March 26, 2026

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

SUTHERLIN, Ore. — Sutherlin High School is set to host its first-ever Unified Comic Con next month, bringing together cosplay, gaming, art, vendors and community support in a two-day event aimed at celebrating creativity and inclusion.

The event will be held April 11-12 at Sutherlin High School, 500 E. Fourth Ave. in Sutherlin.

Event Hours

• Saturday, April 11: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, April 12: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What the Event Is About

Organized by the school’s Special Education Department, the convention is being promoted as an inclusive event built around the idea of “unity through pop culture.”

According to organizers, the event is meant to give students and adults of all abilities a chance to come together through fandom, creativity and community participation. The convention is also designed to highlight student talent, support local creators and raise money for student programs and clubs at Sutherlin High School.

Event coordinator Brenda Richardson said the goal is to create a fun and welcoming space where the community can celebrate together while supporting students and local vendors.

What People Can Expect

Organizers say the convention will include a mix of activities and attractions, including:

• Vendor booths
• Artist Alley tables
• Food trucks
• Tabletop gaming
• Live-action role play
• Family-friendly activities
• Local community exhibitors
• Cosplay contest with prizes

Admission

Admission to the event will be free.

Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support the Sutherlin/Oakland food pantry.

Vendors, Artists and Food Trucks

The school is actively seeking vendors, and organizers say space is limited.

Businesses, artists and food vendors are being invited to apply for booth or service space. Organizers say the event is intended to give local artists, small businesses and food trucks a chance to connect with families, students and fandom communities from around the region.

For vendor pricing, space availability and application information, organizers say people can visit the Sutherlin School Comic Con Facebook page or contact the event team directly.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizers are also asking for sponsorship support from local businesses and community members.

Hero Sponsor - $500+

This top sponsorship level includes:

• Large logo placement on banners, flyers and digital promotions
• Recognition in social media posts and press releases
• Verbal acknowledgment during opening and closing ceremonies
• Opportunity to display a banner or booth at the event
• Certificate of appreciation and thank-you

Sidekick Sponsor - $250+

This sponsorship level includes:

• Logo on event flyers, programs and sponsor thank-you board
• Social media mention before the event
• Certificate of appreciation

Community Sponsor - Any Amount or In-Kind Donation

Organizers say community sponsors can contribute through donations of:

• Snacks
• Prizes
• Gift cards
• Supplies
• Decorations

Community sponsors will receive recognition on the event’s sponsor thank-you board and a shoutout on social media.

Where Sponsorship Support Will Go

According to event materials, sponsor support will help pay for:

• Inclusive event supplies and accessibility needs
• Prizes and giveaways for contests
• Cosplay and art activity materials
• Gaming tournament setups and adaptive equipment
• Decorations and themed displays

Checks can be made payable to Sutherlin High School.

Contact Information

People interested in vendor space, sponsorships or volunteering can contact:

Brenda Richardson
Event Coordinator, Sutherlin High School Unified Comic Con
Phone: 541-459-9551 or 541-430-3350
Email: bmrichardson@sutherlin.k12.or.us

Organizers are also encouraging people to follow event updates through the Sutherlin School Comic Con Facebook page and on social media using:

• #sutherlincomiccon
• #unifiedcomiccon
• #sutherlinunified

The Bigger Picture

Sutherlin High School says the event is about more than comics and cosplay. Organizers describe it as a chance to build friendships, showcase student talent and create a community event centered on inclusion, imagination and shared interests.

Vendor Documents

• Vendor Application
• Vendor Rules

Douglas County commissioners formally recognized Sunday, March 29, 2026, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Douglas County during the Roseburg VA Health Care System’s Third Annual Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event, held Wednesday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman took part in the ceremony, which honored Vietnam veterans and their families through a day of recognition, remembrance, music, and ceremonial presentations. The event was hosted by the Roseburg VA Health Care System and centered on welcoming home veterans whose service was too often met without the gratitude they deserved.

A video of the ceremony is available on the Douglas County Government Facebook page.

Proclamation presented during ceremony

The proclamation, presented by Commissioner Tim Freeman on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, declares March 29 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Douglas County and encourages residents to honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their courage, service, and sacrifice.

The document also reflects on the broader national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, which concluded in 2025, and recognizes March 29 as the day chosen to permanently honor Vietnam veterans. That date marks March 29, 1973, when the United States Military Assistance Command in Vietnam was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.

In the proclamation, county leaders said the commemoration stands as a promise that the country will never again allow veterans to return home without the welcome and respect they earned.

“The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration is a vow that we as a nation will never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our U.S. Armed Forces,” Freeman said during the ceremony. “With conviction, we pledge our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans who were denied a proper welcome home upon returning to U.S. soil more than 50 years ago.”

Copies of the proclamation were also presented to Vietnam veterans in attendance.

Event brought veterans, families and supporters together

The annual Welcome Home event included a reception and lunch for Vietnam veterans and their families, along with a full program of tributes and presentations.

Among the featured elements of the event:

• Reception and luncheon for Vietnam veterans and their families
• Memorial veterans wall, flag displays, and boot displays
• Welcome from Roseburg VA Health Care System Chief CDCE and master of ceremonies Traci Palmer
• Opening prayer by acting Chief RVAHCS Chaplain Patrice Borne
• Presentation of the colors by the Umpqua Valley Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 805 Honor Guard
• Opening remarks from RVAHCS Interim Director Dr. Christina Hansel Cellura
• Presentation from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, delivered by Appeals & Special Advocacy Director Joe Glover
• Remarks on the Honor Flight program from VVA Chapter 805 President Bill Duncan, with Southern Oregon Chapter Director Ken Wilson also in attendance
• A patriotic musical performance by Navy Band Northwest
• A ceremonial 21-gun salute by the VVA Chapter 805 Honor Guard, followed by taps performed on cornet by Navy Band Northwest
• A community response from Dennis “Ande” Anderson, a Vietnam veteran

Challenge coin ceremony honored each attending veteran

One of the event’s central moments was a special coining ceremony, during which each attending Vietnam veteran received a commemorative challenge coin in recognition of their service.

The significance of the coin was explained by retired U.S. Marine Corps Major Dr. Shawn Tyson, who shared the story behind the tradition before the presentation began.

Coin presenters included:

• Joe Glover, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
• Dr. Christina Hansel Cellura, Roseburg VA Health Care System
• Tom Kress, Douglas County commissioner
• Chris Boice, Douglas County commissioner
• Tim Freeman, Douglas County commissioner
• John Hanlin, Douglas County sheriff
• Brad O’Dell, Douglas County undersheriff
• Dan Loomis, Douglas County clerk
• Dr. Shawn Tyson

Music honored every military branch

The ceremony also featured a patriotic medley by Navy Band Northwest, including selections such as God Bless America, The Liberty Bell, Shenandoah, an Armed Forces hymn medley, Americana Medley, and the Navy Hymn.

The band also performed anthems for each military branch while Vietnam veterans were invited to stand during the anthem representing their branch of service:

• Army — The Army Goes Rolling Along
• Marine Corps — The Marines’ Hymn
• Navy — Anchors Aweigh
• Air Force — The U.S. Air Force
• Space Force — Semper Supra
• Coast Guard — Semper Paratus

A day centered on recognition and respect

The event concluded with a door prize drawing and closing remarks from Palmer, but the larger theme of the day remained clear throughout the ceremony: recognition, gratitude, and a long-overdue welcome home for Vietnam veterans.

County officials thanked the Roseburg VA Health Care System for inviting them to participate and for continuing to organize the annual event honoring local veterans.

A copy of the complete video presentation of the ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

Winston’s One and Only Dispensary Opens Today

Redbarn Dispensary is opening today in Winston for its pre-opening, giving the city a new business and residents a first look at what’s to come.

The shop’s hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a grand opening announcement expected in the near future. The address is 161 S Main St. in Winston across the street from Domino's Pizza.

As Winston’s one and only dispensary, the opening marks a notable moment for the community and adds another new business to the local landscape. The Winston location also stands out as one of the few dispensaries in Douglas County with a drive-thru.

The Roseburg Receiver will be taking a closer look at Redbarn in an upcoming story and will continue following the opening as it moves toward its official grand opening.

Work is underway this week on a new shade structure at the Roseburg Skate Park, bringing back a feature the park has gone without for about a decade.

The City of Roseburg’s Public Works Department contracted the installation of the new structure, which is expected to measure about 20 feet by 24 feet. The project was made possible after Thrive Umpqua secured a $95,000 Community Health Improvement Plan grant from Umpqua Health Alliance on the city’s behalf.

The structure is being built on an existing concrete pad next to the skate park, where an earlier shade cover once stood before it was removed around 10 years ago.

The grant also paid for another park upgrade already in place - a new drinking fountain equipped with a water bottle filling station.

For local riders, the return of a shaded area is more than just a construction project. Cody Scott, owner of Paranormal Action Sports, said the addition will make a big difference during the warmer months by giving skaters and BMX riders a place to cool off.

Scott was at the skate park Wednesday during a free BMX event for youth while crews worked nearby on the new structure. He said the project is especially meaningful to him because of his long history at the park.

“I’m so excited,” Scott said. “I’ve been riding my bike here for about 16 years. This was my home away from home.”

He said the previous shade structure was heavily damaged over time, with graffiti, holes in the wood, and even a picnic bench removed and repurposed as an obstacle.

Now, Scott said he is encouraging younger riders and skaters to take pride in the park and help protect the new addition once it is completed. He also urged people not to spray paint surfaces in the park, especially the concrete riding areas, because paint can make them dangerously slick.

“This is another home - something to protect, just as we would our own home,” Scott said.

The project marks another improvement for the skate park and adds both comfort and function for the community members who use it regularly.

View several photos of the project on The Roseburg Receiver website here.

Douglas County Senior Services will continue its countywide Senior Resource Series on Friday at Lower Umpqua Senior Center on Winchester Avenue in Reedsport.

It is taking place to connect older adults, caregivers and families with important services and support available throughout the county. Information will include details about meal opportunities, in-home care services, family caregiver resources and more. Staff will be available to answer questions and help individuals learn how to access services that support independence, health and quality of life.

The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes an opportunity for seniors to enjoy lunch. To RSVP for the meal, call Senior Services at 440-3677

Upcoming Senior Resource Series events will take place:

• April 10th at Winston Community Center
• May 15th at Glide Community Center
• June 12th at Sutherlin Senior Center
• July 17th at the Special People’s Depot in Glendale
• September 18th at a location to be determined in Riddle

For more information on Douglas County Services, go to: https://www.douglascountyor.gov/452/Senior-Services

Thursday is the final day for Spring Break meals for kids in the Winston Dillard School District.

Kids have the choice of a hot or cold meal, plus fruit, vegetables and milk. Meals are delivered by the yellow Lunch Box Express van. A Grab-n-Go breakfast and lunch are available at these locations and times:

• McGovern Elementary School from 8:15 a.m. to 8:25 a.m.
• Douglas High School from 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
• Brockway Elementary School from 8:45 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
• Lookingglass Elementary School from 9:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.
• Dillard Alternative High School from 9:35 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
• Winston Middle School from 9:55 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
• Civic Wayside Park from 11:35 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
• Community Park from 12:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Spring Break meals are sponsored by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and by the Winston-Dillard School District.

Oregon Old Time Fiddler’s Association has their 2026 state convention happening through Saturday.

The event is taking place at the Winston Assembly of God Church on Southeast Darrell Avenue.

• Thursday is open for jamming throughout the day until 8:30 p.m.
• Friday more jamming plus workshops will be happening. The 7:00 p.m. evening show will feature 2025 National Fiddle Champion Jacie Sites.
• Saturday will feature more jamming and workshops from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be a membership meeting at 11:00 a.m.

A food truck will be on-site Thursday and Saturday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a catered dinner available on Friday night.

For more information about the event, or about the Oregon Old Time Fiddler’s Association, go to: https://ootfa.org/

Lenten Meditations in Music continues Friday at Roseburg’s First Presbyterian Church.

Held for decades, the program is designed to provide time for gathering and prayerful contemplation during Lent. It takes place in the church sanctuary on Southeast Lane Avenue downtown, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. It can also be seen on the church’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel.

This week, pianist Karen Biggs will be featured.

The series will wrap up next week with traditional Good Friday readings and music.

For more information about Lenten Meditations in Music, go to: https://www.fpcrose.org/

Limited Time Events

• In Studio Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | January 8 - May 17th | Every Week on Wed - Sun
• Make, Mix and Shine: Spring Break Cooking Activities for Families @ Rainbow Kitchen | March 24 - 26th | 2 - 4 PM | Link
• 49th Annual Spring Fair @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | March 27 - 29th | 1 - 8 PM | Link
• ART AS RECORD: MINIDOKA + 4 Add'l Exhibits feat. Japanese Artists @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | March 20 - May 22nd | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link

Monday, March 23rd

• 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.
• Monday Night Auxiliary Bingo | Winston VFW | 4:30 PM | must have papers by 5:30, $17 for all games.

Tuesday, March 24th

• 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
• Make, Mix and Shine: Spring Break Cooking Activities for Families @ Rainbow Kitchen | March 24 - 26th | 2 - 4 PM | Link

Wednesday, March 25th

• 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.
• 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
• Make, Mix and Shine: Spring Break Cooking Activities for Families @ Rainbow Kitchen | March 24 - 26th | 2 - 4 PM | Link
• Live Music: Bob Hall @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Live Music: Progressive Bluegrass with Caltucky @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9 PM | Link

Thursday, March 26th

• 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
• Make, Mix and Shine: Spring Break Cooking Activities for Families @ Rainbow Kitchen | March 24 - 26th | 2 - 4 PM | Link
• Live Music: Anni Piper @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM

Friday, March 27th

• 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
• 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
• 49th Annual Spring Fair @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | March 27 - 29th | 1 - 8 PM | Link
• Live Music: Wild at Heart @ Little Brothers Pub | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: Between Home and Somewhere Else, Tarantula Trust Fund @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 8 PM

Saturday, March 28

• 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
• Saturday Night Karaoke with DJ Dan | Winston VFW | 5 - 9 PM | 21+
• 49th Annual Spring Fair @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | March 27 - 29th | 1 - 8 PM | Link
• Saving Grace Humane Society Kitten Shower @ The Wine Destination | 11 AM - 2 PM | Link
• Shaun Tam @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: The Rowshambow Band @​ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 8 PM
• Live Music: Melissa Ruth & The Likely Stories @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM

Sunday, March 29th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• 49th Annual Spring Fair @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | March 27 - 29th | 1 - 8 PM | Link
• Live Music: Acoustic Blend @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 PM | Link
• Live Music: Vana Liya @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM

• We now have 19,530 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/

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team