November 10, 2026

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

ROSEBURG, Ore. - After weeks of discussion, public testimony and questions about privacy and public safety, the Roseburg City Council voted 6-2 Monday evening to keep the city's Flock license plate recognition cameras operating as they currently are.

Councilors Zack Weiss and Ellen Porter cast the two opposing votes.

The decision came during the November 9 council meeting, which The Roseburg Receiver attended. Councilors heard from residents both supporting and opposing the cameras before returning to a motion that had been postponed at the October 26 meeting.

The motion, originally introduced by Councilor Shelley Briggs Loosley and seconded by Council President Andrea Zielinski, called for the city to keep its Flock cameras "as is."

Monday's vote allows the Roseburg Police Department to continue using the city's existing 15-camera system without additional restrictions adopted as part of the motion.

The decision followed a discussion that highlighted differences in how residents and councilors view the technology. Supporters described the cameras as an investigative tool that helps officers solve crimes and locate missing people. Opponents questioned whether the public safety benefits justify the collection of information about vehicles traveling through the city.

Several councilors also expressed interest in finding a middle ground that would preserve the system's usefulness while providing additional local oversight.

Residents Speak on Both Sides of the Issue

Public comment Monday evening included residents who supported keeping the cameras and others who urged the council to discontinue their use.

Jeff Wigstrom spoke in favor of the system, saying he believes the Roseburg Police Department has earned the community's trust through its professionalism and accountability.

Wigstrom acknowledged that privacy concerns deserve consideration but pointed to Oregon Senate Bill 1516, which establishes statewide requirements for automated license plate recognition technology.

He argued that the cameras provide officers with an important tool for identifying stolen vehicles, investigating crimes and locating missing people. He also emphasized that supporting the technology should not mean abandoning accountability.

Jim Titus, who has previously addressed the council about Flock, again urged councilors to discontinue the program.

Titus questioned whether automated license plate readers have demonstrated meaningful reductions in crime and argued that collecting information from passing vehicles creates privacy risks for people who are not suspected of wrongdoing.

He also raised concerns about potential misuse, inaccurate matches and the possibility of collected information revealing people's movements over time.

Other residents expressed similar concerns, questioning whether a system designed to assist criminal investigations could eventually be used for purposes beyond those currently authorized.

One speaker described the difference between information people voluntarily share through phones or commercial services and information collected automatically while driving on public streets.

The speaker argued that residents can choose whether to use certain consumer technologies but cannot reasonably avoid public roads equipped with license plate cameras.

Another resident, Laura Long, focused much of her testimony on the technology provider itself.

Long said her concerns were less about intentional misuse by Roseburg police officers and more about what Flock Safety, as a private company, might be able to do with the information collected through its systems.

She also questioned whether additional investment in police staffing would be a more effective way to improve public safety.

Other speakers raised questions about the cost of the cameras, the transparency of data sharing, and whether residents should have a greater opportunity to participate in decisions involving surveillance technology.

Some also suggested that the city consider a broader public discussion or community assembly before making long-term decisions about the system.

The testimony reflected differing opinions among those who attended and spoke at the meeting, although public comments alone do not establish how the broader Roseburg community feels about the cameras.

Police Chief Explains How Roseburg Uses the Cameras

Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein answered additional questions from councilors Monday evening, including questions about what types of information can trigger an alert and whether the system can be used for traffic enforcement.

Klopfenstein explained that the city's cameras are not configured to generate alerts for routine traffic violations.

He said alerts are directed to Douglas County Dispatch, which then notifies officers when a vehicle associated with certain law enforcement databases is detected.

Examples include stolen vehicles, missing person cases and Amber Alerts.

When asked whether the cameras could identify unregistered or uninsured vehicles, Klopfenstein said Roseburg's system is not configured to generate those types of alerts.

He also explained that the city's contract does not automatically change when Flock develops or offers additional technology. Changes to the services provided would require city approval.

The department has previously told councilors that the cameras capture still images of vehicles and license plates, along with information such as vehicle characteristics, time and location.

The cameras do not use facial recognition to identify drivers and are not used to issue speeding tickets or other routine traffic citations.

According to information provided during previous council meetings, captured information is generally retained for 30 days before deletion unless preserved for an authorized investigation or court proceeding.

City officials have also said that access to the system is restricted, searches must be associated with legitimate law enforcement purposes, and activity is subject to auditing requirements.

The city currently operates 15 cameras at major entry and exit points, rather than throughout residential neighborhoods.

The existing contract covers 2026 through 2028 at a total cost of $75,000, funded through the police department's budget.

Councilors Weigh Public Safety Against Privacy Concerns

Councilor Zack Weiss raised concerns about the long-term implications of allowing technology to collect information about residents' movements.

Weiss said he does not view privacy and public safety as entirely separate issues, arguing that protecting personal information is itself a component of keeping people safe.

He acknowledged that the cameras can provide useful information to law enforcement but questioned what widespread acceptance of the technology could mean for future generations.

His concerns focused not only on how the cameras are being used today, but on how future policies and technologies might change their use.

Councilor Tom Michalek spoke in support of keeping the cameras, citing conversations he has had with residents and the safeguards established under state law.

Michalek said most of the people he had personally spoken with supported the cameras. He also noted that other technologies, including smartphones and consumer devices, collect information about people's activities.

He argued that Roseburg's cameras provide valuable assistance to officers while operating under rules intended to protect against misuse.

Michalek also questioned the chief about the types of alerts the police department receives and the limitations of the city's existing contract.

Mayor Larry Rich expressed support for retaining the system, pointing to investigations in which the cameras had assisted law enforcement.

One example involved an investigation into ATM thefts connected to suspects traveling through Oregon. Rich said information collected through the cameras helped investigators identify vehicles associated with the case.

Rich also referenced a kidnapping investigation involving a girl from the Sunshine Park Apartments area in Roseburg. He described how information from the camera system helped law enforcement track the vehicle involved and coordinate with agencies in Washington.

For Rich, the examples demonstrated the value of keeping investigative tools available to local officers.

Councilor Suggests Middle Ground With Additional Safeguards

Councilor Ellen Porter took a different approach, acknowledging the system's usefulness while expressing concern about leaving its future operation entirely to administrative discretion.

Porter said she trusts Klopfenstein and the Roseburg Police Department and recognizes that the cameras can be especially helpful when the department is short-staffed.

However, she questioned whether additional local protections could address public concerns without requiring the city to discontinue the cameras.

One of her concerns involved how much discretion exists over enabling additional features or capabilities.

Porter also raised questions about the data stored through Amazon Web Services GovCloud, including whether information is permanently deleted after the stated retention period and what access the vendor might retain.

She thanked residents who had submitted detailed written comments and encouraged councilors to consider suggestions for additional oversight.

Rather than choosing between eliminating the system and maintaining it without changes, Porter suggested exploring local rules that would allow the police department to retain the technology while addressing concerns about privacy and accountability.

Councilors Discuss State Law and Data Security

Council President Andrea Zielinski spoke about the city's efforts to maintain public safety and the challenges of recruiting police officers.

Responding to public comments about the department's staffing levels, Zielinski said the city supports hiring additional officers but that recruitment, training and probationary requirements make it difficult to maintain a full staff.

She emphasized that the city's lower staffing levels should not be interpreted as a decision by the council to deny the police department additional personnel.

Zielinski also discussed Oregon's requirements for automated license plate recognition systems, saying she believes the legislation provides meaningful safeguards.

She referenced the use of AWS GovCloud to store collected information and described encryption and data deletion measures intended to protect the information.

Zielinski said her understanding was that information deleted through the system becomes inaccessible through a process known as cryptographic shredding.

Porter had earlier questioned whether the data was completely deleted after 30 days. The council discussion did not include an independent technical demonstration of the deletion process, leaving those competing descriptions as part of the public record.

Zielinski also encouraged residents to review information made available on the city's website about the police department's use of the system, including reporting and auditing information.

How the Issue Reached Monday's Vote

Roseburg first authorized the installation and use of Flock cameras in March 2023.

The system returned to the City Council for discussion October 12, 2026, following public concerns about privacy, government surveillance and the use of automated license plate readers.

During that meeting, councilors received a presentation about how the system operates and the restrictions governing its use.

Seven members of the public addressed the council on the issue. Following discussion, Councilor Weiss moved to temporarily suspend the Flock contract pending additional information, but the motion failed to receive a second.

The council instead voted to continue the discussion at its next meeting.

On October 26, the council reviewed additional information about the system, including state law, data storage and the city's contract with Flock Safety.

Eight members of the public addressed councilors during that meeting, with most expressing opposition to the system and one supporting continued use with additional safeguards.

Briggs Loosley then introduced a motion to maintain the current contract, which Zielinski seconded.

Before voting on that motion, councilors agreed 5-2 to postpone the decision until November 9 to allow more time to review legal materials and public comments.

The council resumed consideration of that same motion Monday evening.

Council Votes 6-2 to Keep Existing System

After councilors finished their discussion, Mayor Rich called for a vote on the pending motion to keep the Flock cameras as they currently operate.

The motion passed 6-2, with Councilors Zack Weiss and Ellen Porter voting against it. Councilors Tom Michalek, Ruth Smith, Jason Tate, Andrea Zielinski, Katie Williams and Shelley Briggs Loosley voted in favor.

Weiss had expressed concerns about the long-term implications of surveillance technology, particularly how its use could evolve over time.

Porter acknowledged the cameras' value to law enforcement but argued that the city should consider additional safeguards to address residents' concerns about privacy, data retention and oversight.

The vote maintains the city's existing system, including its current cameras and contract, without adopting additional local restrictions as part of the decision.

Although councilors disagreed about whether further safeguards were necessary, several acknowledged the usefulness of the technology in criminal investigations and the importance of addressing residents' concerns.

For residents who support the cameras, Monday's decision means Roseburg police will retain an investigative tool that city officials say has helped solve crimes and locate people in danger.

For residents who oppose the cameras, the vote leaves unresolved their broader concerns about privacy, data collection and the future use of surveillance technology.

The decision concludes the postponed motion, although it does not prevent the City Council from revisiting related policies or oversight requirements at a future meeting.

The Roseburg Receiver attended the November 9 meeting. This report is based on the council discussion, public testimony, and city meeting materials.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Downtown Roseburg shops will stay open for an evening of shopping, pop-up vendors and raffle prizes Tuesday, November 10, during CCD Women in Business’s annual Shop Small event.

The event is open to the community and runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning at The Wine Destination, 526 SE Jackson Street.

Guests can check in, collect raffle tickets and pick up a shopping bag before heading out to explore downtown. The first half-hour will include wine, networking and announcements, followed by shopping at participating stores from 5 to 7 p.m.

Organizers plan to pair downtown storefronts with guest vendors and authors, giving shoppers a chance to visit several businesses throughout the evening. Refreshment trays will be provided at participating stores, and businesses may offer their own specials, coupons or additional treats.

The organizer’s current planning list includes:

• The Wine Destination, hosting author Bettie Simon
• Whiskey Creek Rustics
• The People’s Goods, hosting McLeods Lavendar
• Sugar Magnolia’s
• Bohemian Rhapsody Boutique, hosting Claras Pearl and Berry Patch
• Central Art Supply, hosting Sparkle by Sarita Color Street Nails
• Serendipity Chocolates and Classy and Sassy, with Tree of Life Therapeutic Massage Wellness, LLC
• Kid Cents, hosting Scrub Me Sweet
• Fox and Fable
• Yours Truly Bookstore, hosting author E.A. Ellis

Northwest Lifestyles and Reverie Record Shop are also on the planning list, with their participation awaiting confirmation. Organizers are continuing to welcome suggestions for additional shops and pop-up vendors.

After shopping wraps up, guests will gather at Oregon Life Homes at the corner of Jackson Street and Oak Avenue for raffle prize giveaways from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Participating shops and vendors are contributing items for the drawing.

Banner Bank is sponsoring the event’s shopping bags and video coverage. The Roseburg Plug will provide videography during the evening.

Attendees are encouraged to register through Eventbrite.

Oregon wildlife officials are reporting an increase in sick and dead ducks and geese, with most reports coming from the Willamette Valley as migrating birds move through the state.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a Nov. 9 release that many geese are showing signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Cackling geese, which resemble smaller Canada geese, appear to be the most heavily affected.

ODFW is asking people to keep their distance from sick birds and prevent pets from approaching them. People should not try to capture birds showing signs of illness or take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center. The agency said there is no effective treatment for infected wild or domestic birds, and bringing them into a facility could spread the virus to other birds.

Signs of infection in waterfowl can include unusual tiredness, an inability to fly, poor coordination, cloudy eyes, head shaking and swimming in circles. Birds that develop symptoms often die within 72 hours, according to ODFW.

Some ducks can carry the virus without appearing sick. Those birds can spread it through their droppings, exposing other birds and contaminating wetlands.

The disease can also affect mammals that eat infected birds. ODFW asks people to report wild mammals that appear unusually ill, show neurological problems or are found dead after consuming birds.

Wildlife health staff are collecting and testing birds to monitor the outbreak. Although the agency said it does not need additional birds collected by the public for testing, it still wants reports of groups of birds found dead without obvious signs of bird flu before their deaths.

Reports can be made to ODFW’s Wildlife Health Lab at 866-968-2600 or wildlife.health@odfw.oregon.gov. Staff may be unable to return every call because of the volume of reports.

For anyone disposing of a dead bird, ODFW recommends wearing disposable gloves and a mask, placing the carcass inside two bags and putting it in the trash. The agency’s avian influenza webpage also advises keeping discarded birds out of reach of children, pets and wildlife.

The Nov. 9 release states that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people low. Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds remains a key precaution.

Owners of chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl and other domestic birds should report sick or dead birds immediately to the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4711 or 800-347-7028. Information about protecting backyard flocks is available on the department’s avian influenza webpage.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Ducks and Beavers fans have another way to put their rivalry to work this month: helping local families put a holiday meal on the table.

The FISH of Roseburg Food Pantry will hold its Protein Battle on November 20 and 21, inviting University of Oregon supporters to donate turkeys and Oregon State supporters to bring hams.

The prize comes with a little pantry pride. The winning team will get to dress Haddock, the pantry’s porch goose mascot, in its school colors.

Behind the friendly competition is a goal of helping feed 1,850 households this holiday season. Donations will support 1,600 households served by The FISH of Roseburg and another 250 served by The Sutherlin Oakland Food Pantry. Last year, The FISH served 900 households during the holidays.

Jennifer Reida, executive director of The FISH of Roseburg Food Pantry, said rising grocery costs and supply challenges have added pressure as more families seek assistance.

“Higher grocery prices are stretching household budgets, and we’re seeing more neighbors turn to us for help,” Reida said.

The drive welcomes donations sized for households large and small. Team Turkey is collecting whole turkeys and turkey breasts, with smaller turkeys especially welcome. Team Ham is accepting hams in a variety of sizes.

A small turkey, turkey breast or ham can suit someone cooking for one or two, while larger donations can help provide a meal for a bigger family.

Donations can be dropped off at The FISH of Roseburg Food Pantry, 405 Jerry’s Dr., Roseburg, during these hours:

• Friday, November 20: 4 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 21: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donors are encouraged to wear their team colors when they stop by.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Roseburg City Council voted against a proposed $622,000 renovation of unfinished office space at the Public Safety Center during its Monday, November 9, meeting, following an extended discussion about the city's need for additional workspace, the project's cost and whether other options should be explored.

The proposal would have completed approximately 1,800 square feet of unfinished space on the building's third floor, creating additional offices for city employees and providing room for future staffing needs.

Councilors raised questions about how the space would be used, whether the city had adequately evaluated alternatives and whether the expenditure should be prioritized alongside other community needs.

The motion failed with three councilors voting in favor, four opposed and Councilor Jason Tate abstaining.

A Project Years in the Making

The Public Safety Center was completed in 2009, but approximately 1,800 square feet on the third floor remained unfinished because of funding limitations at the time.

The space currently has insulation, limited electrical power and lighting. The proposed improvements would have converted it into general office space with an open floor plan, modular workstations and an individual office.

According to city staff, the finished area could accommodate approximately 13 employees.

The project also included converting an existing 300-square-foot storage room into two single-occupant restroom and shower facilities. The showers would provide access for city employees using an existing fitness room, as police and fire personnel already have shower facilities within their respective departments.

The project has been discussed several times in recent years.

In February 2022, the City Council considered using American Rescue Plan Act funding to develop the project. In June 2024, councilors authorized staff to proceed with design work and bidding.

However, the Council rejected a $455,000 construction bid in November 2024.

The project returned as part of the city's adopted 2026-2028 goals, which included improving the Public Safety Center's third-floor space to address operational needs.

The Cost of Finishing the Third Floor

The city received one qualifying bid for the overall construction project, submitted by S+B James Construction Management for $622,000.

That amount exceeded the architect's estimate of $604,203.

Staff identified approximately $31,000 in possible savings through modifications to the original construction plans, including changes to restroom finishes, cabinetry and heating and cooling controls.

Those changes would have reduced the construction contract to approximately $591,000.

Including building code updates, construction management, permitting and contingency funding, the estimated total project cost was $669,600.

The city's adopted budget included $600,000 from the General Fund for the project, with additional money available through the Facility Replacement Fund.

During the meeting, Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx explained that some of the construction expenses were associated with working inside an existing building.

He said the heating and cooling portion alone was estimated at more than $120,000, while plumbing work accounted for approximately $75,000.

Materials would also need to be transported to the third floor, creating additional labor expenses because the building's elevator cannot be used as a freight elevator.

Councilors Question Whether the Need Has Been Established

Several councilors questioned whether the city had demonstrated a sufficient need to justify the expenditure.

Councilor Ellen Porter asked why the improvements needed to happen now and whether the city had explored leasing existing office space elsewhere in Roseburg.

Staff acknowledged that a formal comparison between renovating the Public Safety Center and leasing another location had not been completed.

Interim City Manager Gary Klopfenstein explained that City Hall is already experiencing space limitations, including employees sharing offices and other staff working in areas not originally intended for their departments.

City officials also discussed the possibility of establishing a municipal building division in the future, although a feasibility evaluation has not yet been completed.

Staff emphasized that the third-floor improvements were not dependent on creating a building division and had been under consideration before that possibility was introduced.

Councilor Zack Weiss questioned whether the city should complete the renovations before determining precisely how the space would be used.

He also asked why the project was estimated to cost more than $600,000 for an area comparable in size to some residential homes.

Staff explained that commercial building requirements, mechanical systems, plumbing and working within an existing structure contributed to the cost.

Porter suggested the incoming city manager, Anette Spickard, should have an opportunity to evaluate the proposal before the city made such a substantial investment.

She also expressed concern about the timing of the decision as the Council prepares for changes in its membership.

City Staff Explain Their Workspace Challenges

During the discussion, city employees described some of the difficulties created by limited office space.

Special Projects Coordinator Jennifer Bragg explained that sharing an office can complicate meetings requiring privacy and concentration.

She described a meeting earlier that day with the Oregon Law Center during which she had to repeatedly adjust her headphones while sharing workspace with another employee.

Bragg also recalled moving between offices with a cart of work materials when she first joined the city because permanent office space was unavailable.

She said having appropriate workspace can affect employees' ability to perform their responsibilities and provide information to the Council.

Staff clarified that while the proposed third-floor space would primarily consist of cubicles, relocating some employees could free existing private offices elsewhere in city facilities.

The Council also discussed whether employees could work from leased offices using the city's computer network.

Klopfenstein said the city's primary network infrastructure is located at the Public Safety Center, making it more straightforward to accommodate employees within an existing city building.

He acknowledged that remote network access is possible but said security, connectivity, backup power, and ongoing leasing expenses would need to be considered.

Councilors Discuss Other Community Priorities

The discussion also turned to whether the renovation should take priority over other city projects.

Councilor Tom Michalek expressed concern about how residents might view a nearly $700,000 investment in office space while Roseburg continues addressing homelessness.

Michalek acknowledged that city employees work hard and face space limitations but questioned whether the city should move forward with the expansion at this time.

Councilor Ruth Smith raised similar concerns about the progress of other Council priorities, including efforts involving the city's Navigation Center.

Smith questioned why the Public Safety Center project was advancing while other initiatives previously requested by councilors had not progressed as quickly.

Weiss also expressed concern about committing the money before evaluating other options.

He suggested that leasing office space could potentially provide a less expensive alternative, at least until the city better understands its long-term staffing requirements.

Councilor Andrea Zielinski offered a different perspective.

She noted that the city already owns the Public Safety Center and has unfinished space available for additional offices.

Zielinski questioned the value of spending money to lease and improve a separate property when the city could instead invest in a building it already owns.

Mayor Larry Rich also reminded councilors that the third-floor improvements were included in the goals they previously adopted.

Rich said city staff had followed the direction provided by the Council, developed the project and returned with a construction proposal as requested.

He emphasized that the Council remained free to approve or reject the contract but said staff should be recognized for carrying out the work they had been directed to complete.

Jason Tate Explains His Decision to Abstain

One of the final moments of the discussion came when Councilor Jason Tate declined to vote either for or against the proposal.

After the initial show of hands, Mayor Rich asked Tate about his decision to abstain.

Tate explained that he was conflicted because he had not participated in the earlier goal-setting discussion that established the third-floor improvements as a Council priority.

He said he generally believes that when an organization establishes goals, develops a budget and creates a plan, it should follow through on those commitments.

At the same time, Tate acknowledged the concerns raised about the substantial expense involved.

Speaking about his approach to established goals, Tate said:

"Me, professionally, I want to say I set a goal, I'm gonna finish it. So, I mean, that's what goals are for."

But Tate also recognized the competing considerations, including the amount of public money being discussed and concerns voiced by fellow councilors.

His comments reflected the difficulty he described in choosing between following through on an existing Council goal and weighing questions about the project's cost and necessity.

Tate ultimately abstained rather than supporting or opposing the contract.

Council Rejects the Contract

Following the discussion, the Council considered a motion to award the Public Safety Center third-floor improvements contract to S+B James Construction Management for $622,000, with the identified $31,000 in cost savings.

The motion failed by a vote of 3-4, with Tate abstaining.

The decision means the proposed construction contract was not awarded.

It was the second time in two years that the Council rejected a construction bid for the unfinished third-floor space.

City staff had explained that the contractor was unwilling to hold its pricing beyond the current bidding period because of changing material costs.

The Council did not approve an alternative construction proposal during Monday's meeting.

The unfinished space remains available for future consideration, but additional Council action would be needed before the proposed improvements could move forward.

For now, the discussion leaves unresolved questions about how Roseburg will accommodate current employees, prepare for potential staffing growth and balance those needs against other projects competing for city resources.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The City of Roseburg is recognizing local veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families throughout November following a proclamation issued by Mayor Larry Rich during Monday night's City Council meeting.

Rich proclaimed November 2026 as Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month on Nov. 9, recognizing the service of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and the families who have supported them.

The proclamation was presented to Eric Bagwell, chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee.

Roseburg and the surrounding Douglas County community are home to many veterans who have served during both wartime and peacetime. The proclamation acknowledges their contributions while also recognizing the challenges and sacrifices experienced by military families.

City officials are encouraging residents to take time throughout November to recognize veterans and military families and reflect on their contributions to the community.

The recognition comes just ahead of one of Douglas County's longstanding traditions, the annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Roseburg.

This year's parade, organized by the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, marks its 71st year and will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The theme for the 2026 parade is "America's 250: 1776-2026," reflecting the nation's 250th anniversary.

The proclamation also recognizes the parade committee for its continued work organizing the annual event, which brings community members together each Veterans Day.

The City of Roseburg concluded its proclamation by expressing appreciation for veterans, current service members and military families for their service and sacrifices.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Hundreds of students across Douglas County experienced homelessness during the last school year, a challenge local officials and community organizations are working to bring greater attention to this November.

During the Roseburg City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, Mayor Larry Rich officially proclaimed November 2026 as Homeless Youth Awareness Month, recognizing the struggles faced by children and young people without stable housing and the organizations working to support them.

The proclamation was presented to Thomas McGregor, co-chair of the Douglas County Homeless Youth Solutions Initiative, which has been working to better understand youth homelessness in the county and identify ways to address it.

According to figures shared by the City of Roseburg, an estimated 560 students in kindergarten through 12th grade experienced homelessness in Douglas County during the 2024-2025 school year. That represents approximately 4.3% of the county's K-12 student population.

For many of these students, homelessness does not necessarily mean living on the street. Housing instability can include staying temporarily with other families, living in motels or shelters, or moving between locations without a permanent place to call home.

Those circumstances can make everyday activities, including attending school, completing homework and maintaining friendships, significantly more difficult.

Students experiencing homelessness may also face disruptions in their education, difficulty accessing basic necessities and emotional challenges associated with not knowing where they will be staying. Young people who experience homelessness without a parent or guardian face additional risks, including abuse, trafficking and exploitation.

The city said Homeless Youth Awareness Month is intended to encourage a better understanding of the circumstances that contribute to youth homelessness while drawing attention to prevention, available resources and community involvement.

Public Forum Scheduled for November 16

As part of the month's awareness efforts, community members will have an opportunity to learn more about youth homelessness in Douglas County during a public forum scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Roseburg Public Library.

The forum will focus on findings from the Douglas County Homeless Youth Solutions Initiative's Roadmap, which examines the issue locally and identifies potential approaches to improving support for young people experiencing housing instability.

McGregor, who has served as a co-chair of the initiative since 2021 and is associated with Peace at Home Advocacy Center, will be among those helping bring attention to the issue.

The event will include a panel of speakers and opportunities for community discussion, giving residents a chance to hear about the challenges facing local youth and the efforts underway to address them.

The forum is being organized with involvement from Creating Community Resilience and the League of Women Voters of the Umpqua Valley.

Bringing Attention to a Local Challenge

While homelessness is often discussed in connection with adults living outdoors or in temporary shelters, the number of affected schoolchildren highlights another part of the issue that may be less visible to the public.

For students and families experiencing housing instability, maintaining a consistent school routine and access to basic necessities can be an ongoing challenge.

The city's proclamation also recognizes the work being done by local schools, service providers and community organizations that help children and families navigate those circumstances.

By designating November as Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Roseburg officials hope to encourage greater public understanding of the issue and continued support for efforts aimed at preventing and ending youth homelessness.

Residents interested in learning more about the Douglas County Homeless Youth Solutions Initiative and its findings are encouraged to attend the Nov. 16 forum at the Roseburg Public Library.

Limited Time Events

• 2026 Annual Members' Exhibit: an exhibition of current work by UVA Members @ Umpqua Valley Arts | October 30 - December 24th | Link
• Oregon BottleDrop Holiday Give | November 15 to December 1 | During the 10th annual BottleDrop Holiday Give, every dollar raised through BottleDrop earns the library an additional 20%. Pick up a Blue Bag at the Canyonville Community Library and bring it back filled with OR-10 bottles and cans. Your recycling supports your library.

Monday, November 9th

• 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, November 10th

• Bingo @ Roseburg Elks Lodge #326 | 6:30 pm
• Open Mic Night @ Kodiak Bar & Grill | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• 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.
• Live Music: Mark Malefyt @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link

Wednesday, November 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 6:30 pm. Food available. Ages 7+.
• 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+
• 71st Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade | 11 am | Link
• A Round on Us: Veterans Day Golf @ Roseburg Country Club | 8 am - 2 pm | Link
• Live Music: Chris Acker & Nikolai Shveitser @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link

Thursday, November 12th

• DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 pm
• Karaoke Night @ Workman's Bar and Smokehouse | 9 pm - 12 am
• 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: James & The Lost Dogs, Widespread Haze, ComicAusy @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link
• Local on Vendor Night @ Cooper Ridge Vineyard | 3 - 6 pm | Link

Friday, November 13th

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4 pm
• Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 pm
• Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 pm
• Bingo @ Roseburg Senior Center | (Every Wed and Fri) - Doors Open at 5 pm, starts at 6:30 pm. Food available. Ages 7+.
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 pm
• Friday Night Live Music | Winston VFW
• Live Music: Three for Silver @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link

Saturday, November 14th

• 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+
• Intro To Acrylic Painting @ Umpqua Valley Arts | 12 - 2:30 pm | Link
• Live Music: Joe Ross @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Tuesday String Band @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link
• Spousal & Survivor's Benefits Educational Seminal @ Garden Valley Church | 12 am - 2 pm | Link
• Umpqua Bird Alliance A Chapter of the National Audubon Society Bird Field Trip @ Ford's Pond | 9 am | Link
• Veteran' Stand Down | Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge #1943 | 10 am - 2 pm

Sunday, November 15th

• Live Music: Petunia & The Vipers @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link

• We now have 25,227 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.

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 Tuesday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team