October 19, 2026

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

Fire Weather Forecast for southern Oregon and northern California National Weather Service Medford, OR | 344 AM PDT Mon Oct 19 2026

Low pressure moving southward along the coast will bring another afternoon of gusty south to southwest winds today. While RHs will trend around 5% higher today, elevated fire weather conditions are possible this afternoon across northern California and east of the Cascades. Seasonable temperatures will persist this week and RHs will improve. Wetting rainfall is expected east of the Cascades and across northern California Wednesday into Thursday. Dry conditions return Friday, with cooler and wetter weather likely over the weekend.

Douglas Forest Protective Association

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

Today's Scheduled Prescribed Burns

• None have been reported today

LOOKINGGLASS, Ore. - Authorities have identified the man found dead Sunday at a Lookingglass home as 65-year-old David Nathan Danford.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said deputies found Danford deceased inside a residence in the 7000 block of Lookingglass Road on Oct. 11 after responding to a call for service.

Matthew William Bronsert, 57, was taken into custody in connection with Danford’s death and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

Detectives with the Douglas County Major Crimes Team continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Investigators are seeking information about the activities or whereabouts of both Danford and Bronsert leading up to the homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office Investigations Division at 541-440-4458 and reference case number 26-3196.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional details are available for release.

Bronsert is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

After nearly 12 years of running Winston Grocery Outlet together, Dean and Jeannie Thiessen have retired, closing a chapter that included food drives, community fundraisers, and friendships formed across the checkout counter.

The husband-and-wife team were the store’s original owners and operators when it opened Nov. 20, 2014. Josh and Jelly Wilson are the incoming owners, according to Jeannie.

Every employee was offered a position by the new owners, she said, with each person deciding whether to stay. Store hours remain unchanged at 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Thiessens’ path to Winston began in January 2013, when they started training with Grocery Outlet at stores in the Seattle area, including Skyway and Renton. They were selected for the Winston store in September 2013.

Jeannie said they wanted to leave the corporate world and become independent operators, giving them more freedom to run a business and help people in their community. Winston’s small-town atmosphere helped draw them here.

“What brought us to Winston, is the small town community feel where we can make a difference,” she said.

That goal became part of their work throughout their years at the store. The Thiessens helped replenish the pantries at the Winston Dillard Food Bank and Dillard Church of God and held fundraisers for a variety of local needs.

Their efforts also included an annual peanut butter drive supporting Lunch Box Express, which provides free summer lunches for children in the Winston-Dillard area. In June, The Roseburg Receiver reported that the store’s fifth annual drive collected 453 large jars of peanut butter.

Among their favorite memories were Dream Nights at Wildlife Safari, which Jeannie described as special evenings for terminally ill children. The couple supported the events for years.

Another favorite was Trunk or Treat, organized in partnership with Dillard Church of God. Jeannie said the celebration has grown to draw about 3,000 families each year, becoming one of the traditions they will miss.

Customers can expect that event to continue. This year’s Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. The store’s annual campaign inviting shoppers to round up their purchases for Douglas County Cancer Services also continues through Oct. 31.

Wildlife Safari was part of the store’s story from the beginning. Looking through opening-day photographs, Jeannie recalled that even the safari’s cheetahs came to mark the occasion.

Nearly 12 years later, she said the employees and community are what the couple will miss most. She thanked customers for their generosity and credited the store’s dedicated team of employees as its backbone.

The Thiessens now look forward to reconnecting with family and dear friends in retirement. They also leave the business with lasting connections to the town they chose more than a decade ago.

“We have made so many dear friends in Winston,” Jeannie said.

Congratulations to you both on your retirement! You have been a wonderful asset to our community.

A 37-year-old Sutherlin man died early Tuesday when his truck collided with a loaded log trailer that investigators say was partially in his lane on Fort McKay Road near Oakland.

Douglas County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 1600 block of Fort McKay Road at approximately 3:14 a.m. on October 13 after receiving a report of a serious crash.

According to the sheriff’s office, Tyler Hunt was driving a 2025 Peterbilt westbound when he encountered an eastbound 2025 Peterbilt log truck driven by Roy Way, 60, of Summerville, Oregon.

The preliminary investigation found that the trailer of Way’s loaded log truck was traveling partially in the opposing lane. Investigators said Hunt was unable to avoid a collision and struck the trailer.

Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Hunt died at the scene. Way was not injured and is cooperating with investigators, the sheriff’s office said.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to document and investigate the collision, with assistance from Oregon State Police. Investigators have collected evidence, and the circumstances that caused the trailer to enter the opposing lane remain under investigation.

A&S Towing removed both commercial vehicles from the scene.

Sutherlin Police, Sutherlin Fire, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, and Douglas County Public Works also assisted.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Families looking to continue a holiday tradition can head into the Umpqua National Forest to find their Christmas tree this year, with tree cutting permits available at no cost for the 2026 season.

The Umpqua National Forest has announced that Christmas tree cutting will be allowed from October 19 through December 31, 2026, giving residents more than two months to venture into the forest and choose a tree to bring home for the holidays.

Each household may cut up to four Christmas trees per season for personal use. Trees collected under the program cannot be resold.

For many families, cutting a Christmas tree is an annual tradition that offers an opportunity to spend time outdoors, explore the forest, and bring home a tree they selected themselves.

Before heading out, visitors are encouraged to download and print the Christmas tree cutting guidelines and the appropriate Ranger District map from the Forest Service website. The maps identify designated cutting areas, while the guidelines explain where trees can be harvested and the rules visitors must follow.

Not all areas of the forest are open to Christmas tree cutting. Visitors should review the maps carefully and make sure they are within an approved area before selecting a tree.

The Forest Service also recommends preparing for changing weather and road conditions, particularly later in the season when snow and freezing temperatures can make travel into higher elevations more difficult. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing, supplies, and navigation tools, and let someone know where they plan to travel.

Those planning to cut a tree should also check current forest road conditions before leaving home and allow enough daylight to safely locate, cut, and transport their tree.

Christmas Tree Cutting Information

• Cost: Free for the 2026 season
• Cutting season: October 19 - December 31, 2026
• Household limit: Four trees per season
• Use: Personal use only; resale is prohibited
• Location: Designated cutting areas within the Umpqua National Forest

District maps, cutting guidelines, and additional information are available in the Christmas tree section of the Umpqua National Forest website.

Residents are encouraged to review all cutting requirements before heading into the forest to make sure their holiday outing is both safe and in compliance with Forest Service regulations.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Registered voters throughout Douglas County should begin receiving their ballots in the mail soon for the November 3, 2026, General Election, according to Douglas County Clerk Dan Loomis.

With Election Day approaching, the Douglas County Clerk's Office is reminding residents to watch their mailboxes, review their ballots carefully, and make sure they are returned on time.

Ballots returned to an official ballot drop site must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Voters may also return their ballots through the U.S. Postal Service, provided they meet Oregon's postmark and receipt requirements.

The Clerk's Office recommends mailing completed ballots at least one week before Election Day to allow sufficient time for delivery. Those mailing ballots closer to November 3 are encouraged to ask postal employees about obtaining a hand-cancellation postmark to ensure the mailing date is clearly recorded.

Voters who prefer to return their ballots in person can use any official ballot drop site in Oregon, regardless of the county where they are registered.

A list of locations is available on the Douglas County Official Ballot Drop Site Locations webpage.

One change voters should be aware of this year is the relocation of the ballot drop site at Umpqua Community College. The drop site is now located near the UCC library.

What Voters Should Know Before Returning Their Ballots

The Douglas County Clerk's Office has provided several reminders to help voters avoid common mistakes and ensure their ballots can be processed.

Residents should make sure their voter registration information is current. Oregon voters can update their registration information through 7:59 p.m. on Election Day, although registration deadlines for new voters may differ.

Some voters who recently updated their registration may receive more than one ballot. According to the Clerk's Office, this can happen when registration changes are processed after ballots have already been printed. If a second ballot arrives with a blue slip of paper, voters should use that ballot rather than the previously issued version.

Voters are also encouraged to carefully review both sides of their ballots before placing them in the return envelope.

One of the most important steps is signing the ballot return envelope. Ballots cannot be processed without the required signature. Voters should sign in the designated area near their printed name and address, using a signature consistent with their most recent voter registration record.

The Clerk's Office notes that a signature from an Oregon driver's license or identification card may serve as a reference.

What to Do If Your Ballot Doesn't Arrive

Voters who have not received their ballots by Friday, October 23, should contact or visit the Douglas County Clerk's Office.

The Elections Division can assist residents with missing ballots, registration questions, and other election-related concerns.

Voters can also review the candidates and measures appearing in the November election by visiting the Douglas County Elections webpage.

Important Election Dates

• Friday, October 23: Contact the Clerk's Office if your ballot has not arrived.
• Tuesday, October 27: Recommended date to mail completed ballots, based on the county's guidance to mail at least one week early.
• Tuesday, November 3: Election Day. Official ballot drop sites close at 8 p.m., and registration updates must be completed by 7:59 p.m.

Where to Get Election Assistance

Douglas County voters with questions about their ballots or the voting process can contact the Douglas County Elections Division at 541-440-4252 or email elections@douglascountyor.gov.

Additional election information, including statewide voter resources, is available through the Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division or by calling 1-866-673-VOTE.

With ballots beginning to arrive, election officials are encouraging residents to take time to review their choices, follow the return instructions, and submit their ballots ahead of the November 3 deadline.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Make a Difference Day is returning for its fifth year on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon, bringing volunteers together across Douglas County to support local organizations, improve public spaces, and help meet community needs.

This year's event will feature 15 volunteer projects throughout the county, offering opportunities for individuals, families, businesses, youth groups, and service organizations to get involved.

The projects range from building beds for children and helping construct a home to improving school grounds, supporting veterans, preparing medical supplies, and restoring natural habitats.

Organizers say the annual event is intended to encourage volunteerism while helping residents build connections within their communities.

"Make a Difference Day is about more than completing projects. It is about building stronger communities through service and creating opportunities for people of all ages to make a positive impact," organizers said. "As we celebrate our fifth year, we are grateful for the volunteers and community partners who continue to demonstrate that together we can make a real difference."

15 Projects Planned Throughout Douglas County

Volunteers can choose from a variety of projects based on their interests and the needs of participating organizations.

• HIV Alliance: Preparing wound care kits.
• FamilySearch Center: Interviewing retirees and preserving personal stories and memories for future generations.
• Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity: Assisting with construction of a home in a Riddle neighborhood.
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Building beds for local children.
• Green Elementary School: Refurbishing tricycles and helping complete construction of the school's new greenhouse.
• Saving Grace Humane Society: Improving and beautifying a dog walking area.
• Fremont Middle School: Performing maintenance and care in the school's atrium.
• Roseburg Rotary: Helping with cleanup and landscaping preparations for the Festival of Lights.
• City of Reedsport - Lions Park: Spreading new playground bark mulch and performing general landscape maintenance.
• Roseburg VA Medical Center: Installing weed barrier and distributing rock landscaping materials.
• Sunrise Enterprises: Painting kindness rocks to be distributed throughout the community.
• Glide Elementary School: Installing drip irrigation lines around trees in the Paw Patch Orchard.
• City of Roseburg Parks & Recreation: Planting in and around the small parking lot between the YMCA and Stewart Park Golf Course.
• Triple Oak Vineyard: Removing invasive species and helping restore white oak habitat.
• Phoenix School: Helping create 20 new preschool spaces for local families.

The projects address a wide range of community needs, from housing and education to recreation, public health, and environmental conservation.

Some will provide immediate assistance, such as preparing wound care supplies and building beds, while others are focused on longer-term improvements, including expanding preschool capacity, improving playgrounds, and restoring native habitats.

Volunteers Encouraged to Participate

Organizers emphasize that Make a Difference Day is intended to be a welcoming, family-friendly event, with opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to contribute.

Residents do not need to belong to a particular organization to participate. Individuals, families, local businesses, youth groups, and community service organizations are all encouraged to volunteer.

Now in its fifth year, Make a Difference Day continues to bring together community partners and residents who share an interest in improving Douglas County through hands-on service.

The event will take place Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Those interested in participating can learn more about available projects and register through the official Make a Difference Day website.

For additional information, contact Make a Difference Day Committee Chair Jerry Medlar at 541-430-3200 or grayeaglejr@gmail.com.

WINSTON, Ore. - Wildlife Safari is getting ready for three evenings of Halloween fun as its annual Zoobilee celebration returns October 23-25, 2026, bringing trick-or-treating, a haunted house, and family-friendly activities to the Winston wildlife park.

The event will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m., giving families an opportunity to celebrate Halloween together before the holiday arrives.

Visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout Wildlife Safari, explore a haunted house, and take part in festive Halloween activities. Costumes are encouraged, with children and adults invited to dress up for the occasion.

Zoobilee is designed for all ages, offering families a chance to enjoy a Halloween outing at one of Douglas County's most recognizable attractions.

Admission is $10 per person, with a separate free ticket option for children ages 2 and younger. Tickets are available through Wildlife Safari's website.

The three-night celebration is among Wildlife Safari's seasonal events, which provide opportunities for families to visit the park for activities beyond its regular daytime attractions.

Wildlife Safari is located at 1790 Safari Road in Winston.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit the official Zoobilee event page or contact Wildlife Safari at 541-679-6761.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg High School’s choir program will take the stage at the Rose Theatre on Tuesday, October 20, offering community members a free evening of student music.

The Fall Choir Concert begins at 6:30 p.m. on the RHS campus, according to the school’s official announcement. Admission is open to everyone.

The concert offers an opportunity to learn more about a vocal music program that includes both developing singers and auditioned ensembles. Kyle Ludwig teaches the school’s choir classes, including Cantamus, Men of Note, Concert Choir, and Vocal Fusion.

Each ensemble has a different focus. Cantamus brings together treble voices, while Men of Note is written for tenor and bass voices. Both classes help students build vocal technique, read music, and develop the skills needed to sing as an ensemble, with opportunities to perform at school concerts and festivals.

Concert Choir is the school’s advanced auditioned ensemble for students in grades 10 through 12. In addition to school performances, it represents RHS at Oregon School Activities Association competitions and other festivals. Its repertoire spans different cultures, historical periods, and musical styles, often featuring singing without instrumental accompaniment.

Vocal Fusion takes that a cappella work into a smaller ensemble setting. The group is limited to 14 members, and students must first earn a place in Concert Choir before being considered. According to the school’s course description, Vocal Fusion maintains the busiest performance schedule of the RHS vocal groups, requiring singers to learn their parts and practice beyond regular rehearsals.

Tuesday’s concert gives families, friends, and other residents an opportunity to hear the choir program in person. The Rose Theatre is on the Roseburg High School campus at 400 W. Harvard Ave.

More information is available on the Roseburg High School website.

Limited Time Events

• 2026 Umpqua Plein Air Exhibit: an exhibit celebrating the Umpqua Valley @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | August 22 - October 23 | 10 am - 6 pm | Link
• Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch @ The Farmstand by Lehne Farms | September 26 - October 31 | Every Saturday of October | Link
• Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch @ The Farmstand by Lehne Farms | September 26 - October 31st | 9 am - 5 pm every Saturday | Link
• I Spy Fall in Roseburg - Week 3 | October 15 - October 21 | Link
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 | 7 - 10 pm | Link
• Zoobilee @ Wildlife Safari | October 23 - 25 | 5 - 8 pm | Link

Monday, October 19th

• 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, October 20th

• 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, October 21st

• 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+
• Canyonville Farmer's Market | Wednesdays from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm at Seven Feathers Casino Parking Lot | May - October
• Live Music: Dylan James Clark @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Live Music: Pat Byrne @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9 pm | Link
• Mic Drop Comedy in Elements Lounge @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 8:30 pm | Link

Thursday, October 22nd

• 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

Friday, October 23rd

• 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
• The Ghosts of Roseburg Past: Historic Walking Tours | October 16, 17, 23, 24, & 30th | 7 pm | Link
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 | 7 - 10 pm | Link
• Pints for Pets @ Backside Brewing Co. | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• Supper Club Dinner @ Melrose Vineyards | 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Zoobilee @ Wildlife Safari | October 23 - 25 | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• US Adventure Racing Associate Race | Diamond Lake Resort | October 23 - 24 | Link

Saturday, October 24th

• 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+
• The Ghosts of Roseburg Past: Historic Walking Tours | October 16, 17, 23, 24, & 30th | 7 pm | Link
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 | 7 - 10 pm | Link
• Zoobilee @ Wildlife Safari | October 23 - 25 | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• Halloween Spooktacular @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 11 pm | Link
• Live Music: Acoustic Blend @ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Southern Oregon Fishing Expo @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | 9 am - 5 pm | Link
• US Adventure Racing Associate Race | Diamond Lake Resort | October 23 - 24 | Link
• Everything Pumpkin Festival | Pioneer Park in Canyonville | 12 - 7 pm | Link
• Free Film Screening of "Free to Grow" - A film about aerial spraying in Oregon Forests | 12 pm in the South Umpqua Room in the Roseburg Public Library.
• The Punkin Pickers - High lonesome traditional bluegrass at the Everything Pumpkin Festival in Canyonville | 4 pm

Sunday, October 25th

• Zoobilee @ Wildlife Safari | October 23 - 25 | 5 - 8 pm | Link

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team