May 21, 2026

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

Douglas County commissioners recognized local Search and Rescue volunteers and personnel Wednesday, issuing a proclamation during their weekly business meeting in honor of National Search and Rescue Week.

The proclamation, presented May 20, recognized the work of Douglas County Search and Rescue members, who assist with missing person searches, natural disasters, emergency events, wildfire evacuations and criminal investigations.

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin said Search and Rescue volunteers play a critical role in the Sheriff’s Office response.

“Our volunteers in Search and Rescue provide a critical role in the Sheriff’s Office response to lost and missing persons, natural disasters, and sometimes we depend on them to help us with criminal investigations,” Hanlin said. “I want to thank the Douglas County Board of Commissioners for your constant and full support of our Search & Rescue program over the years. You have always recognized the importance of Search & Rescue and always provided us with the resources we need. Most importantly, I want to thank our volunteers for your commitment and dedication to our Search & Rescue Program.”

During the meeting, Commissioner Tom Kress provided background on the county’s Search and Rescue program. Commissioner Chris Boice then read the proclamation on behalf of the board and presented certificates to Sheriff’s Office leaders, deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers.

Douglas County Search and Rescue operates under the direction of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Board of Commissioners. Volunteers donate their time, skills and training to respond when people are missing, injured or in need of help.

According to the county, Douglas County SAR volunteers completed 97 missions in 2025, with 85 adult volunteers donating 5,745 hours of service. The program also participated in 48 outreach and education events and conducted 108 training exercises. The SAR Dive Team, made up of eight members, logged 19.5 mission hours and 64 dive training hours.

The county’s Search and Rescue program includes several specialized teams, including:

• Communications Team
• Mounted Team
• Ground Team
• 4x4 Team
• Snow Cat Team
• Dive Team
• K-9 Team
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team
• Logistics Team
• Mountain Rescue Team
• Tracking Team

Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy and SAR Coordinator Larissa May said the success of the program comes from the volunteers and their families.

“Thank you Commissioners. I just want to say that the success of our Search and Rescue Program is completely because of the volunteers in our community who give selflessly every time they are called upon no matter the capacity,” May said. “Whether it be a search for someone or a recovery when we know the person is deceased and ultimately have to leave their families and bring that person home to theirs. The people in our community who step up and decide to be search and rescue volunteers are dedicating hundreds of hours to obtain the training that’s required to reach their Oregon State Sheriff’s Office certification and then continue to selflessly give back to in our community. It is really all their effort and hard work that makes us so successful. I want to thank them and their families that support them and allow them to give back.”

Representative Virgle Osborne, who was among the volunteers recognized, also thanked the commissioners and Sheriff’s Office for their support.

“Thank you to all of the Board of Commissioners for your support,” Osborne said. “I’ve been on a number of search and rescue missions, and we have an amazing group of Search & Rescue volunteers here in Douglas County. I’ve seen some people give it their all. We don’t get paid for this job, but it’s nice to know that we have the support of the County and the Sheriff’s Office and know that when we are out there, we have that with us. It makes our job safer and helps us do what we need to do. I am proud to be part of Search & Rescue and I plan to always be part of it.”

National Search and Rescue Week was first observed in May 2010, after the United States Senate passed a resolution designating the fourth week in May each year to honor search and rescue personnel and volunteers. Search and rescue organizations are largely made up of volunteers with specialized training, including pilots, mountaineers, divers, dog handlers, backcountry horsemen, snowmobilers and ATV operators.

Boice said the work requires extensive training and commitment.

“What Search & Rescue is, is people who spend a tremendous amount of time training to help others,” Boice said. “They train all on their own, voluntarily and train in specialized areas like ground search, how to read a compass, GPS and road maps, first aid, tracking and using specialized equipment.”

Boice said the county benefits from the volunteers’ dedication.

“It’s important for people to understand that these people who are going out volunteering their time and at times risking their own lives, are highly trained and very dedicated,” Boice said. “And I truly appreciate that. The work you do matters, even when the outcome is not what we want - it is important to the public and to the families. We could not do this work without you volunteers. Our county is much better off because of your dedication and commitment to training. Thank you!”

To show support for Search and Rescue volunteers and personnel, commissioners also directed the county Facilities Department to “Turn the Night Orange” by changing the exterior lights at the Douglas County Courthouse to orange from May 18 through May 24.

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

ROSEBURG, Ore. — A Roseburg dental professional has been named to a top international leadership role in the field of orthodontics.

Dr. William “Lee” Willis has been appointed president of the International Association for Orthodontics for the 2026–2027 term. The appointment places a Roseburg-based practitioner in a leadership role with an organization that includes dental and orthodontic professionals from around the world.

Willis graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1996. Several years later, he began further study in orthodontics, where his work expanded into temporomandibular disorder, commonly known as TMD.

Today, Willis practices in Roseburg, with a focus on TMD dentistry and orthodontics. He also has a special interest in reverse extraction orthodontics and has written numerous articles while lecturing nationally and internationally on TMD-related topics.

In addition to his upcoming role as president of the International Association for Orthodontics, Willis has spent the past eight years serving on the International Board of Orthodontics as one of its board examiners. He has also previously served as president of both the International Board of Orthodontics and the IAO Pacific Northwest Section.

For Roseburg, the appointment is a notable recognition. While national and international leadership roles are often associated with larger metro areas, Willis’ selection highlights professional work being done from Douglas County on a much wider stage.

The International Association for Orthodontics congratulated Willis on the appointment and wished him a successful term marked by leadership, innovation and continued excellence in orthodontics.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — A bat found in Douglas County has tested positive for rabies, according to a joint release from the Douglas County Environmental Health Division, Douglas Public Health Network and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division.

The positive test was confirmed by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. County officials said it is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Douglas County in 2026 and the fourth positive case reported in Oregon so far this year. The last time bats tested positive for rabies in Douglas County was in 2021.

According to officials, Douglas County Environmental Health worked with Umpqua Wildlife Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division after a concerned resident brought in a distressed bat for care. The bat was tested, and the resident will be encouraged to receive post-exposure care under Oregon Health Authority guidelines for animal bites and rabies.

Rabies is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. While post-exposure vaccination is effective, Douglas County Environmental Health Supervisor Phil Kailiuli said prevention remains the best approach.

“People should avoid any and all contact with bats or other wild animals; make sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies; and if you are bitten by an animal, please contact your doctor or health care provider and seek medical attention immediately,” Kailiuli said.

Kailiuli said bats play an important role in the environment, but people should not handle them.

“Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but people should avoid direct contact with them,” Kailiuli said. “Bats that are sick may be found lying on the ground, unable to fly, or displaying unusual behavior. If you encounter a sick bat or other ill wildlife on your property, do not touch the animal. Bring children and pets indoors and contact our local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Roseburg Field Office at (541) 440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at (541) 440-6895 for assistance.”

County officials said the case also serves as a reminder to avoid contact with unknown animals, even if they appear friendly. Animals may bite if they are startled, sick, injured or provoked.

Officials shared several safety reminders:

• Avoid contact with bats. A bat seen during daylight hours may be unhealthy and should not be touched.
• Do not approach or touch wounded wildlife. Leave that to trained professionals.
• Do not feed, catch or play with wild animals, including foxes, squirrels, birds, skunks, opossums, bats, beavers, rats, venomous snakes or raccoons.
• Do not disturb animals while they are feeding or caring for their young.
• Never try to pet or remove a baby wild animal from its nest, den or habitat.

Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical attention and report the bite. For questions about animal bites or rabies, residents can contact the Douglas County Environmental Health Division at 541-440-4559 or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at 541-440-4328.

Residents who encounter a sick bat or other ill wildlife can contact the ODFW Roseburg Field Office at 541-440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at 541-440-6895.

The City of Roseburg will open the Fir Grove Splash Pad on Saturday.

A city release said it begins summer operation on Memorial Day weekend and will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to dusk through Labor Day at Fir Grove Park, on West Harvard Avenue.

Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Tracy David said, “The Splash Pad at Fir Grove Park is a perfect summer stop for families with little ones”. David said, “Running through the cool water is a great way to stay active and cool during the summer”.

Shade is limited, so visitors are encouraged to bring sunscreen.

For more information, go to: www.roseburgor.gov or call the Public Works Department at 492-6730.

A contractor hired by Douglas County is doing a scheduled water service shutdown on Winchester Road in Winchester Bay on Thursday from 7:00 am. to 7:00 p.m.

All residents on the City of Reedsport water from Sunset Drive past Lake Marie, Dunes Way 1 and 2 and the nearby condos will experience intermittent water outages.

Those with questions or concerns can call Reedsport City Hall at 541-271-3603.

For more information on the City of Reedsport, go to: www.cityofreedsport.org

Limited Time Events

• ART AS RECORD: MINIDOKA + 4 Add'l Exhibits feat. Japanese Artists @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | March 20 - May 22nd | 10 am - 6 pm | Link
• 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)

Monday, May 18th

• 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, May 19th

• 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, May 20th

• 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
• Live Music: Dylan James @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Mic Drop Comedy in Elements Lounge @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 9 pm | Link
• T. Bone Stone's Old School Blues Jam @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link

Thursday, May 21st

• 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

Friday, May 22nd

• 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

Saturday, May 23rd

• 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+
• Hotel California "A Salute to the Eagles" @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Island Escape Luau @ The Winery at Umpqua Community College | 3 - 8 pm | Link
• Live Music: David Knebel Band @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Jesse Meade @ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Memorial Day Weekend Library Tasting @ Abacela | May 23, 24, 25 | 11 am - 6pm | Link

Sunday, May 24th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 pm

• We now have 20,785 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