March 12, 2026

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

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians marked a major step in local healthcare access Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Cow Creek Health & Wellness Pharmacy in Roseburg.

Tribal leaders, healthcare staff and local officials gathered to celebrate the opening, including the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board of Directors and Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress and Chris Boice. Guests were welcomed into the new facility and invited to tour the space.

The new pharmacy reflects the Tribe’s long-term investment in healthcare services for the region and comes at a time when pharmacy options in Roseburg have become more limited. Tribal officials said the goal is to improve access for Tribal citizens while also serving the broader Douglas County community.

“People in this community have had to drive farther and wait longer for the medicine they need. It is a healthcare crisis, and it has hit many of our families hard,” said Carla Keene, chairman of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Tribal Board of Directors.

Keene said the Tribe intentionally designed its healthcare services to be open beyond Tribal membership.

“That’s one of the reasons that this pharmacy and our clinics are open to everyone,” Keene said.

“Cow Creek Health & Wellness is not just for our Tribal members, but for all our neighbors. We open our doors because that is who the Cow Creek Umpqua have always been. We don’t build walls. We build clinics, we build pharmacies, and we open our doors to everyone in the community.”

The Cow Creek Health & Wellness Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy that will be available to members of the public who establish care through Cow Creek Health & Wellness clinics. Services include filling prescriptions, medication counseling and education on the safe and effective use of medications.

According to the Tribe, the pharmacy will begin offering full services to all eligible patients as final operational steps are completed over the coming days and weeks.

The pharmacy is located on Edenbower Boulevard in Roseburg in the same building as the Cow Creek Health & Wellness Clinic. Tribal officials said the shared location is intended to support coordinated care by allowing providers, pharmacists, staff and patients to move easily between services.

Cow Creek Health & Wellness also operates a second clinic in Canyonville, located behind Seven Feathers Casino Resort. Over the next several weeks, pharmacy services will continue to be phased in before reaching full operations. Planned public hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

People who want to become patients can complete a new patient packet online at the Tribe’s health services webpage or call 541-672-8533 during business hours to establish care.

The opening also reflects the continued growth of the Tribe’s healthcare work over the past four decades. Tribal officials said that effort began 42 years ago. In 1984, the Tribe hired its first healthcare employee, a nurse who visited Tribal citizens at home and helped provide rides to medical appointments. In 1998, the Tribe opened its first clinic in Roseburg, using part of the site that now houses Tribal government offices.

Since then, Cow Creek’s healthcare system has expanded to include two clinics open to the community and a Public Health department that helped provide vaccines and testing to the broader public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, contact Communications Director Lindsay Campman at 541-529-9159 or lcampman@cowcreek-nsn.gov.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Families across Douglas County are invited to take part in the 3rd Annual Shamrock Quest on Saturday, March 14, a free community event designed to bring local organizations together with children and families for an afternoon of activities, games and health focused fun.

The event is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. in the Aviva Health parking lot at 150 Kenneth Ford Drive in Roseburg.

Organizers say the event is intended to create a welcoming space where residents can connect with community resources while enjoying activities geared toward a wide range of ages and abilities. Attendees are encouraged to wear green and participate in a series of mini quests hosted by community partners from around Douglas County.

Planned activities include Adventure Quest, the WOWTruck, food trucks, face painting, Arrow Tag, a photo booth and prize opportunities for those who complete quest activities.

“Shamrock Quest is all about bringing our community together in a fun and welcoming environment,” organizers said in a statement.

“Activities like this create opportunities for families to connect with local organizations while enjoying healthy activities and a little St. Patrick’s Day adventure.”

The event is being organized by Aviva Health, Adapt, Thrive Umpqua and Thundering Water, along with other community partners focused on promoting health, connection and family friendly activities throughout Douglas County.

Pre registration is encouraged and is available online at bit.ly/shamrockquest2026.

Aviva Health, one of the lead organizers, was founded in 1991 and operates as an independent, board governed nonprofit serving Douglas County. The organization provides medical, dental and behavioral health care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

According to Aviva Health, its services are offered through nine clinic sites in Roseburg, Myrtle Creek, Sutherlin, Glide and Drain. The organization also operates a Teen Health Center on the Roseburg High School campus and partners with CHI Mercy Medical Center as the family medicine practice site for the Roseburg Family Medicine Residency Program.

Aviva Health also recently launched an Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program in spring 2025 as part of its workforce development efforts.

Organizers say the annual Shamrock Quest is aimed at giving families a chance to gather, explore local services and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor community activities ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.

The American Red Cross is using March, recognized nationally as Red Cross Month, to encourage more people in Southwest Oregon to get involved through volunteer service.

According to information shared with the community, the organization is currently seeking volunteers for several roles, including Disaster Action Team Member, Shelter Service Associate, Blood Donor Ambassador and Home Fire Campaign Team Member.

The Red Cross says volunteers play a major role in its mission, with more than 90% of its work powered by volunteers. The organization is inviting community members to “turn compassion into action” by helping support people during emergencies and other times of need.

Volunteer opportunities vary in commitment and responsibilities.

Disaster Action Team Members help meet immediate needs in their communities, including support related to food, shelter, clothing and supplies, while also helping connect people with longer-term recovery services. Shelter Service Associates help with day-to-day shelter operations, which may include reception, registration, feeding, dormitory support and information services.

Blood Donor Ambassadors help create a welcoming experience for blood donors by greeting visitors, answering questions and supporting donor centers. Home Fire Campaign Team Members work in small groups to install free smoke alarms in homes and help educate residents about fire safety.

People interested in learning more or signing up to volunteer can visit the Red Cross volunteer page at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

For more information, community members can also contact Felecia Shaw at felecia.shaw@redcross.org or 541-450-3970.

Community members will have an opportunity to explore Southwest Oregon’s landscapes, wildlife and natural history through the Oregon Naturalist Southwest Oregon field experience, presented by Oregon State University Extension Service’s Oregon Naturalist program and local community partners.

The immersive field course will take participants through the Umpqua Basin and Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, offering a closer look at the ecosystems that define the region. Organizers say the program is designed for people who want a deeper understanding of local ecology, geology, plants, wildlife and natural history through guided field excursions led by experts.

According to program information, the course runs from April through September and includes seven to eight sessions, generally held on the last Saturday of the month, with added Sunday sessions on the first and last weekends.

Field experiences will follow the Umpqua River from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and include visits to notable locations such as Crater Lake National Park and the Illinois Valley.

The course will cover topics including native plants and wildlife, fire ecology, forest ecology and management, the role of Indigenous cultures, oak woodland restoration and other natural history subjects.

Organizers emphasized that while the series serves as the field component of the Oregon Naturalist program, participants do not need to take the statewide online course or pursue certification to join. Instead, the program is being promoted as a way for community members to explore some of the most interesting landscapes in the region in an accessible and educational setting.

The cost is $350, with reduced-fee options available.

Community partners supporting the program include Partnership for the Umpqua River, Umpqua Community College, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, Oregon Native Plant Society’s Umpqua Valley Chapter, Yew Creek Land Alliance and South Umpqua Rural Community Partnerships.

For questions or more information, organizers said people can contact Julie Lowe at julie@umpquawatersheds.org.

Days Creek School District Superintendent Joe LaFountaine has announced his plans to retire at the end of June.

LaFountaine told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that in 2023 he came out of retirement to join the district as their interim superintendent. LaFountaine said he deeply enjoyed the community and recognized the need for stability, so agreed to stay on longer. However, after three years, he has decided to retire.

LaFountaine has worked in Oregon schools for 42 years. That included over twenty years at Winston Middle School plus time in Salem and in Portland Public Schools, where he was the regional superintendent for the district’s high schools until his first retirement in 2020.

LaFountaine said the Days Creek Charter School has shown increasing academic growth, enrollment and attendance in the past three years. He said the district has also become very fiscally stable in an era where much of public educational funding has been less than stable. LaFountaine believes the new superintendent will be walking into a very healthy school climate and community.

Days Creek School District has recruitment for the position open through March 31st. The board plans to conduct interviews in April and hopes to identify their new superintendent by late April. The position will begin July 1st for the 2026-27 school year.

An application can be found on the Days Creek Charter School website at: dayscreek.k12.or.us/employment-2.

The Umpqua Public Transportation District Board will meet on Monday night, March 16th.

Agenda items include a look at the Accident and Incident Response Policy and Procedures. The board will consider a vehicle replacement plan and a passenger survey.

General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Sheri Bleau will look at February ridership numbers.

Other items are on the agenda as well.

The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the district office at 516 Southeast Jackson Street in downtown Roseburg.

For more information about the Umpqua Public Transportation District, go to: https://www.umpquatransit.org/

The Roseburg High Schools bands will have their spring concert next Monday night, March 16th. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Rose Theater on the RHS campus on West Harvard Avenue. It will feature the Concert, Jazz, and Percussion Ensembles. For those not able to attend the concert that would still like to enjoy it, the show will be streamed live. Go to: https://youtube.com/live/u9vDXrw2dms?feature=share

Umpqua Valley Farm to School is inviting community members to help with a garden cleanup day Friday, March 13, at the Umpqua Dairy Garden in Roseburg.

The cleanup event will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1450 SE Mill St., and volunteers are welcome to stop by at any time during the event. Organizers said there is a significant amount of cleanup work to be done as efforts continue to restore the community garden.

According to the announcement, all supplies will be provided, and the event is open to people of all ages and abilities.

Organizers also said garden beds are available to rent.

Questions about the event can be directed to Erin at Erin@UVF2S.org or through direct message to the organizer.

Limited Time Events

• In Studio Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | January 8 - May 17th | Every Week on Wed - Sun

Monday, March 9th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
• Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM
• Celebrate Recovery | Westside Christian Church | Dinner at 5:30, Large group at 6:30.

Tuesday, March 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
• Celebrate Recovery | Winston Assembly of God | Dinner at 5:30, Large group at 6:30.
• All Ages Jazz Jam @ North Forty Beer Company | 5 - 7:30 PM | Link

Wednesday, March 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
• 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.
• Celebrate Recovery | Redeemers (Old movie theater) | Dinner at 5:30, Large group at 6:30.
• Live Music: Kara Grainger Band @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link

Thursday, March 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 |
• Thirsty Thursday Cornhole Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | Every week on Thursday | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• St. Patrick's Day Bingo @ Melrose Vineyards | 5:30 PM

Friday, March 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
• Live Music: Paddy O'Furniture @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Supper Club Dinner @ Melrose Vineyards | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: Nina and The Rebel Rockers @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 8 PM
• Underground Dining Club @​ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards

Saturday, March 14th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | SE Jackson St | Link
• 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
• 47th Annual Benefit Car Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | March 14 & 15th | Link
• Live Music: Fandango @ Centerstage Theater at Umpqua Community College | 5 PM | Link
• Drain Spring Festival | Drain Civic Center | 3 PM | Link
• Live Music: Dear Drummer @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 11 PM | Link

Sunday, March 15th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• 47th Annual Benefit Car Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | March 14 & 15th | Link
• 2026 Hops for K9 Cops @ Backside Brewing Co. | 2 PM | Link

• We now have 19,263 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 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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That is the scoop for this Thursday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team