September 29, 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 | 502 AM PDT Tue Sep 29 2026

Warm daytime temperatures and dry conditions are expected through the week. Overnight recoveries will remain good to start the week, but easterly flow may bring periods of moderate recoveries to peaks and ridgelines across the area starting Thursday night and continuing into the weekend.

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

Today's Scheduled Prescribed Burns

• None listed today at this time

After about 75 minutes of discussion Monday, the Roseburg City Council voted 6-2 to stop evaluating the city-owned Phillips and Shalimar parking lots as potential urban campground sites.

The vote ends consideration of those two properties under the current proposal. Council then voted unanimously to hold a work study on what a campground elsewhere in Roseburg could look like.

Councilor Zack Weiss said reviewing the lots had helped identify decisions the city needs to make before choosing a site. “This exercise in looking at these places was incredibly valuable, not for the locations themselves,” he said. Weiss opposed moving ahead with the downtown lots but urged council to keep working through the broader proposal.

Councilor Katie Williams also wanted those questions answered before another property is considered. “I would really like to see us answer these other questions before we are looking at properties,” she said.

Other councilors worried that ending the review would leave the city without a site. Councilor Ellen Porter said, “I agree that the parking lots aren't the greatest option, but right now they're the only option.” Councilors also discussed the need to make progress as another winter approaches.

Weiss’s second motion directed staff to prepare a work study comparing a camp managed by the city, one managed by an outside operator, and a potentially unmanaged camp. The motion passed unanimously. Staff had identified several questions for council to address:

• Would a camp use tents, micro-shelters, or another form of accommodation?
• Who would operate it, and what would that operator be responsible for?
• What restrooms, showers, water, garbage service, electricity, or other facilities would it need?
• Would it be staffed or secured, and what rules would apply?
• Would it be temporary or longer term?
• How would startup and ongoing operations be funded?

Staff’s preliminary layouts showed room for about 41 tent spaces at Phillips and 23 at Shalimar. The layouts were estimates for evaluating the sites, not approved plans.

Both lots are within the city’s downtown exclusion zone. Using either for a campground would have required additional city action and land use approval. Staff estimated four to six months to hire a consultant and prepare a conditional use application, about six months for a local decision, and potentially another year if the matter were appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.

Councilors also discussed whether a proposal using shelters or other buildings could follow a different approval process than one using tents alone. That question, along with the cost and operating model for any future camp, remains for further study.

The council agenda can be found here.

Roseburg’s plan for Stewart Park will get its first major update in more than 25 years, with a wider look at how the park connects to Gaddis Park, the riverfront, and downtown.

The City Council unanimously approved a professional services contract with Cameron McCarthy on Monday for up to $289,020. Council also authorized a $125,000 grant agreement with The Ford Family Foundation to help fund the work. Both motions passed without opposition in the meeting vote.

The project covers the 236-acre Stewart Park area, including the natural area, golf course, Fir Grove, and Riverfront Park. It also includes Gaddis Park, nearby trails and waterfront areas, and the Umpqua Greenway. Council asked staff earlier this month to add the greenway, an approximately 10-acre corridor connecting Gaddis Park toward downtown, to the scope.

The update will guide decisions about the park and riverfront over the next 20 years. It does not decide now which new amenities, if any, will be built.

That distinction came up during council’s discussion. When Councilor Tom Michalek asked how the city could plan without first knowing what residents want in the park, staff explained that gathering those ideas is part of the consultant’s job. Cameron McCarthy will develop three design alternatives based in part on public feedback before preparing a draft plan.

The planned outreach includes three public open houses: one early in the process, one to review the design alternatives, and one to comment on the draft. The consultant also plans interviews, conversations with community groups, outreach to schools, and opportunities for residents to give input at public events. The city expects to post project updates online and offer monthly email updates.

The city plans to use $164,020 from its Park Improvement Fund alongside the Ford Family Foundation grant. That city amount includes $14,020 from reserves for future expenditures. Staff said a supplemental budget will still be needed to formally account for the grant and reserve funding.

Work on the plan is expected to take approximately 12 months, with completion anticipated in fall 2027.

Oregon has set the maximum rent increase for most covered rentals at 10% in 2027, up from 9.5% this year. The limit applies statewide, including in Douglas County.

For a tenant paying $1,200 a month, a 10% increase would add $120 to the monthly rent. The new limit does not mean rent will automatically rise in January. It sets the most a landlord can increase rent during 2027 when the state cap applies.

A separate 6% limit applies to covered spaces in manufactured home parks and floating home marinas with more than 30 spaces. Spaces in smaller facilities are subject to the 10% maximum for 2027.

Oregon law also limits when a landlord can raise rent. For most residential tenancies, rent cannot increase during the first year, and the landlord must provide at least 90 days’ written notice after that. Rent generally cannot be raised more than once in a 12-month period. The percentage cap has exceptions, including for units whose first certificate of occupancy was issued less than 15 years before the rent increase notice. Certain affordable housing arrangements also have exceptions.

Tenants who receive an increase notice can compare the effective date, new rent amount, and age of the unit with the state’s rules. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has posted the 2027 rent limit and calculation. The agency directs questions about individual rent increases and landlord-tenant concerns to Oregon Housing and Community Services at HCS_Housing.Info@hcs.oregon.gov.

Drivers heading between Douglas County and Grants Pass should allow extra time Tuesday through Thursday as road and utility crews work along Interstate 5 between Glendale and Hugo.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said rolling slowdowns are planned on the 14-mile stretch, with delays of up to 20 minutes. The direction and hours vary by day:

• Tuesday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Northbound I-5 from Exit 66 at Hugo to Exit 80 at Glendale.
• Wednesday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to noon: Both directions between Hugo and Glendale.
• Thursday, Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Southbound I-5 from Glendale to Hugo.

Crews will stripe the pavement Tuesday and Thursday. Utility crews are scheduled to repair power lines over the highway Wednesday.

During a rolling slowdown, traffic control vehicles guide drivers at a reduced speed to give crews time to work. ODOT said traffic may also be held at exit ramps for up to 20 minutes. Emergency vehicles will be allowed through as needed.

Drivers should watch for pilot cars and congestion in the work zone. ODOT recommends traveling outside the scheduled work hours if possible and checking TripCheck for current conditions before leaving.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - A section of Old Melrose Road will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, while Allied Trenchless installs an underground bypass.

The closure will affect Old Melrose Road immediately north of West Goedeck Avenue, heading toward Harvard Avenue. Detour signs will be posted, and residents will still be able to access their properties.

The City of Roseburg asks drivers to allow extra travel time and use caution around crews and equipment.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg voters will have a chance to hear from city council and mayoral candidates at a public forum Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ford Room at the Roseburg Public Library.

The League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley said eight of the nine candidates have confirmed they will attend, including all three candidates for mayor. The forum will include a question-and-answer period, giving residents an opportunity to compare candidates’ views on issues facing their wards and the city.

According to the League, possible topics include Flock license plate cameras, homeless camps, public safety, housing, immigration enforcement, sanctuary status, city resolutions and ordinances, and working with Roseburg’s incoming city manager. The list reflects issues that may come up, rather than a set agenda.

Residents can submit questions in advance to info@lwvuv.org. The forum is open to the public.

The League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley is a nonpartisan organization focused on voter education and participation in government. More information is available at lwvuv.org.

OAKLAND, Ore. - A grass fire near Hogan Road burned seven acres Sunday afternoon before firefighters stopped its spread, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association.

DFPA said its wildfire camera detection operators spotted a smoke column near the 1300 block of Hogan Road. Firefighters responded at approximately 1:19 p.m. Sept. 27 and found a three-acre grass fire moving uphill. Three DFPA engines stopped its forward spread, and the fire reached a final size of seven acres.

Mop-up is complete, and the fire is now in patrol status. DFPA determined that the fire was human-caused, but its cause remains under investigation. No homes or other structures were threatened.

DFPA also said it responded to multiple violations of public use restrictions over the weekend, including prohibited debris burning. Fire season remains in effect despite recent rain and cooler temperatures. Fire danger and public use restrictions in the Douglas District have been reduced to LOW, and Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 restrictions are in effect.

“LOW does not mean NO fire danger,” DFPA said.

Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, remains prohibited. Open fires and campfires also remain restricted except at designated locations.

DFPA said violations can lead to citations and fines. If an unauthorized fire escapes, causes damage, or requires a firefighting response, those responsible may also be held liable for property damage and suppression costs. The agency said violations are tracked statewide and can follow a person for at least five years.

DFPA urged residents to check current restrictions before burning outdoors or taking part in other fire-related activities. The agency said debris burning remains restricted and citations are being issued.

For questions about the release, DFPA listed Rachael Pope as its contact at rachael.pope@odf.oregon.gov, 541-672-6507 ext. 120, or 541-580-7148.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Con-Vey has been named a 2026 Oregon Top Workplace by The Oregonian, marking the second time the Roseburg company has received the recognition.

Con-Vey appears at No. 32 among employers in the 35-to-99-employee category. It first made the Oregon Top Workplaces list in 2023. Earlier this year, the company also received a separate Top Workplaces for Engineering award.

In announcing the latest honor, Con-Vey credited its employees, thanking them for the curiosity, ownership, and commitment to connection they bring to their work.

“We have some pretty great people here at Con-Vey,” the company wrote. “And they are the real reason” it is proud to share the news.

Con-Vey designs and manufactures industrial automation and material-handling systems from its Roseburg headquarters. Its work includes equipment for building products, agricultural, environmental, and other industrial uses. The company traces its roots to Keystone Machine Works, a local fabrication and repair shop founded in 1946.

The Roseburg Receiver invited candidates for Roseburg mayor and City Council to answer questions about their priorities, city decisions, and how they would serve residents. Every mayoral candidate received the same seven questions, and every City Council candidate received the same six.

Responses are grouped by office, with City Council candidates organized by ward so readers can compare those running for the same seat. Mayoral candidates are listed in no particular order.

The candidates’ answers are published word for word as provided. The Roseburg Receiver has not changed their wording. Paragraph spacing and list formatting may be adjusted for readability.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - PacifiCorp is inviting the public to visit its North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project on Wednesday, Oct. 7, for a guided look at Soda Springs Dam and the work taking place along the river.

The tour will bring visitors near the dam and powerhouse, fish passage facilities, and salmon spawning areas. One of PacifiCorp’s aquatic scientists will also share updates on the project. PacifiCorp said it has welcomed the public to the project for 20 years. Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are expected to attend.

The event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., although PacifiCorp describes the guided portion as a two-hour tour. Visitors should wear closed-toe shoes. Hard hats will be provided.

The group will meet at the North Umpqua Implementation Center, 7200 Toketee School Road in Idleyld. From Roseburg, take Highway 138 east and turn north onto Toketee School Road at milepost 57. Follow the pavement to the right through the gate and park near the Control Center. Signs will lead visitors to the conference room.

To attend, RSVP by email to drew.marine@pacificorp.com.

Limited Time Events

• Wellness Walk | Every Saturday Through September | 9am at the Thrive Umpqua office in Roseburg (556 SE Jackson)
• 2026 Umpqua Plein Air Exhibit: an exhibit celebrating the Umpqua Valley @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | August 22 - October 23 | 10 am - 6 pm | Link
• The Vineyard Tour 2026 | October 2 - October 4th | 8 am - 4 pm | Link
• Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch @ The Farmstand by Lehne Farms | September 26 - October 31 | Every Saturday of October | Link

Monday, September 28th

• 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 29th

• 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 30th

• 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: Bob Hall @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 pm | Link
• Live Music: Ding Mao, The’Lectrics @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 pm | Link

Thursday, October 1st

• 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: Earth Eater, Oddities, Crucible of Absolution, Atticus Incarnate @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Friday, October 2nd

• 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
• The Vineyard Tour 2026 | October 2 - October 4th | 8 am - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Rosine @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Saturday, October 3rd

• 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 Vineyard Tour 2026 | October 2 - October 4th | 8 am - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Sons of Legion @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 8:30 pm | Link
• Live Music: Steve Green @ The Chapel | 5 pm | Link
• 5th Annual Blocktober Fest - Downtown Roseburg | 11 am - 6 pm | Link
• Monsters & Mimosas 5K Run at Diamond Lake | Link
• Live Music: Timberwolf @​ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 8 - 11 pm
• Live Music: Family Obligation, ExWife @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 pm

Sunday, October 4th

• The Vineyard Tour 2026 | October 2 - October 4th | 8 am - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Vine Katz @ Richwine Vineyards | 1 - 4 pm | Link
• Live Music: Mr. Vale's Math Class, The Mother Smuckers @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 pm

• We now have 24,287 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.
• We have a new sponsor! Please give a warm welcome to Cascade Community Credit union!

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 Tuesaday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team