September 14, 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 | 547 AM PDT Mon Sep 14 2026

Warm and dry daytime conditions remain in the forecast, but overnight recoveries are trending upwards and may remain at good levels for much of the week. Isolated thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon and evening of Wednesday and Thursday, with the highest chances over the Cascades north of Crater Lake and northern Klamath County. Warm and dry conditions are forecast for the end of the week and into the weekend, with locally moderate recoveries.

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Roseburg City Council will consider a proposed garbage and recycling rate increase, a $279,370 contract to update the Stewart Park Master Plan and a report examining homelessness response efforts in Grants Pass during its meeting Monday evening, September 14 at 7 pm.

Councilors will begin the evening with a 6 p.m. tour of the Gary Leif Navigation Center. The regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Roseburg City Hall, 900 SE Douglas Avenue.

Roseburg Disposal Requests Rate Increase

Roseburg Disposal Company is requesting approval of new garbage and recycling service rates that would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

The company is seeking an approximately 8% adjustment to its garbage service rates. For residential customers inside Roseburg, the proposed monthly rates are:

• 40-gallon service would increase from $20 to $21.50.
• 60-gallon service would increase from $31.50 to $34.
• 90-gallon service would increase from $45.75 to $49.25.

The proposal also standardizes commercial and residential base rates as recycling becomes available to commercial customers. Because of that change, some commercial can-service rates would increase by more than 8%.

For example, once-a-week commercial service inside the city would change from $15.50 to $21.50 for a 40-gallon container, from $24.25 to $34 for a 60-gallon container and from $35 to $49.25 for a 90-gallon container.

Several service fees would also increase. Reconnection after a shutoff for nonpayment would rise from $20 to $25. The fee to return a city cart removed for nonpayment would increase from $40 to $45.

Roseburg Disposal said its last rate adjustment occurred more than two years ago and cited higher costs for wages, employee benefits, fuel, equipment maintenance, vehicle replacement, insurance and regulatory compliance.

According to the council packet, an independent audit placed the company’s current operating ratio for Roseburg services at 93.8. The target range under the company’s Douglas County franchise agreement is between 88 and 92. Roseburg Disposal estimates the proposed rates would bring that figure to approximately 90.

City staff recommends approving the increase. The council could approve the request, announce plans to conduct a more detailed review or take no action and allow the rates to take effect.

Stewart Park Master Plan Update

Councilors will also consider hiring Cameron McCarthy to prepare a new master plan for Stewart Park.

The existing plan is more than 25 years old. The updated document would guide improvements at the 236-acre park and surrounding riverfront areas over the next 20 years.

The project would cover Stewart Park, the natural area, golf course, Fir Grove, Riverfront Park, Gaddis Park, multiuse trail connections and nearby open space and waterfront areas.

The consultant would evaluate existing conditions, gather additional feedback from residents and community organizations, prepare design alternatives, develop preliminary cost estimates and produce the final plan.

An initial phase completed in December 2025 included site analysis and a community survey. The city received 1,382 responses about current conditions, desired uses and priorities for the park.

Four firms submitted proposals. Cameron McCarthy received the highest average score at 114 out of 125 points, followed by Moore Iacofano Goltsman at 102.8, Range Studio LLC at 102 and PORT at 86.5.

The proposed $279,370 contract would be funded through:

• $154,370 from the city’s Park Improvement Fund.
• A $125,000 Oregon Community Foundation grant connected to The Ford Family Foundation.

The adopted budget currently contains $150,000 for the project. The remaining $4,370 would come from reserves for future expenditures. A supplemental budget would be required to recognize the grant and additional reserve funding.

The Roseburg Parks Commission unanimously recommended awarding the contract. If approved, the planning process is expected to take approximately one year, with completion anticipated in fall 2027.

Council To Review Grants Pass Homelessness Response

The council will receive a detailed report examining how Grants Pass addresses homelessness through shelter capacity, enforcement, nonprofit partnerships and privately developed housing.

The report is part of Roseburg’s continuing review of homelessness programs in other Oregon communities. City staff cautioned that the two communities have different funding structures. Grants Pass receives a recurring federal Community Development Block Grant allocation directly from the federal government, while Roseburg must compete for those funds through the state.

Grants Pass awarded $1.179 million to Elk Island Trading Group to help develop Parker’s Place Village, a privately owned, low-barrier emergency sleeping facility with space for at least 150 people. The grant was funded equally through city land and building funds and opioid settlement money.

The city does not own or directly operate Parker’s Place. Private and nonprofit organizations operate the shelter and provide services, while Grants Pass focuses on public safety, management of public property, enforcement, land-use decisions and coordination with community providers.

The packet also describes a privately funded LifeSpace NextStep Bridge Community expected to open in Grants Pass by the end of 2026 with 176 beds. The development is designed to provide individual transitional units for people moving from emergency shelter toward permanent housing.

LifeSpace has indicated that Roseburg is the next community where it plans to pursue a similar privately funded development after completing the Grants Pass project. No Roseburg project or funding commitment is before the council Monday.

Before the regular meeting, councilors are scheduled to tour the Gary Leif Navigation Center and view LifeSpace shelters purchased for the facility. LifeSpace also donated two additional units valued at $25,000 each.

The units are expected to allow UCAN to move congregate sleeping beds from inside the Navigation Center into individual shelters within the secured outdoor area. That would free indoor space for supportive services, daytime use and a permanent heating and cooling location during extreme weather.

The council is not scheduled to take formal action on the Grants Pass report but may provide feedback or request more information.

Legislative Priorities And Saving Grace Presentation

Councilors will select Roseburg’s five highest priorities from 27 proposals developed by the League of Oregon Cities for the 2027-28 legislative sessions.

The proposals cover housing and homelessness funding, transportation, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, emergency communications, cybersecurity, economic development, renewable energy, public meetings law and other municipal issues.

The city’s selections must be submitted to the League of Oregon Cities by Sept. 25. City staff has not recommended specific priorities.

Saving Grace Humane Society is also scheduled to give a special presentation during the meeting. The consent agenda includes minutes from the council’s Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 meetings.

Residents may attend the regular meeting in person or watch through the City of Roseburg’s council video page or the city’s Facebook page. Anyone wishing to participate virtually must contact the City Recorder’s Office by noon Monday.

The complete Sept. 14 City Council agenda packet is available online.

RIDDLE, Ore. - Riddle Elementary School will reopen Monday, Sept. 14, after the building was cleared of bat activity and sanitation work was completed.

Riddle School District shared the update with families after the school was closed last week due to continued bat activity inside the building.

“Great news! We have just received notice that Riddle Elementary is clear of bat activity, and the sanitation process has been successfully completed,” the district said.

Students were initially sent home Friday, Sept. 4, after bats were found inside the school. The building reopened the following Tuesday, but additional bat activity prompted another closure while the district conducted inspections, cleaning and bat-removal work.

Throughout the process, district officials said they worked with the Douglas Public Health Network, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and a professional bat specialist.

The district thanked families for their patience, understanding and support and said it is excited to welcome students and staff back Monday.

KELLOGG, Ore. - Firefighters from several Douglas County agencies responded to a fully involved structure fire on Osprey Drive early Sunday morning.

Kellogg Rural Fire District was dispatched at 12:19 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Initial reports indicated the unoccupied home was completely engulfed in flames when crews were called.

Firefighters from Kellogg Rural Fire District, Oakland Rural Fire Protection District and Sutherlin Fire Department fought the fire from outside the structure. Crews used a defensive attack because conditions made it unsafe or impractical to enter the burning building.

Despite the intensity of the fire, crews kept the flames from spreading into the surrounding wildland. One small spot fire was reported outside the immediate structure area, but firefighters quickly contained it.

No firefighter injuries were reported.

Douglas Forest Protective Association also assisted with the response. Kellogg Rural Fire District thanked the responding agencies and firefighters for their assistance.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Douglas County residents will have an opportunity to clear out old computers, televisions and other unwanted electronics during a free recycling event in Roseburg next month.

The Douglas County Solid Waste Department is partnering with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles to hold a household electronics recycling event on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Roseburg Transfer Station, 165 W. McLain Avenue.

The event is free and open to Douglas County residents and small businesses, with a limit of seven devices per person or small business.

What Can Be Recycled?

Organizers will accept a wide range of household electronics, including:

• Computers
• Televisions
• Printers and monitors
• Keyboards and mice
• Gaming devices
• Networking equipment
• Audio and video equipment
• Power tools
• Cords and chargers
• Christmas lights
• Miscellaneous computer parts

Some items will not be accepted. Those include loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, light bulbs, lighting ballasts and items containing glass such as microwaves.

County officials are encouraging residents to recycle unwanted electronics rather than place them in the garbage. Electronic devices can contain materials that pose environmental risks when they are improperly discarded, including heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances.

Proper recycling also allows materials contained in old electronics to be recovered rather than taking up space in a landfill.

Event Details

What: Household Electronics E-Cycle Event
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Roseburg Transfer Station, 165 W. McLain Avenue, Roseburg
Cost: Free
Who: Douglas County residents and small businesses
Limit: Seven devices per person or small business

Questions about the event can be directed to the Douglas County Solid Waste Department at 541-440-4485.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - While students were away from classrooms this summer, maintenance crews and local contractors were busy completing approximately $1.08 million in facility improvements across Roseburg Schools.

The work ranged from new roofs and HVAC equipment to flooring, playground improvements and asbestos abatement. The district said the projects are intended to address immediate needs and extend the useful life of buildings while longer-term decisions about its aging facilities continue.

Roseburg Schools' buildings are about 77 years old on average, making ongoing maintenance an increasingly important part of keeping the district's schools safe and operational.

Major school renovations and construction of new buildings are generally funded through voter-approved bonds. Without bond funding, the district said it relies on grants and General Fund dollars for facility work. Those General Fund dollars also pay for the district's day-to-day operations.

Work Completed Across the District

Several schools received significant work over the summer.

At Winchester Elementary School, projects included asbestos abatement and new flooring in three classrooms, along with new HVAC units in three classrooms and two offices. Hazard trees were also removed.

At Fullerton IV Elementary School, asbestos abatement was completed in five classrooms and polished concrete flooring was installed.

Other projects included:

• Melrose Elementary School: New roofs on the kindergarten and main buildings.
• Sunnyslope Elementary School: New wood-chip fall protection at the north playground.
• Roseburg High School: New flooring in six restrooms, new entrance mats, HVAC control upgrades in the Student Center, a gym access-control system and privacy changing and showering stations in both locker rooms.
• Joseph Lane Middle School: Replacement of media center siding, exterior painting of the main building, field drainage work and hazard clearing.
• Fremont Middle School: Roof cleaning and moss removal intended to extend the life of the roof.
• Central Office facilities: New roofs on the Central Office, warehouse and Student Services buildings. A warehouse dock overhang was also removed and is expected to be replaced.

The district said required asbestos-management procedures are followed, including regular inspections and safe removal.

Additional Projects Planned

More work is already planned at some campuses.

Joseph Lane Middle School is expected to receive new athletic complex fencing, an additional paved play area and a replacement path to the athletic field. An additional paved play area is also planned at Fremont Middle School.

Eastwood Elementary received a separate campus-wide LED lighting upgrade valued at approximately $50,000. That project was funded through the Energy Trust of Oregon.

Planning for Aging Schools

The summer projects come as Roseburg Schools continues looking at the longer-term future of its facilities.

The district's Community Facilities Advisory Committee spent the previous school year studying school facilities and long-term needs. According to the district, recommendations from the committee are now helping guide decisions about how Roseburg Schools can best use its buildings and resources in the years ahead.

For now, the district said the summer work is focused on maintaining the buildings it already has and addressing immediate needs while planning for larger investments that aging schools will eventually require.

More information about the district and its facilities is available through Roseburg Schools.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Umpqua Orthopedics will close for patient care on September 15, 2026, ending more than two decades of orthopedic service in Douglas County.

The Roseburg practice announced the closure in a notice to patients. A reason for the closure was not provided.

Patients who need information about transferring their medical records are asked to call Umpqua Orthopedics at 541-677-2131.

Dr. Michael Krnacik will relocate to Bay Area Hospital’s Orthopedic Clinic at 1775 Thompson Road in Coos Bay. That clinic can be reached by phone at 541-266-7846.

Dr. Sandesh Pandit will relocate to the East Coast, according to the announcement. No additional information about his future practice was provided.

“It has been our great honor and pleasure to provide orthopedic care in Douglas County for the last 21 years,” the physicians wrote in their message to patients.

Umpqua Orthopedics currently operates at 277 NW Medical Loop in Roseburg and provides treatment for bone, joint, ligament and tendon injuries, along with sports medicine and other orthopedic services.

Patients with upcoming appointments or ongoing treatment should contact the practice directly for information about how the closure may affect their care.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Volunteers will gather along the Oregon Coast later this month for SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, with projects scheduled from Sept. 18-27.

The cleanup runs from Sept. 18-27 and includes projects along beaches, rivers, trails and other natural areas throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Many of the coastal events will take place Sept. 19, which is International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Although SOLVE’s featured event list does not currently include a cleanup in Douglas County, residents in the Reedsport area can participate in nearby projects at Siltcoos Beach near Florence and Horsfall Beach near North Bend.

Nearby Cleanup Events

• Horsfall Beach Cleanup: Volunteers will meet at the Horsfall OHV Staging Area near North Bend from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Participants will remove litter and marine debris from Horsfall Beach Road and surrounding recreation areas. The event is being organized with the Willamette Valley Wheelers and Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association Region 6. Event information and registration
• Siltcoos Beach Cleanup: SOLVE and the U.S. Forest Service will hold a cleanup at the Siltcoos Beach Day Use Area near Florence from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26. Volunteers will learn about threatened western snowy plovers before collecting litter and marine debris from the nesting area. The project is being held in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Event information and registration

SOLVE said the annual campaign gives communities an opportunity to remove waste before autumn rain carries it into storm drains, rivers and the ocean. The projects also help protect beaches and wildlife habitat from discarded plastics, fishing gear and other debris.

Cleanup opportunities are scheduled in communities throughout the Oregon Coast. Some projects involve more than collecting litter, with volunteers also helping remove invasive plants, maintain gardens and restore natural areas.

Individuals, families, community groups and coworkers may participate. Registration requirements and recommendations on clothing, equipment and age restrictions vary by event.

Additional projects may be added before the campaign begins. A complete list of opportunities and registration information is available at SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup website.

Limited Time Events

• Wellness Walk | Every Saturday Through September | 9am at the Thrive Umpqua office in Roseburg (556 SE Jackson)
• Seven Feathers’ Wine Trolley Tour | June 6 - September 27 | Link
• 2026 Umpqua Plein Air Exhibit: an exhibit celebrating the Umpqua Valley @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | August 22 - October 23 | 10 am - 6 pm | Link
• Murder on the Orient Express | UACT Theatre | September 3 - 20 | Link

Monday, September 14th

• 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, September 15th

• 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, September 16th

• 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+
• Group Meet - Knitting of Any Kind | Studio Arts Connection (1350 NE Stephens, Roseburg) | 1 - 3:30 pm | Knitting, crochet, hand quilting felting spinning, etc
• Canyonville Farmer's Market | Wednesdays from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm at Seven Feathers Casino Parking Lot | May - October
• Live Music: Dylan James Clark @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• T. Bone Stone's Old School Blues Jam @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm | Link

Thursday, September 17th

• 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
• Challenge of the Heros Fundraiser | Benefits Douglas County Child Abuse Prevention | Link

Friday, September 18th

• 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
• Group Meet - Open Painting Watercolor and Small Acrylic | Studio Arts Connection (1350 NE Stephens, Roseburg) | 1 - 3:30 PM
• 2026 Umpqua Valley Swift Watch @ Umpqua Valley Arts' Clay Place | 6:30 pm | Link
• Walk-In Wine Tasting @ The Wine Destination | 4 - 7 pm | Link
• Winston-Dillard Melon Festival | September 18 - 20th | Link

Saturday, September 19th

• 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+
• Fall Classic Rodeo @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 11 am - 5 pm | September 19 & 20 | Link
• Live Music: CountryLIVE @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 8 - 9:30 pm | Link
• The Confluence Art Show & Sale | 10 am - 5 pm | Link
• Umpqua Collectibles Expo 2026 @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | 10 am - 10 pm | Link
• Winston-Dillard Melon Festival | September 18 - 20th | Link
• Disaster Preparedness Fair | Douglas County Fairgrounds | 10 am - 6 pm | Link

Sunday, September 20th

• Fall Classic Rodeo @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 11 am - 5 pm | September 19 & 20 | Link
• The Confluence Art Show & Sale | 10 am - 5 pm | Link
• Winston-Dillard Melon Festival | September 18 - 20th | Link

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

- The Roseburg Receiver Team