May 1, 2026

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

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Douglas Forest Protective Association is urging residents to prepare early and take steps to prevent wildfires as May begins National Wildfire Awareness Month.

DFPA said conditions in the Douglas District are already pointing toward the possibility of an early and active fire season. The agency cited record-breaking warm winter temperatures, ongoing drought, and little to no snowpack as factors that have left fuels dry and more likely to ignite.

While those environmental conditions are outside local control, DFPA said most wildfires are not.

According to the agency, 80% of wildfires in the Douglas District in 2025 were human-caused. Those fires burned 312 acres. DFPA said that number was down from 2024, but still shows that many fires can be prevented.

Residents are encouraged to use the month of May to prepare their homes and properties before fire season intensifies. DFPA recommends creating and maintaining defensible space, clearing dry vegetation, removing debris from roofs and gutters, and keeping flammable materials away from homes and other structures.

The agency also said vehicle maintenance is important, noting that vehicle fires account for the largest share of human-caused fires in the district. Drivers towing trailers are reminded not to drag chains, which can create sparks and start roadside fires.

DFPA also reminded the public to know the rules before working outdoors, recreating, or starting any activity that could create heat or sparks.

The 2026 Public Use Restrictions on lands protected by DFPA include:

• No debris burning, fireworks, or tracer ammunition at any time
• Campfires allowed only in designated sites
• Motor vehicles restricted to improved roads
• Equipment use and mowing limited by fire danger levels and time of day

Outside of fire season, residents who burn yard debris are urged to use extreme caution. DFPA said escaped debris burns remain among the leading causes of fires outside fire season.

People should avoid burning during warm or windy conditions and check with their local fire department before burning. DFPA also recommends safer alternatives when possible, including composting, chipping, or recycling.

For residents who do burn, DFPA recommends the following safety practices:

• Burn only natural vegetation, never garbage, plastics, or hazardous materials
• Keep burn piles small and manageable
• Clear the area around the pile down to mineral soil
• Keep a shovel and charged water source nearby
• Stay with the fire until it is completely out

Residents who previously burned debris piles should also check them again to make sure they are fully extinguished. DFPA said old piles can continue to smolder and reignite on warm, windy days.

If a burn escapes, residents should call 911 immediately. DFPA said property owners may be held responsible for suppression costs and damages, which can range from hundreds to millions of dollars.

DFPA is encouraging residents to stay informed, speak up, and do their part to prevent wildfires this season.

“One spark can change everything. Don’t be the cause,” the agency said.

Full 2026 restrictions and fire season updates are available at dfpa.net.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Umpqua Movement Arts Collaboration will bring a high-energy variety show to the Umpqua Community College campus this weekend with “Divas Las Vegas,” a production inspired by the glamour, music, and stage presence of classic Las Vegas entertainment.

The show will be performed at the Whipple Fine Arts Centerstage Theatre on the UCC campus, with evening performances on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, followed by an afternoon matinee on Sunday, May 3.

Tickets are $25 and are available online at www.umacroseburg.com or at the door. The event will include a no-host bar with refreshments, and all ages are welcome to attend.

According to organizers, “Divas Las Vegas” features more than a dozen acts designed to evoke the feel of big-stage Las Vegas productions from the 20th century while also including contemporary music for modern audiences. Nearly 40 dancers are expected to take the stage, including some performers appearing in their first show.

UMAC Creative Director Summer Fry said the production quickly found its energy.

“From the very beginning, this show felt like a sure bet,” Fry said. “The energy and sparkle of Las Vegas inspired so much creativity from our UMAC community and beyond.”

Fry said she is looking forward to audiences seeing the performers’ work.

“I am excited for you to experience the glamour, talent, and personality that each performer brings to the stage,” she said.

Umpqua Movement Arts Collaboration is the new home of The Diva Dancers, a group of Douglas County community members who have been preparing for the production since the beginning of the year. The Diva Dancers have been active since 2020, with a focus on advancing local movement arts by welcoming adults of all experience levels, ages, and genders into weekly classes and seasonal performances.

UMAC was formally incorporated in the summer of 2023. The nonprofit’s mission is to “cultivate an appreciation for wellness, creativity and diversity within the community” by bringing people together through movement, art, dance, holistic fitness, and theatrical performance.

More information about the organization and tickets for “Divas Las Vegas” are available at www.umacroseburg.com.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners announced Thursday that more than $3.3 million in Secure Rural Schools funding will be distributed to 14 school districts across the county.

County officials said the distribution is required by law and follows the federal fiscal year 2026 reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program. The funding also includes supplemental allocations meant to offset the absence of Secure Rural Schools funding in 2025, when the program was not reauthorized by the federal government.

School districts are expected to receive the payments within the next week.

Projected district payments include:

• Elkton: $51,016.87
• Riddle: $88,954.56
• Camas Valley: $46,546.02
• Reedsport: $133,887.97
• South Umpqua: $351,148.39
• Winston-Dillard: $319,369.13
• Glide: $194,092.08
• Oakland: $172,965.33
• Roseburg: $1,352,214.77
• Glendale: $69,355.15
• North Douglas: $82,974.48
• Sutherlin: $321,444.32
• Yoncalla: $63,617.99
• Days Creek: $59,775.10

The total school district funding distribution is $3,307,362.16.

“We hope this funding supports our local schools in continuing to provide educational opportunities for our children. It is important to understand that this distribution of funding for schools is statutorily required by law. The SRS & Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 was instituted as a temporary replacement for historical timber receipts. Although SRS funding has been a critical lifeline, it has not solved the problem of our mismanaged federal forests. Your Douglas County Commissioners continue to work with the Federal land managing agencies locally, regionally and nationally to return to a reasonable and responsible timber resource management program. When federal forests and timberlands are managed correctly, it provides funding for critical services, jobs for our citizens, and creates healthy forests,” Commissioner Tim Freeman said.

According to the county, more than 700 counties in 40 states receive a portion of federal Secure Rural Schools funding to support county services, including money designated for local schools. County officials said the funding remains only a fraction of what timber receipts once provided.

Douglas County officials said more than half of the county’s 5,000 square miles are under federal control and management, primarily by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Because the county does not receive property tax revenue from those lands, officials said Secure Rural Schools funding and timber receipts remain important revenue sources for services including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, 911 Communications, Search and Rescue, Senior Services, Veteran Services, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

The county also pointed to ongoing work related to the Northwest Forest Plan, the fiscal year 2026 Congressional Interior Appropriations Bill, and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s February 2026 notice of intent to begin developing a revised Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan for 2.5 million acres of Oregon and California Revested Grant Lands in western Oregon.

County officials said the fiscal year 2026 Interior Appropriations Bill corrects revisions made in 1982 and returns Oregon and California counties to 75% of shared timber receipts from Oregon and California lands. The county said that change is expected to result in a 50% increase in the current revenue share for Oregon and California counties on an annual basis.

Because Secure Rural Schools funding and timber receipts make up a significant portion of Douglas County’s budget, county officials said commissioners continue to track issues affecting those payments. Their work includes communication with Oregon’s congressional delegation, other counties and states that receive federal funding, and organizations including the Association of O&C Counties, National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition, and the National Association of Counties.

The county said commissioners also provide testimony before Congress, meet with agency personnel, and monitor how revenue-sharing payments are calculated to ensure Douglas County receives the federal funding it is entitled to.

Douglas County commissioners have approved an Emergency Drought Order, citing worsening drought conditions, low streamflows, poor soil moisture, reduced snowpack, and growing concerns for agriculture, livestock, water users, and wildfire danger.

The order was requested Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by Douglas County Public Works Director Scott Adams and approved by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners during its weekly business meeting.

County officials said the declaration is intended to help address impacts to residents, livestock, agriculture, forest products industries, and related businesses while also responding to an increased wildfire threat.

Douglas County is the tenth Oregon county to issue an emergency drought order this year. The county said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has already declared drought emergencies in Baker, Deschutes, Umatilla, Wallowa, Grant, Morrow, Crook, Jackson, and Jefferson counties.

The county’s order has been officially recorded, and Douglas County has submitted the signed order and an urgent request letter to the governor, asking for a state Emergency Drought Declaration for Douglas County under ORS 526.740.

If approved by the governor, the state declaration would allow more flexibility in water management and authorize state agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Commission, to expedite water management tools for users who may not otherwise have access.

County officials said the order is the result of severe and continued drought conditions that threaten essential services and jeopardize the peace, health, and welfare of Douglas County residents.

The order cites several major concerns:

• Agricultural, livestock, forest products industries, and related businesses are experiencing economic hardship and potential losses from extreme weather conditions.
• Feed and pasture production may decline, with a shorter growing season and reduced water supplies for agricultural, livestock, and vineyard producers.
• Surface water supplies are expected to be limited, affecting irrigators, industrial users, and domestic users.
• Groundwater resources may also be affected, with reduced recharge leading to lower spring and well water supplies for household use.
• Wildfire danger is increasing, with multi-year drought conditions contributing to lower fuel moisture and an earlier onset of fire danger.

According to the Oregon Water Resources Department Water Conditions Report cited in the order, Douglas County streamflows were 58% of average for March 2026. The report also stated that soil moisture levels were very low and that snow water equivalent in the Rogue-Umpqua Basin was 14% of the historical median.

The order also cited the U.S. Drought Monitor for Oregon, which showed that, as of March 17, 2026, most of Douglas County was already in Moderate Drought.

County officials said dry soil and low streamflows mean basin water managers expect to regulate surface water right users much earlier than normal and to older priority dates than usual.

The most recent three-month outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center also indicates that drought conditions are likely to continue, with probabilities favoring above-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation.

The county said the drought declaration has not resulted in any residential water use restrictions. However, officials said it serves as a reminder that water conservation is important and that fire danger is already high in Douglas County.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — After more than four decades serving the Roseburg community, Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant is preparing to close its doors.

In a message posted by the owner, the Duarte family announced the permanent closure of Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant on May 15, saying the decision comes after “42 wonderful years.” The announcement said Gilberto Sr. will be retiring, with his son, Gilbert Jr., by his side.

“After 42 wonderful years, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the permanent closure of Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant on May 15,” the family’s announcement said. “Gilberto Sr. will be embarking on a well-deserved retirement, with his son, Gilbert Jr. by his side. Thank you for your support over the years.”

The restaurant, located at 1347 NE Stephens St., has long been a recognizable part of Roseburg’s local dining scene. Public listings describe Gilberto’s as a family-owned Mexican restaurant serving the community from the same Roseburg location for nearly four decades, with its Facebook page listing the business at the Stephens Street address.

Gilberto’s roots trace back to owner and chef Gilberto Duarte, who is from Michoacán, Mexico, according to Experience Roseburg. The local tourism listing says Duarte began his first restaurant in 1983 with cousins in Salem before Gilberto’s became part of the Roseburg restaurant community.

Over the years, Gilberto’s became known to many customers as a family-style restaurant with handmade food, fresh ingredients, handmade tortillas, margaritas, and a broad menu. TripAdvisor’s listing describes it as “Roseburg’s oldest and most loved Mexican restaurant,” noting family recipes, fresh ingredients, handmade tortillas, and a wide menu.

The restaurant also became known for its personal connection with customers. Online review summaries and public restaurant listings repeatedly mention friendly service, generous portions, handmade dishes, chips and salsa, nachos, menudo, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Several public review aggregators describe Gilberto’s as a longtime local favorite for traditional Mexican food in Roseburg.

Gilberto’s also drew public attention during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, KPIC reported that Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant had begun allowing customers to dine on its patio during a time when restaurants were navigating changing executive orders and restrictions. Gilbert Duarte, identified in that report as a co-owner, said the restaurant was using disposable ware, taking orders at the front counter or outside, and serving a lighter menu while trying to operate safely.

For many in Roseburg, the closure marks more than the loss of a restaurant. It closes a chapter on a family business that served generations of local customers, hosted meals, marked family traditions, and remained part of the city’s food scene through decades of change.

No replacement business or future use for the location has been announced publicly.

Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant is expected to remain open until May 15.

The Douglas Timber Operators has announced that it will award three $2,500 scholarships for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.

Applicants must be residents of Douglas, Coos or Lane counties and plan to pursue a degree in a natural resource-related field. Eligible students may attend any accredited public or private post-secondary institution in Oregon or out of state.

Applications are available at: www.dougtimber.org

For additional information, contact Tina Roy at DTO at 672-0757 or via email: tina@dougtimber.org.

The application deadline is Friday, June 12th at 5:00 p.m.

The Umpqua Gem and Mineral Club has the 54th annual Rock & Gem show this weekend in Douglas Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

“Let it Rock, Let it Roll” is the theme. The show will feature jewelry and demonstrations, a fluorescent rock tent, crystals, and more. Kid’s games will be included as well. Show hours are Saturday from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 pm. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, with kids aged 12 and under admitted for free when accompanied by an adult.

The Umpqua Gem and Mineral Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Westside Christian Church on West Harvard Avenue in Roseburg.

For more information about the show and the club, go to: https://umpquagemandmineralclub.com

Limited Time Events

• In Studio Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | January 8 - May 17th | Every Week on Wed - Sun
• ART AS RECORD: MINIDOKA + 4 Add'l Exhibits feat. Japanese Artists @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | March 20 - May 22nd | 10 am - 6 pm | Link
• Roseburg Woodturners Guild Show | Mindpower Gallery - 417 Fir Ave in Reedsport | April 3 - May 2nd | 10 am - 5 pm | Link
• Guest Artist Dave Hall Exhibit @ Gallery Northwest | May 3nd - June 30th | Every week Tue - Sat | 11 am - 4 pm | Link

Monday, April 27th

• 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.

Tuesday, April 28th

• 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.

Wednesday, April 29th

• 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
• Downtown Roseburg Clean-Up | 5 - 6 pm | Link
• Live Music: Bob Hall @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link

Thursday, April 30th

• 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
• Al-Anon Meeting in Oakland (Weekly) | Oakland Ice House - 212 Lucust St | 2 - 3 PM
• Live Music: Wild at Heart Band @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 9 pm | Link
• RHS Jazz Band Fundraiser @ Splitz Family Grill | 6 pm | Link
• Thirsty Thursday Cornhole Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Cornhole Night @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 5:30 pm

Friday, May 1st

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4 pm
• 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 6:30 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
• Traditional Chinese Tea Service @ The Rosebud Theatre | 12 - 4 pm
• Live Music: Llorona @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Saturday, May 2nd

• 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+
• 54th Annual Rock & Gem Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | May 2 & 3rd | 9 am - 5 pm | Link
• DC Master Gardeners Plant & Garden Expo 2026 | 9 am - 4 pm | Link
• Kentucky Derby Party @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 pm | Link
• Live Music: Doug Schmude @ North Forty Beer Company | 6 pm | Link
• Spring Smash Pickleball Tournament @ Umpqua Valley Tennis Center | May 2 & 3rd | Link
• Live Music: Wild at Heart @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Live Music: Soul Shock @​ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 8 pm
• Traditional Chinese Tea Service @ The Rosebud Theatre | 12 - 4 pm
• Live Music: Stariana, Fingers Crossed They’re Dead, DJ Eric Yokai @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 pm
• Coffee with Christie | Winston City Hall Annex | 10 am - 12 pm | Espresso's will be providing coffee and cookies. Speak with the Winston Mayor on your wants and needs in the community
• Free Comic Book Day @​ Heroes Haven | 10 am | Link

Sunday, May 3rd

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 pm
• DC Master Gardeners Plant & Garden Expo 2026 | 9 am - 4 pm | Link
• Spring Smash Pickleball Tournament @ Umpqua Valley Tennis Center | May 2 & 3rd | Link
• Live Music: Carol & Guy @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 pm | Link
• Open-Mic Night @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 4 pm
• Jackpot Bingo @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 11 am - 1 pm

• We now have 20,261 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 Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team