September 18, 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 | 342 AM PDT Fri Sep 18 2026

Low pressure will shift eastward into Idaho today, bringing an end to shower activity by late morning. Below normal temperatures continue today, then trend warmer over the weekend as a shortwave ridge passes through the area. Dry conditions will persist this weekend and through much of next week, with temperatures hovering near to just above seasonable normals after the weekend.

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

Today's Scheduled Prescribed Burns

• Noon - 200 block of Joelson Road in Umpqua. Smoke may be visible from Umpqua, Melrose and Wilbur.
• 1 p.m. - 200 block of Chadwick Lane in Myrtle Creek. Smoke may be visible from I-5, Tri City, Myrtle Creek, Weaver, Riddle, Canyonville and Days Creek.
• 1 p.m. - 2000 block of Weaver Road. Smoke may be visible from I-5, Tri City, Myrtle Creek, Weaver, Riddle, Canyonville and Days Creek.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg High School’s athletic facilities have officially been named the Seven Feathers Sports Complex as part of an expanded partnership between Roseburg Public Schools and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

Superintendent Jared Cordon announced the name during the Roseburg School Board’s meeting Wednesday night. The meeting agenda listed the official naming of the RHS athletic complex as an action item.

The announcement follows the board’s approval in August of an agreement between the district and the Tribe. Under the 10-year agreement, the Tribe will provide $500,000 to Roseburg Public Schools. Of that amount, $400,000 will support improvements and maintenance at the sports complex, while $100,000 will support academics.

The broader partnership was announced by the Tribe and school district in June. In addition to supporting the athletic facilities, the partnership will allow Roseburg High School students to earn language credit for learning Takelma, the ancestral language of the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe.

The district and Tribe are also continuing their work through the Tribal Attendance Promising Practices program, which is designed to improve attendance, strengthen relationships between schools and tribal families, and provide culturally responsive support for Native students.

When the partnership was announced, Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chairman Carla Keene said educational opportunities help create healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives for future generations.

“Our youth in this community are our future, and Roseburg Schools has always been an extraordinary caretaker of the young people in this community, equipping them with the life skills they need to succeed,” Keene said.

Cordon said the partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished through mutual respect and a shared vision for students.

“We are deeply grateful for the Tribe’s leadership, generosity, and commitment to helping our students thrive,” Cordon said.

According to notes from Wednesday’s board meeting, district administrators and members of the Board of Directors are excited to begin the long-awaited partnership.

A new zipper merge is now in place for drivers traveling east on Oregon 42 from Winston toward Roseburg.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said new signs and pavement markings are directing drivers to take turns merging near the bridge over Interstate 5, where two eastbound lanes narrow to one.

Drivers are encouraged to use both lanes until reaching the merge point and then alternate, similar to the teeth of a zipper. ODOT said using the full length of both lanes can reduce backups, keep traffic moving, and allow more vehicles to pass through the merge point in less time.

ODOT offered several tips for drivers adjusting to the new traffic pattern:

• Stay in either lane until reaching the merge point.
• Use a turn signal when approaching the white arrows painted on the pavement.
• Leave enough space between vehicles for other drivers to merge.
• Do not block vehicles attempting to merge from the other lane.
• Be patient while other drivers become familiar with the new pattern.

The zipper merge is part of a larger project that has resurfaced a five-mile section of Oregon 42 between Winston and Interstate 5. The project also includes signal, safety, and accessibility improvements.

More information about the project and how to use a zipper merge is available on ODOT’s project page.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed Sept. 17 through Sept. 23 as National Constitution Week, marking the 239th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued the proclamation during their weekly business meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16. Boice presented the proclamation on behalf of the board.

The presentation focused on the Constitution’s role in establishing the structure of the federal government, protecting individual rights, and defining the responsibilities and limits of government.

Commissioner Kress said the Constitution is more than a historical document and continues to shape how the government operates. He also emphasized the importance of citizens understanding their rights, respecting the rights of others, participating in their communities, and remaining engaged with public institutions.

Members of the Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution joined the commissioners for the presentation. Chapter members wore historical clothing and discussed the organization’s work in historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Students and educators from Geneva Academy and South Umpqua High School also participated.

Four students from Geneva Academy’s 11th-grade civics class helped explain different parts of the Constitution. Sarah Yun read the Preamble, Paula Booher outlined the document’s seven articles, Owen Luna discussed the Bill of Rights, and Isaiah Carter spoke about what the Constitution means today.

Students from South Umpqua High School’s Advanced Placement government class also attended with teacher Steve Gale. Gale said the event gave students an opportunity to connect classroom lessons about the nation’s founding documents with local government.

Boice presented proclamation certificates to representatives from the Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Geneva Academy, and South Umpqua High School.

National Constitution Week is observed annually to encourage Americans to learn about the Constitution, its history, and its continuing role in the country’s system of government.

Video of the presentation is available through the Douglas County Government Facebook page.

The Winston-Dillard Melon Festival opens Friday at Riverbend Park, beginning a three-day weekend of live entertainment, family activities, competitions, vendors, and community traditions.

This year’s “Watermelon Wonderland” celebration will run from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Festival activities include children’s games, senior bingo, live music, food and craft vendors, melon eating, mud volleyball, a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and car shows for adults and children. The Winston-Dillard Area Festival Association will also serve barbecue beef Saturday and barbecue chicken Sunday.

One of this year’s new attractions is the Shaky Grounds Cafe Escape Room. The mobile escape room will offer free, five-minute games Friday and Sunday, combining puzzles with emergency preparedness lessons.

Saturday’s events will include the Winston-Dillard Melon Festival Parade, beginning at 11 a.m. Participants can register starting at 10 a.m. at the Abby’s Legendary Pizza parking lot.

The Melon Festival Car Show will also take place Saturday at Riverbend Park. Registration will be open from 10 a.m. to noon for vehicles of all years, makes, and models. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

Children ages 3 through 14 can enter the festival’s first Kids Car Show with decorated Power Wheels, pedal cars, bicycles, tricycles, and other kid-sized rides. Registration will be open from 10 a.m. to noon, with trophies presented at 2 p.m.

Winston’s Got Talent begins at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on the Riverbend Park stage. Performers can register at the festival information booth Friday or before noon Saturday.

The Roseburg Receiver and The Roseburg Plug will have booths at the festival throughout all three days. Community members are invited to stop by, meet the teams, and learn more about their local news, public safety, and community information services.

Festival Hours

• Friday, Sept. 18: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 19: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 20: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Riverbend Park in Winston
• Admission: Free

Additional information is available in The Roseburg Receiver’s original festival preview.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded more than $38.2 million to 22 community organizations working to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing in Oregon.

None of the recipients or projects on the VA’s published award lists is specifically identified as being based in Douglas County or Roseburg. The supportive-services list identifies recipients by state, however, and does not specify every county they will serve.

The $38,283,041 in grants will support services during fiscal year 2027, including homelessness prevention, temporary housing, supportive services, and assistance finding permanent housing.

The Oregon funding is part of a record $1.17 billion awarded to 680 organizations nationwide. The VA said the grants follow its efforts to house 51,936 veterans experiencing homelessness during fiscal year 2025, the highest annual number in seven years.

“VA medical centers across Oregon remain committed to ensuring Veterans have access to safe, stable housing and the supportive services they need to thrive,” said Christina Cellura, director of VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation & Clinics. “These grants strengthen our partnerships with community organizations and help us reach Veterans where they are, providing resources that make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

Part of the funding will be distributed through the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. The program helps prevent veterans and their families from losing their homes, assists them in finding more suitable housing, and rapidly rehouses those experiencing homelessness.

Additional funding will be distributed through the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program. That program supports transitional housing, service centers, and transition-in-place housing, which allows veterans to remain in their housing while receiving assistance intended to help them achieve long-term stability.

The program also provides specialized housing for women veterans and veterans who are chronically mentally ill, frail, or elderly.

A complete list of fiscal year 2027 grant recipients is available through the VA.

Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. Information about housing assistance and other services is also available through the VA Homeless Programs website.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Umpqua Bird Alliance will host two evenings of birdwatching, live music, and family activities at Stewart Park as migrating Vaux’s Swifts return to the Umpqua Valley.

The Roseburg Fall Swift Watch and Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Celebration will take place Friday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 25. Both events begin at 6:30 p.m. near the Clay Place chimney in the Fir Grove section of Stewart Park, off Harvard Avenue behind the Umpqua Valley Arts Center.

Vaux’s Swifts, pronounced “vawks,” generally begin entering the chimney near sunset. Sunset is expected around 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 18 and closer to 7 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Weather permitting, the Swifts Sisters and Friends will perform Americana music beginning around 6:30 p.m.

During migration, Vaux’s Swifts gather in groups that can number in the dozens, hundreds, or even thousands before entering a shared roost for the night. In urban areas, the birds often use old industrial chimneys as substitutes for the large, hollow trees found in old-growth forests.

The species nests only in western North America and migrates to Central and South America for the winter. Its natural habitat has declined, and fewer suitable chimneys remain available for nesting and roosting. According to the Umpqua Bird Alliance, only four of Oregon’s 11 historically significant chimney roost sites remain available to the birds.

Alliance members will serve as interpretive naturalists during both events, offering information and brochures about Vaux’s Swifts, birdwatching, and the region’s natural environment. Members will also participate in a West Coast data collection effort tracking swift migration.

Federal and state agencies are expected to join the celebration in recognition of World Migratory Bird Day. Bird-related activities and information about migration will be available for children.

Organizers said two rescued Cedar Waxwings may also attend as ambassador birds representing migratory species.

The free event is a partnership between the Umpqua Bird Alliance and the City of Roseburg Parks and Recreation.

For more information, contact the Umpqua Bird Alliance at info@umpquaaudubon.org.

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
• Live Music: Coleen & Co @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

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
• Art In The Wild @ Wildlife Safari | 9 am | Link
• Live Music: Moon Music w/ Widespread Haze @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

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
• All Ages Saturday Afternoon Karaoke @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 12 pm
• Live Music: Skip Jones & The Spirit of New Orleans @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm
• Live Music: The Distinguished Gentlemen, The Solenoids @​ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 pm

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
• Live Music: Caltucky @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

• We now have 24,085 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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• Protect privacy: For public safety or incident-related posts, please do not share personal or identifying information (names, addresses, license plates, etc.). Event posts, community announcements, and press releases may include names when appropriate.
• Safety first: Never post while driving

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That is the scoop for this Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team