffiti Weekend | July 8 - July 12th | Link

Monday, July 6th

• 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.
• Live Music: Erik Schnautz @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link

Tuesday, July 7th

• 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

Wednesday, July 8th

• 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
• Street Memories Kick Off Car Show - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 9 am - 3 pm | Link
• Graffiti Weekend | July 8 - July 12th | Link
• Graffiti Weekend Kickoff Car Show at VA Medical Center | 913 NW Garden Valley

Thursday, July 9th

• 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
• Riddle City Library Summer Reading Program |  Learn all about Oregon rocks with the South Douglas Gem and Mineral Club! | 1 pm
• Graffiti Weekend | July 8 - July 12th | Link
• Backside Brewery Burnout Competition - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 4:30 pm | Link
• Cascade Community Credit Union's Ice Cream Social - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 10 am - 1 pm | Link
• Cruizin' and Viewin' - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 4 - 9 pm | Link
• Graffiti Cruise-In - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 8 - 10 pm | Link
• Retirement & Rest Home Tour - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 12:30 - 4 pm | Link
• Rocky's Auto Repair Show-N-Shine - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 4 - 10 pm | Link
• The Blade Axe House - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 2 - 10 pm | Link
• Rat Round Up | Glide Industrial Center | 1 - 10 pm | Link
• Umpqua Valley Fly Fishers Meetup @ The Roseburg Country Club | 5:30 - 8 PM | There will be socializing, speakers, raffle prizes, and fun!

Friday, July 10th

• 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
• Riverbend Live! 2026 Concert Series | 7 - 9 pm | Link
• Graffiti Weekend | July 8 - July 12th | Link
• 11th Annual Rat Rod Round-Up - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 3 - 10 pm | Link
• Cruise to the Stars @ UCC | 9:30 - 11 pm | Link
• Live Music: Grand Funk Railroad @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 6 pm | Link
• Pete's Cruise-In - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 7 pm - 12 am | Link
• Growing Miracles Lavender Festival | July 10 - 12 | 508 Lower Garden Valley Rd
• Blessing Bag Giveaway | Free clothing from babies to adult sizes, formula, baby equipment, diapers, maternity clothes, shoes, blankets and more. | 12pm - 4pm | Meyer Activity Center - 990 Stanton St in Roseburg | Link

Saturday, July 11th

• 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+
• Graffiti Weekend | July 8 - July 12th | Link
• 43rd Annual Stray Angels Show-N-Shine - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 7:30 am - 4 pm | Link
• 44th Annual Umpqua Flatheads Roseburg Graffiti Night Cruise - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | Link
• Corvette City Show-N-Shine - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | Link
• Elk's Motorcycle Show-N-Shine - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 8:30 am - 3 pm | Link
• Live Music: Dylan James @ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Live Music: Rockwork Orange @ The Place | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• Watch the Downtown Cruise @ The Wine Destination | 4 - 8 pm | Link
• Growing Miracles Lavender Festival | July 10 - 12 | 508 Lower Garden Valley Rd
• Sutherlin Stampede Parade | 10 am | Stampede Bull riding Event ( 7pm)
• Winston Summer Nite Cruise | Civic Wayside Park in Winston | 5 - 10 pm
• Blessing Bag Giveaway | Free clothing from babies to adult sizes, formula, baby equipment, diapers, maternity clothes, shoes, blankets and more. | 9 am - while supplies last | Meyer Activity Center - 990 Stanton St in Roseburg | Link

Sunday, July 12th

• Graffiti Weekend | July 8 - July 12th | Link
• DC Showdown Import VS Domestic Car Show - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 10 am | Link
• Graffiti Poker Run - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 9 am | Link
• Live Music: Chrysalis Sisters @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 pm | Link
• Live Music: Homemade Jam Duo @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 pm | Link
• River Forks Fuel Fest - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 4:30 pm | Link
• Roseburg Senior Center Car Show & Bingo - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 10 am | Link
• The Takelma Run Seven Feathers Cars 'N Coffee - Graffiti Weekend 2026 | 9 am - 1 pm | Link
• Growing Miracles Lavender Festival | July 10 - 12 | 508 Lower Garden Valley Rd

• We now have 21,982 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 now live! The camera is up and streaming on YouTube, though this is still an early test setup. It is currently mounted about a quarter of the way up the pole and showing a 180-degree view while we wait on the final bracket and a lift or bucket truck to safely mount it higher. A test stream can be found 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.

Two quick reminders:

• 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

Want to contribute more regularly or become an author on theroseburgreceiver.com?
Email: community@theroseburgreceiver.com

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team