October 28, 2026

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

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Roseburg School Board will meet Wednesday evening, October 28, to discuss a proposal to close Fir Grove Elementary School at the end of the current school year. The meeting agenda also includes possible action on the recommendation.

The proposal is part of the district's “Aligning to Thrive” report, released in September by Superintendent Jared Cordon. The report recommends reducing the number of elementary schools in the district from eight to seven, citing declining enrollment, rising operating costs and significant maintenance needs at aging school buildings.

Wednesday's agenda includes two items for the regular meeting: a discussion of the report with Cordon and consideration of the superintendent's recommendation. The second item is listed for action, meaning the board could vote on the proposed closure. However, the agenda does not indicate whether a final decision will be made that evening.

Under the recommendation, Fir Grove would close after the 2026-27 school year, with students reassigned to Eastwood, Hucrest and Fullerton IV elementary schools beginning in fall 2027.

The district's report identifies several factors behind the proposal. Enrollment has fallen from 5,842 students during the 2016-17 school year to 5,221 in September 2026, a decline of nearly 11 percent. Fir Grove currently serves fewer than 200 students, and the district says nearby schools have enough available classroom space to accommodate those students.

The report also identifies approximately $47.7 million in anticipated maintenance and facility needs across the district's elementary schools over the next decade. About $8.5 million of those needs are associated with Fir Grove, which was originally built in 1960.

District officials estimate that consolidation could reduce annual General Fund expenses by approximately $1.3 million, although the final savings would depend on staffing decisions and other factors.

Transportation was another consideration in the recommendation. According to the report, the proposed attendance boundary changes would allow students to attend nearby schools without adding transportation costs or creating lengthy bus rides.

If the board approves the closure, the district would begin planning the transition for students, families and employees. The report also calls for relocating specialized programs currently housed at Fir Grove and evaluating possible future uses for the school property.

The school board has not approved the closure, and Fir Grove remains scheduled to operate through the end of the current school year.

The regular board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Roseburg Schools Central Office Boardroom at 1419 NW Valley View Drive. The meeting is open to the public, although no public comment period is listed on the agenda.

Following the regular meeting, board members are scheduled to hold a work session discussing potential virtual education options for the 2027-28 school year.

The October 28 meeting agenda is available online.

The Roseburg Receiver previously published a detailed breakdown of the superintendent's recommendation, including proposed attendance boundary changes, enrollment figures, facility concerns and the potential effects on students and staff.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Douglas County 4-H member McKenzie Reed has been recognized with the Tom Findlay Sr. Outstanding 4-H Member Award for her leadership, community service and dedication to the 4-H program.

The award, presented by the Douglas County Pomona Grange, honors the memory of Tom Findlay Sr., a longtime supporter of local youth who was known for his generosity and willingness to help others.

Findlay regularly supported young people through community fundraisers and by purchasing market animals raised by youth at the Douglas County Fair. His involvement went beyond financial contributions, as he encouraged others to invest in the success of local 4-H members.

Established in his memory, the award recognizes 4-H members who demonstrate the organization's values through their actions, words and positive impact on others.

Reed was recognized for her personal growth, participation in 4-H activities and commitment to serving her community.

Throughout her involvement in the program, she has strengthened her dog handling skills and developed greater confidence in public speaking, presentations and communication.

She has also been an active participant in community service projects and fundraising events, consistently volunteering her time to support the program and those around her.

Reed's leadership experience includes serving as a Douglas County 4-H ambassador and attending Ignite by 4-H in Washington, D.C., a national program focused on youth leadership and personal development.

She has also represented Douglas County in dog and communications competitions at Spring Classic in Redmond and the Oregon State Fair.

Her accomplishments reflect the qualities the Tom Findlay Sr. Outstanding 4-H Member Award was created to recognize, including dedication, leadership, personal growth and a willingness to help others.

Through the award, the Douglas County Pomona Grange continues to honor Findlay's legacy while recognizing young people who make a positive difference in their communities.

More information about local 4-H activities and recognition can be found on the Facebook page associated with the announcement.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Douglas County has received 25,098 ballots for the November general election, bringing voter participation to 28.06% as of Tuesday, October 27, according to an update from County Clerk Daniel Loomis.

The participation rate is 0.74 percentage points ahead of the same point in the county’s 2022 gubernatorial general election.

With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 3, registered voters who have not received their ballots should contact or visit the county elections office.

Ballots returned in person or through an official drop box must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days afterward. The Oregon Secretary of State recommends using an official drop box as Election Day approaches.

The clerk’s office also reminded residents what to do if they receive a ballot addressed to someone who no longer lives at their address. The ballot envelope states in large red capital letters: “RETURN TO SENDER IF THIS VOTER DOES NOT LIVE HERE.” Residents should write “Does not live here” on the envelope and return it through the mail.

Voters do not need a secrecy sleeve. Douglas County uses ballot-return envelopes designed to protect ballot secrecy, and multipartisan procedures help safeguard the integrity of ballot processing, according to the clerk’s office.

Loomis reported that the county completed its pre-election public certification of election tabulation equipment on Monday, October 26. Representatives of each major political party were invited to observe the procedure, known as the Logic and Accuracy Test. A post-election certification of the equipment will also be conducted.

After ballot-return envelopes pass signature verification, election boards open the envelopes and prepare the ballots for tabulation.

On Election Day, ballots are tabulated, and preliminary, unofficial results are transmitted to the Oregon Secretary of State. Results will begin appearing on the Douglas County Elections webpage at 8 p.m. and will remain unofficial until the required certification processes are complete.

For election information, visit the Douglas County Elections webpage.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Melrose Vineyards Renaissance Faire will return June 12 and 13, 2027, the winery announced on its Facebook page.

The two-day event will take place at Melrose Vineyards in Roseburg. Organizers said planning is underway, with more announcements and event details to come.

The announcement welcomed returning and prospective visitors, from those dressing as knights and fairies to anyone interested in enjoying the festivities and a glass of wine.

“We’re hard at work behind the castle walls preparing an even more magical experience, and we can’t wait to share what we have in store,” organizers wrote.

The announcement did not include event hours, admission prices or a schedule of activities.

Anyone interested in participating, or with questions about the faire, can email events@melrosevineyards.com. Organizers encouraged visitors to follow the Melrose Vineyards Facebook page for updates.

The Melrose Vineyards Renaissance Faire Facebook group can be found here.

Pile burning could begin Wednesday, October 28, in parts of the Diamond Lake and North Umpqua ranger districts, if weather conditions remain favorable and all required approvals are in place.

The planned locations in the Diamond Lake Ranger District include Sandshed 114 and Lagoon 108. The Lagoon 108 site is northeast of Thielsen Creek Campground.

In the North Umpqua Ranger District, burning is planned at Calf NFF 5 and 6, west of OK Butte.

Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas during the burns and afterward. The notice asks residents and visitors not to call 911 to report smoke associated with these planned burns.

The October 28 start remains tentative. Updates are expected on the page where the notice was posted before burning begins, and people in the area are encouraged to check back for confirmation.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Downtown Roseburg will welcome costumed kids, families and other Halloween revelers Saturday, Oct. 31, for the annual Neewollah Parade and an evening of trick-or-treating.

Participants will gather at 4:30 p.m. near Southeast Jackson Street and Southeast Douglas Avenue. The parade starts at 5 p.m., with downtown trick-or-treating to follow through 7 p.m.

Costumes are encouraged, and people of all ages are invited to participate.

Neewollah, “Halloween” spelled backward, has been a Roseburg tradition since 1933. The celebration brings generations of residents downtown to mark the holiday with costumes and candy.

Families planning to join the parade should arrive at the gathering area before the 5 p.m. start.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg residents can begin preparing leaf piles for the city’s seasonal collection program, which runs Monday, Nov. 2, through Monday, Jan. 4.

Public Works crews will start in the Laurelwood neighborhood behind Roseburg High School and work clockwise around the city. Each trip through the route generally takes about a month, depending on how many leaves crews collect. Crews will repeat the route throughout the program.

The service is available to residential properties inside city limits and helps keep fallen leaves from clogging drainage systems or entering local waterways. Last year, crews collected 1,080 cubic yards of leaves, equivalent to about 108 standard dump truck loads.

“The leaf pickup program helps keep the city street drains, as well as the storm pipe infrastructure, clean and functioning properly,” Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx said.

Residents should rake leaves into neat piles along the edge of their property or in the street in front of their property before crews arrive. Only leaves raked into piles will be collected.

Piles should be free of branches, rocks and other debris and placed away from parked vehicles. Residents must keep gutters, ditches, bike lanes and catch basins clear, including during rainstorms while waiting for collection. Residents are responsible for hazards created by where they place their leaves.

Public Works may also deliver free truckloads of collected leaves to properties within city limits, depending on scheduling and availability. The minimum delivery is approximately 8 to 10 cubic yards, or one dump truck load.

Once delivered, the leaves become the recipient’s responsibility. Delivered leaves cannot be placed on parking strips or within city, county or state rights-of-way.

Residents can find route updates and additional details on the city’s leaf pickup webpage. To request a delivery or ask about the program, contact Public Works at 541-492-6730 or pwd@roseburgor.gov.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Umpqua Valley Arts will open two new exhibitions on Friday, October 30, featuring artwork from local artists and students at Umpqua Community College.

The exhibitions, the 2026 Annual Members' Exhibit and Emerging Voices, will open with a public reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Staff remarks are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

The Annual Members' Exhibit is a yearly tradition at Umpqua Valley Arts, giving artist members an opportunity to share their work with the community. The exhibition will feature a variety of artistic styles and mediums across all four of the organization's main galleries.

Unlike a juried exhibition, where artwork is reviewed and selected for inclusion, the annual members' show allows participating artists to submit one piece without a selection process or required theme.

Umpqua Valley Arts said the exhibition is also an opportunity to recognize the artists who help support its programs and contribute to the local arts community.

"Members are part of the driving force behind what we do and inspire us across all of our programming," the organization said in its exhibition announcement.

Alongside the members' exhibition, the Student Gallery will feature Emerging Voices, a collection of artwork created by Umpqua Community College students during the previous academic year.

The exhibition highlights students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, with pieces selected by UCC visual arts professors Greg Price and Jon Hoffman.

According to Umpqua Valley Arts, the selected work reflects students who have taken their artistic efforts beyond classroom assignments to explore their own approaches to creating art.

Both exhibitions will remain on display through December 23.

The opening reception on Friday is an opportunity for community members to view the artwork and celebrate the artists participating in both exhibitions.

Umpqua Valley Arts will be closed to the public during the week leading up to the opening as staff prepare the galleries. Regular gallery hours will resume Saturday, October 31.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Umpqua Valley Arts is located at Fir Grove Park on West Harvard Avenue in Roseburg.

More information about the organization and its exhibitions is available at uvarts.com.

Limited Time Events

• Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch @ The Farmstand by Lehne Farms | September 26 - October 31 | Saturdays in October | Link
• Epic Expressions Photography - Free Halloween Photos @ Epic Quest Adventures, Sutherlin | Through October 31 | By reservation | Free, donations welcome | Link
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg | October 29, 30, 31 | 7 - 10 pm | $15 ages 13+, $10 ages 12 and under | Link
• Terror on Central Haunted House @ 109 E. Central Ave., Sutherlin | October 30 - 31 | 5 - 10 pm | $5, children under 8 free | Link

Monday, October 26th

• 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 27th

• 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.
• Live Music: CorMae, CallowRuse, Mammalodon @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 -10 pm | Link

Wednesday, October 28th

• 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
• Halloween Trunk-or-Treat @ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2001 Bertha Ave., Roseburg | 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Trunk decorating begins at 6 pm
• Downtown Roseburg Clean-Up | 5 - 6 pm | Link
• Live Music: Bob Hall @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• T. Bone Stone's Old School Blues Jam @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link
• Wicked Wednesday feat. Chandler P @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 6 pm | Link

Thursday, October 29th

• 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
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg | 7 - 10 pm | Family Night Special: $45 for two adults and three youths | Link
• Local on Vendor Night @ Cooper Ridge Vineyard | 4 - 6 pm | Link

Friday, October 30th

• 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
• Terror on Central Haunted House @ 109 E. Central Ave., Sutherlin | 5 - 10 pm | $5 admission, children under 8 free | Link
• Winston VFW Halloween Party @ VFW Post 9745, 570 W. Douglas Blvd., Winston | 6 - 10 pm | Live music from StickShift with Steve Scott, costume contest | $10 cover, cash only | 21+
• The Ghosts of Roseburg Past: Historic Walking Tours | 7 pm | Link
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg | 7 - 10 pm | $15 ages 13+, $10 ages 12 and under | Link
• Beauty and the Beasts Halloween Burlesque Show @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse, Roseburg | Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm | $25 presale, $30 at door | 21+ | Link
• FIFTH FRIDAY: Taste of the Umpqua - Downtown Roseburg | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• Live Music: Rovers & Dragons Celtic Band @ North Forty Beer Company | 6:30 - 9 pm | Link
• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow | Drain Civic Center | 6:30 pm | Dinner, Talent Show, Cartoon movie screening, Fire Dancers. | Link
• Live Music: Eliot Lipp w/ Special Guest Baloogz @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Saturday, October 31st

• 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
• Thrive Umpqua Community 5K Fun Run/Walk @ Ford's Pond, Sutherlin | Registration 9 - 9:45 am, run begins 10 am | Free registration, costumes encouraged | Link
• Canyonville Community Library Halloween Storytime @ Canyonville Community Library | 11:30 am | Halloween stories and take-home craft
• Roseburg Saturday Farmers Market Annual Trunk-or-Treat @ Tiffany Plaza, 2525 W. Harvard Ave., Roseburg | 12 - 3 pm | Free | Decorated trunks, candy, witches dance, food trucks
• Flashbak Rock & Roll @ Melrose Vineyards, 885 Melqua Road, Roseburg | 2 - 5 pm | Live music, costumes encouraged
• Epic Trick-or-Treat @ B's Sweet Treats, 1350 NE Stephens St., Roseburg | 3 - 6 pm | Free cupcakes and mini pizzas for children
• Leap of Faith Dance Center Trunk-or-Treat @ 1035 SE Lane Ave., Roseburg | 3 - 6 pm | Halloween treats and games | Link
• Dynamic Martial Arts Trunk-or-Treat @ 1223 NE Cedar St., Roseburg | 4:30 - 6 pm | Decorated vehicles, candy, costumes encouraged
• Roseburg Neewollah Parade & Downtown Trick-or-Treating @ SE Jackson St. and SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg | Lineup 4:30 pm, parade 5 pm, downtown trick-or-treating 5 - 7 pm | Free
• Roseburg Senior Center Halloween Trunk-or-Treat @ 1614 SE Stephens St., Roseburg | 5 - 8 pm | Donations accepted | Trunk setup 3 - 5 pm
• Sutherlin Downtown Trunk-or-Treat @ Central Avenue, Sutherlin | 5 - 7 pm | Free | Candy, food trucks, photo opportunities | Link
• Bulldog Barns Third Annual Halloween Treat and Greet @ 1751 S. Calapooia St., Sutherlin | 5 - 8 pm | Haunted maze, candy, popcorn, cotton candy, photo booth
• Terror on Central Haunted House @ 109 E. Central Ave., Sutherlin | 5 - 10 pm | $5 admission, children under 8 free | Link
• Pine Grove Community Church Fall Festival @ 1729 Buckhorn Road, Roseburg | 6 - 8 pm | Games, prizes, food, candy, cake walks
• River of Life World Outreach Center Harvest Party @ 8384 Old Highway 99 N, Roseburg | 6 - 7 pm | Free | Games, prizes, candy, family activities
• Shafty: Portland's Tribute to Phish @ The Rosebud Theatre, Roseburg | Doors 6 pm, show 7 pm | $20 presale, $25 at door | Link
• Grimm Times at Fairview Manor @ Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg | 7 - 10 pm | $15 ages 13+, $10 ages 12 and under | Link
• The Blade Axe House & Tia's Street Tacos Halloween Party @ The Blade Axe House, Roseburg | 7 - 10 pm | $20 per person | Ages 10+ | Costume contest, axe throwing, darts
• 80's 90's y2k to now HALLOWEEN BASH @ Backside Brewing Co. | 8 pm | Link
• Halloween Party & Costume Contest @ North Forty Beer Company | 8 - 11 pm | Link
• Steampunk Halloween Bash w/ Soul Shock @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 pm | Link
• Richwine Vinyards Halloween | 15330 Old Highway 99s, Myrtle Creek | Link
• Trunk or Treat Canyonville
• BOO-BASH @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 10 pm
• Live Music: Strange Brew @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• Halloween Party @​ Draper Draft House | 5 pm - close

• We now have 24,947 Facebook group members!! Thank you all so much for being here!
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That is the scoop for this Wednesday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team