March 5, 2026

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

Roseburg Forest Products is restarting construction on its long-planned Dillard MDF project, a move the company says is central to a long-term growth strategy and an effort to become the leading producer of medium density fiberboard products in the West.

The company said construction activity resumed March 4, 2026, on the modern MDF plant planned at its Dillard complex in Southern Oregon. The project is part of a multi-year modernization effort and what Roseburg describes as a historic investment in the region.

When completed, Dillard MDF is expected to feature a latest-generation Siempelkamp continuous press. Roseburg said the technology will convert wood residuals into both high-density fiberboard (HDF) and traditional MDF panels, along with value-added products aimed at construction, cabinetry and flooring markets.

Roseburg said the new mill will be fully integrated into its existing Dillard complex to tap into the site’s high-quality wood fiber supply and biomass energy production.

“We are very pleased to announce the restart of our Dillard MDF project,” said Stuart Gray, president and CEO, in a statement.

Gray said the project “plays a key role” in Roseburg’s future and described the plant as being positioned to be one of the lowest-cost producers in the world, which he said would strengthen the company’s competitive position in composite panels in the West and across North America.

The company had paused the project in early 2025, citing economic uncertainty, volatile market conditions, and the possibility of Oregon state policy changes that Roseburg said could have undermined the project’s viability.

Gray said Roseburg made strategic moves during 2025 to improve overall business performance during uncertain times and downcycle market conditions. He said those steps, combined with what the company described as improving stability in state policy, reinforced its long-term outlook for Dillard MDF. Roseburg said it is confident in the project as a strategic investment and is looking for continued state and local support to maintain the viability of major investments in Oregon.

Roseburg expects the new MDF plant to employ more than 140 people when operations begin in late 2028.

The company already produces MDF at its mill in Medford, Oregon, and also operates MDF production in El Dorado, Arkansas, and Pembroke, Ontario, Canada.

Roseburg also said the fiberboard press at Dillard MDF will be installed on the same footprint as the first press Siempelkamp supplied to Roseburg more than 50 years ago. The new press is designed to produce MDF and HDF panels in thicknesses ranging from 2 millimeters to 28 millimeters.

Community members are invited to celebrate sustainability, local ecology and renewable energy during the Earth Day and Energy Fair 2026, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on SE Main Street in downtown Roseburg.

The free public event is organized by Umpqua Watersheds and Thrive Umpqua, and will feature exhibits, educational displays and activities designed to highlight environmental stewardship across the Umpqua region.

Organizers say the fair will include information tables, exhibits and activities for children, giving families an opportunity to learn more about natural resources, sustainable practices and local environmental projects.

Throughout the day, several educational sessions and presentations will be offered on topics related to conservation, food systems and outdoor stewardship. Planned topics include:

• Renewable energy and climate solutions
• Biochar and its role in turning forest waste into climate solutions
• How food choices affect environmental systems
• Gardening with children
• Native plant landscaping
• Wild mushroom foraging
• Beekeeping
• The Crater Lake Wilderness proposal

According to organizers, the goal of the fair is to connect the community with ideas and projects that support healthy lands, healthy people and healthy communities across the Umpqua Valley.

The event is open to the public, and community groups and organizations are encouraged to participate by hosting informational tables or exhibits.

Additional information about participating organizations or hosting a booth can be obtained by contacting organizers through Umpqua Watersheds.

The Umpqua Valley is expecting some stray showers on Thursday with high pressure moving in later Friday and sticking around for the upcoming weekend.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that not much rain is likely Thursday. Saturday and Sunday should see above normal high temperatures and dry conditions. Some snow at higher elevations in the region is forecast for Monday night through Wednesday, but the Roseburg area should only have a chance of rain.

The high temperature at the Roseburg Regional Airport was 53 degrees on Wednesday. That was below the normal high for this week in March which is 57 degrees. 0.75 inches of rain were recorded.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening will be held for Roseburg’s new $2.5 million outdoor tennis and pickleball facility on Thursday.

A city release said the public is invited to attend the ceremony and view the eight newly renovated tennis courts, ten dedicated pickleball courts and new fencing, lighting, seating, entryway and security system. The courts are located in Stewart Park, next to the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center on Northwest Stewart Parkway.

The renovation of the courts was financed by a $750,000 state grant won by Roseburg Parks and Recreation Program Manager Val Ligon, $523,000 in city funds, and $1.1 million in matching community funds raised by the nonprofit Umpqua Valley Tennis Center.

The event will begin at 3:30 p.m.

The Bureau of Land Management is replacing a deteriorating culvert and will temporarily close a portion of Rice Creek Road, also known as BLM Road 29-7-24.0, starting on Friday.

That road is located off Willis Creek Road, southwest of Winston.

A BLM release said construction is expected to last two to four days. During that time, no through access or bypass route will be available at the work site. The project involves heavy equipment and excavation, making a full closure necessary for the safety of both workers and the public.

BLM Field Manager of the South River Field Office James J. Halperin said, “We appreciate the public’s patience while we complete this essential maintenance work”. Halperin said, “Replacing this culvert now helps prevent larger issues in the future and ensures the road remains safe for all users”.

Anyone who needs direct access during the closure should park on the north side of the project area and coordinate directly with on-site personnel. Access is not guaranteed.

A map showing the project location is available from the Roseburg District Office.

Umpqua Economic Development Partnership is bringing back the Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Night events for 2026.

The Pitch Night program aims to provide financial and advisory support for emerging businesses in Douglas County, fostering their growth and encouraging success. Since its inception in 2019, Pitch Night events have generated nearly $100,000 for local entrepreneurs.

The first event of the year will be held on Thursday, April 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Backside Brewing on Northeast Odell Avenue in Roseburg.

To be eligible to participate, businesses must:

• Have already been in business for between one and three years
• Registered in Oregon and located in Douglas County
• Have a minimum of $1,000 in average annual revenue
• Cannot be currently up for sale

Applications are open until March 20th. For more information and to apply, go to: www.umpquagrowthtalks.com

The Umpqua Symphony Association will present Fandango! in concert on Saturday, March 14th at 3:00 p.m. at Centerstage Theater on the Umpqua Community College campus.

Fandango! takes its name from its signature piece, the last movement of the “Fandango Quintet by Boccherini. Touted as one of the most exciting groups on Chicago’s music scene, Fandango! is a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan and classical sounds. The members of this multi award-winning group hail from Spain, France, Bosnia and Taiwan.

Tickets are $30 per person and are available online. Look for the link provided at: https://dcyomusic.org/concerts-and-events/ Tickets are also available at the door.

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

Monday, March 2nd

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
• Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM
• Guitar Sensation Jacob Deraps 2026 Debut US Tour @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link

Tuesday, March 3rd

• 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
• All Ages Jazz Jam @ North Forty Beer Company | 5 - 7:30 PM | Link

Wednesday, March 4th

• 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.

Thursday, March 5th

• 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
• Friends of the Library Book Sale @ The Roseburg Public Library | March 5 - 7 | 9 AM - 8 PM | Link
• Umpqua Valley Fly Fishers Meetup @ The Roseburg Country Club | March 5th @ 5:30 - 8 PM | There will be socializing, speakers, raffle prizes, and fun!

Friday, March 6th

• 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
• Friends of the Library Book Sale @ The Roseburg Public Library | March 5 - 7 | 9 AM - 8 PM | Link
• DIGITAL DÉJÀ VU Immersive Art Show @ Anvil Northwest | 5 PM | Link

Saturday, March 7th

• 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
• Friends of the Library Book Sale @ The Roseburg Public Library | March 5 - 7 | 9 AM - 8 PM | Link
• Greatest of the Grape @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• Live Music: Acoustic Blend @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sunday, March 8th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME - SPRING AHEAD

• We now have 19,160 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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• 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

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Email: community@theroseburgreceiver.com

That is the scoop for this Thursday morning. Enjoy your day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team