October 23, 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 | 539 AM PDT Fri Oct 23 2026

Cool temperatures continue today behind a dry cold front. Recoveries will trend lower with moderate to locally poor recoveries Saturday and Sunday mornings over area peaks and ridgelines. Confidence is increasing in another round of rainfall west of the Cascades late Sunday and through the day Monday. The rest of the week may see dry daytime conditions but generally good overnight recoveries.

Douglas Forest Protective Association

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

Today's Scheduled Prescribed Burns

• 12:00 pm | 500 Block of Azalea Rd in Elkton. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 38, Hwy 138W, Elkton, Kellogg, & Scottsburg.

Douglas County has received 10,942 ballots for the 2026 November General Election, bringing voter participation to 12.24%, according to the latest update from the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.

Returns are running 1.64 percentage points behind the participation rate at the same point in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Along with the updated figures, the clerk’s office is reminding voters to read the Voter’s Statement printed on their ballot return envelope and take care when signing it.

Signature Reminders

Only the voter may sign their ballot return envelope. Another person cannot sign on the voter’s behalf, even with a power of attorney, the clerk’s office said. A ballot cannot be counted without the voter’s verified signature on the envelope.

Voters should use their normal signature. If a middle name is not part of that signature, it does not need to be added.

Signing the return envelope also attests to the Voter’s Statement printed on it, making it important to read the statement before signing.

Returning a Ballot

The clerk’s office recommends returning ballots directly through an official Douglas County ballot drop site or the U.S. Postal Service.

Voters who ask someone else to return their ballot should be aware of the time requirement. According to the county’s guidance, that person must deliver it through an official drop site or USPS within two days of receiving it and before the applicable Election Day deadline.

Election Equipment Safeguards

The county’s update also outlined security measures used to protect its ballot tabulation equipment.

According to the clerk’s office, the equipment is air-gapped and has never been connected to the internet. It has no local network connections, connected routers, or Wi-Fi. Wireless capabilities are removed or disabled, and USB ports are locked to prevent unauthorized access.

The equipment is kept in a room with around-the-clock video surveillance, controlled access, and keycard-secured doors.

The clerk’s office also said election workers operate in multipartisan teams to support neutrality, transparency, and public confidence in the election process.

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is honoring two longtime advocates whose work helped restore its federal recognition, strengthen its government, and recover ancestral lands.

Former Tribal attorney Dennis J. Whittlesey passed away Sept. 10, and Tribal historian Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham passed away Oct. 10. In a tribute published Oct. 22, Tribal CEO Michael Rondeau remembered their decades of service and the lasting effects of their work.

“The two of them together made a formidable team,” Tribal Elder Mary Howren said. “One without the other, and we wouldn’t be here.”

Dennis J. Whittlesey

Whittlesey began representing the Cow Creek Umpqua in Washington, D.C., in the late 1970s, joining Tribal leaders in their pursuit of recognition and resolution of longstanding treaty land claims.

He helped advance legislation enacted in 1980 that allowed the Tribe to bring those claims against the federal government. He also worked on the federal recognition bill introduced by Oregon Congressman Jim Weaver in June 1982. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law that December.

Whittlesey continued representing the Tribe after recognition, helping rebuild its government and develop its first gaming compact with Oregon. Those efforts helped establish economic opportunities that would support Tribal members and surrounding communities.

His ties to Oregon also included service on Lewis & Clark Law School’s Board of Visitors.

Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham

For nearly 50 years, Beckham helped the Cow Creek Umpqua document its history and ancestral connections. His research into Tribal history and genealogy supplied evidence that supported the effort to restore federal recognition.

The Tribe credited his historical expertise with helping advance several milestones, including its 1980 Court of Claims case, recognition in 1982, the Judgment Fund Act of 1987, and the Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act of 2018. The 2018 legislation restored approximately 17,000 acres of ancestral territory.

Beckham also served as a founding board member of the Umpqua Indian Development Corporation, the Tribe’s business arm. He frequently spoke at Tribal General Council meetings and prepared research, position papers, and letters supporting Tribal interests.

In remembering both men, Rondeau emphasized their willingness to continue working even when payment was uncertain. The Tribe extended condolences to their families and credited their service with helping secure opportunities for generations of Cow Creek Umpqua citizens.

Source: Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

A new public safety radio system serving Jackson County and portions of surrounding counties, including Douglas County, went live October 6 after more than a decade of planning and construction.

Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon, known as ECSO 911, launched the system to improve communications between dispatchers and first responders. ECSO is the primary 911 center for Jackson County and Crater Lake National Park.

The system also supports radio communications across portions of Curry, Klamath, Josephine, and Siskiyou counties in California. The upgrade affects the radios used by public safety agencies and does not change residents’ ability to call or text 911.

According to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the system is designed to improve daily operations and help agencies communicate during mutual aid calls and emergencies involving multiple jurisdictions, including in remote areas.

The project began with a 2014 Department of Homeland Security grant awarded to Jackson County Fire District 3 to study public safety radio infrastructure. A conceptual design process in 2016 identified a P25 hybrid radio system as the preferred approach.

Jackson County voters approved a $28 million general obligation bond for the project in 2019. A contract with Motorola Solutions followed in 2020.

Construction included 20 new or upgraded radio sites, with solar power used at remote locations. That work was completed in 2025. Agencies received approximately 1,700 to 1,800 radios, and extensive testing preceded the October 6 switchover.

“Interoperable, reliable communications save lives,” said Jon Lee, OEM’s statewide interoperability coordinator.

OEM’s interoperability and preparedness teams worked with ECSO, Jackson County, and state and federal agencies on technical coordination, grant alignment, and compatibility with existing and future emergency communications infrastructure. That work also included planning through the State Interoperability Executive Council as the project expanded to include new technology and additional backup capabilities.

Other support came from the Oregon Legislature, federal grant programs, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, and local public safety agencies.

OEM said coordination will continue among ECSO, fire and law enforcement agencies, and county service departments as they work through the transition and make further adjustments to system performance.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Federal prosecutors have announced charges against at least 40 people in connection with organized fraud schemes that used stolen food assistance benefits to purchase millions of dollars in merchandise across Oregon and neighboring states.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon announced Wednesday, October 21, that the investigations involve more than $3 million in fraudulent purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to eligible individuals and families.

According to federal investigators, those involved obtained Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information through skimming devices and other methods. The stolen card numbers and personal identification numbers were then used to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of groceries and other eligible products.

In some cases, investigators say the merchandise was transported across state lines and resold on the black market.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced additional guilty pleas, 11 new indictments, and several federal prison sentences during a press conference Wednesday.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” Bradford said. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

Investigators Uncover $2.4 Million Fraud Scheme

One of the largest investigations began in October 2024, when a federal grand jury indicted 17 people accused of stealing more than $2.4 million in SNAP benefits.

Prosecutors say the group operated between August 2023 and October 2024, obtaining EBT account information and using the stolen benefits to purchase infant formula, energy drinks, and other food products at stores in Oregon, Washington, and California.

Some purchases were made through curbside pickup services, allowing those involved to obtain large quantities of merchandise using compromised accounts.

Investigators determined that more than 120,000 pounds of merchandise were purchased through the scheme. The products were stored at locations in Oregon and Washington before being shipped to California for resale.

All 17 defendants were arrested in October 2024.

Since then, 12 defendants have received prison sentences totaling 157 months. Another two defendants have pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing in December.

Among those sentenced was Ana Escalante, who prosecutors said helped transport the merchandise across state lines. She received a 27-month federal prison sentence in September 2026 and was ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.

Second Investigation Involves $700,000 in Losses

A separate federal investigation resulted in charges against Alexandru Telescu and 11 other people in November 2025.

Prosecutors allege the group used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs, including information obtained through skimming devices installed on payment terminals, to make fraudulent purchases beginning in April 2025.

The purchases occurred in Oregon, Washington, and California. Investigators say merchandise was stored in storage units or transported to California using vans and trucks.

Estimated losses in that case total approximately $700,000.

Telescu pleaded guilty September 29, 2026, to access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2027.

Two co-defendants, Aramis and Cristina Manolea, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. Both were sentenced in May to time served and three years of supervised release.

Additional Charges Filed in Recent Weeks

Federal prosecutors also announced several new cases involving the theft and unauthorized use of EBT information.

On October 7, a federal grand jury indicted Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi on charges of conspiracy to commit access-device fraud and possession of device-making equipment.

Prosecutors allege Kehi installed skimming devices on payment terminals in Washington County to capture customers' card information.

In September and October, federal grand juries charged 10 additional defendants in separate cases involving stolen EBT card numbers and PINs.

Each case involves allegations that more than $1,000 in merchandise was purchased using stolen SNAP benefits during 2024. The combined estimated losses in those cases total $143,000.

The charges in the pending cases are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

What Oregon SNAP Recipients Should Know

While federal authorities have not identified a specific connection to Douglas County in the announced cases, EBT skimming is a concern for benefit recipients throughout Oregon.

Skimming devices can be installed on legitimate payment terminals to capture card information when customers make purchases. Criminals may then use the stolen information to access benefits without possessing the original card.

For families who rely on SNAP to purchase groceries, unauthorized transactions can leave them without funds needed for food.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) encourages EBT cardholders to take several precautions to protect their benefits:

• Freeze EBT cards between purchases. Cardholders can temporarily freeze their cards through the official ebtEDGE website or mobile application and unfreeze them when needed.
• Block out-of-state and online transactions. These restrictions can help prevent unauthorized purchases using stolen card information.
• Monitor account activity. Regularly review purchases and balances for transactions that are unfamiliar.
• Protect PIN information. Avoid sharing card numbers or PINs through unsolicited calls, text messages, or social media.
• Use official account management services. ODHS recommends using only the official ebtEDGE website or mobile application to manage benefits.

Residents who believe their EBT information has been compromised should cancel their card immediately.

During regular weekday business hours, cardholders can call the EBT replacement line at 855-328-6715. Outside those hours, they can call 888-997-4447 to cancel the card and then request a replacement during business hours.

ODHS also warns that federal funding previously used to reimburse electronically stolen SNAP benefits expired in December 2024. As a result, the agency cannot currently replace SNAP benefits stolen through electronic theft after December 20, 2024.

Additional information about protecting benefits is available through the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Federal Investigation Continues

The investigations involve several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Authorities say the coordinated effort is focused on identifying organized groups responsible for stealing public assistance benefits and disrupting networks involved in reselling merchandise purchased through fraud.

USDA Inspector General John Walk said the schemes affected more than the financial integrity of the SNAP program, noting that the unauthorized resale of products such as infant formula also raised public health and safety concerns.

Federal prosecutors say their investigations and enforcement efforts will continue as agencies work to identify additional fraud and protect households that depend on food assistance.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Residents across the Umpqua Valley can expect a chilly start to the weekend, with widespread frost Saturday morning followed by warmer afternoon temperatures and the return of rain late Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a dry cold front moving north of the region Friday will keep temperatures cool, but no additional precipitation is expected during the day.

Roseburg is forecast to reach a high near 61 degrees Friday, with partly sunny skies gradually becoming sunny by the afternoon. Winds will remain light, becoming northerly around 5 mph.

Widespread Frost Expected Saturday Morning

The biggest concern heading into the weekend will be overnight temperatures.

Forecasters expect mostly clear skies Friday night to allow temperatures to fall into the mid-30s across the Umpqua Valley, creating favorable conditions for widespread frost.

In Roseburg, the overnight low is expected to reach around 35 degrees, with frost developing mainly after 5 a.m. Saturday and continuing through approximately 9 a.m.

Residents with sensitive outdoor plants may want to take precautions Friday evening, as frost can damage vegetation even when air temperatures remain slightly above freezing.

Some low-lying areas could also experience patchy fog early Saturday morning due to lingering moisture from recent rainfall.

Saturday Brings Warmer Afternoon Temperatures

Following the frosty morning, Saturday is expected to be a pleasant fall day across Roseburg.

The forecast calls for partly sunny skies and a high near 67 degrees, with calm winds throughout the day.

Saturday night will bring increasing cloud cover and another chilly overnight low around 37 degrees. While temperatures will remain cold, the current forecast does not specifically call for widespread frost Saturday night.

The National Weather Service says an upper-level ridge moving toward the region will allow weekend temperatures in valleys west of the Cascades to climb as much as five degrees above seasonal averages.

Rain Chances Increase Sunday Into Monday

Sunday will begin with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching around 67 degrees in Roseburg, but changes are expected as another weather system approaches the region.

Rain chances will increase during the late morning and afternoon, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 40 percent chance of precipitation in Roseburg, mainly after 11 a.m.

Rain becomes more likely Sunday night, with precipitation chances increasing to 70 percent and overnight temperatures falling to around 41 degrees.

Between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch of rain could fall Sunday night in Roseburg.

The approaching low-pressure system is expected to remain over the region through much of Monday, bringing additional rainfall to areas west of the Cascades.

Coastal communities could receive between 0.4 and 0.8 inches of rain from the system, while inland locations are expected to see lower amounts.

Gusty winds are also possible over higher terrain and east of the Cascades, although forecasters currently expect wind speeds to remain below advisory levels.

Mild Weather Possible Next Week

Looking beyond Monday, the forecast becomes less certain as weather patterns over the Pacific Ocean and southwestern United States influence conditions across southern Oregon.

Temperatures could remain near seasonal averages or climb slightly above normal, depending on how those systems develop.

Additional rainfall remains possible later in the week, although forecast models differ on how much moisture will reach the region.

For now, the National Weather Service does not anticipate significant weather impacts during the remainder of next week.

Residents can expect a mostly dry Saturday, a chilly start to both weekend mornings, and increasing chances for rain beginning Sunday.

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
• Live Music: Leila Naderi , ft. Justus Mackintosh, Jeff Plummer, Tommy Whiteside @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 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
• Live Music: India Ramey & The Waymores @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

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
• Ghost Ballads: Songs of Murder / The Dark Side of Bluegrass: Josh Gross & Quartz Creek @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm
• Gallery Northwest 15 Year Anniversary Party | 12 - 4 pm

Sunday, October 25th

• Zoobilee @ Wildlife Safari | October 23 - 25 | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• Live Music: Rockwork Orange @​ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 pm

• We now have 24,862 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 Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team