September 4, 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 | 425 AM PDT Fri Sep 4 2026

Slow moving low pressure will bring another day of cool temperatures, with numerous showers and a slight chance to chance of thunderstorms. The highest probability is for Douglas County and northward. Modest warming follows on Saturday with a stray shower possible. A stronger disturbance on Sunday will likely bring additional showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms, with the highest probability for the Cascades. A warming and drying trend Monday through Wednesday will bring temperatures back to near normal.

DFPA Protected Lands

US Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg Public Library will offer a series of free activities this fall for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

All programs begin at 11:30 a.m. at the library. Caregivers are welcome to attend.

The fall schedule begins Thursday, Sept. 10, with bingo and prizes. Additional programs include movie and snack events Thursday, Sept. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 22.

On Thursday, Oct. 8, Jessica from Create and Sip Studio will lead participants through a pumpkin-themed painting project. Registration is requested for the class.

The series will conclude Thursday, Nov. 12, with a performance by Rhys Thomas of JuggleMania.

The programs are supported through a grant from Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities. The Roseburg library was selected for the fourth round of the initiative, which helps small and rural libraries improve accessibility and better serve people with disabilities.

The initiative is offered by the American Library Association in partnership with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

For more information or to register for the painting class, contact Library Director Kris Wiley at kwiley@roseburgor.gov or 541-492-7051.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg Public Library will host a free presentation exploring the history of invasive species and humans’ changing relationship with the natural world at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.

Author and journalist Amy Crawford will discuss her book, “Undesirable: Invasive Species, Humans, and Where We All Belong.” The recorded Zoom presentation will be shown exclusively at the library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd.

Crawford’s book examines how early 20th-century scientists traveled abroad in search of plants that could benefit American farms, gardens and orchards. While some discoveries were celebrated at the time, several later became some of the country’s most troublesome invasive species.

The book also looks at invasive plants and animals introduced through the pet trade and other human activity. Through historical research, case studies and conversations with experts and community members, Crawford explores how scientific understanding and attitudes toward nature have changed over the past century.

Crawford is a Michigan-based freelance journalist whose work focuses on the environment, cities, history and art. She is a regular contributor to Smithsonian and has written for the Boston Globe, The Guardian, Nature Conservancy magazine and Slate.

The program is presented through the Smithsonian Associates Rural Library Program.

For more information, contact Roseburg Public Library at 541-492-7050 or library@roseburgor.gov. Additional information about Smithsonian Associates is available at smithsonianassociates.org.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg residents will have two opportunities this month to watch Vaux’s Swifts gather above Fir Grove Park before settling into the Clay Place chimney for the night.

The 2026 Roseburg Fall Swift Watch and Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Celebration will be held from 6:30 p.m. to sunset Friday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 25. Both events are free and open to the public.

The gatherings will take place near the Clay Place chimney behind the Umpqua Valley Arts Center at 1624 W. Harvard Ave.

Roseburg Parks and Recreation is organizing the events with the Umpqua Bird Alliance, formerly known as the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society. The evenings are intended to highlight the fall migration of Vaux’s Swifts and other migratory birds passing through the area.

Vaux’s Swifts migrate from western North America to wintering grounds in Central and South America. Near sunset, large groups may circle above a roosting site before spiraling into a chimney to spend the night. Organizers cautioned that the swifts are wild, so their appearance and numbers cannot be guaranteed.

Umpqua Bird Alliance members will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions and share information about the swifts, bird migration and the natural environment. Federal and state agencies are also expected to participate, along with two rescued Cedar Waxwings that serve as ambassador birds.

The Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Association will provide Americana music, weather permitting.

Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating on the grass around the Clay Place. Snacks are allowed, but alcohol is prohibited.

Both events are weather dependent and may be canceled if conditions are unsafe or if the Air Quality Index exceeds 150. Current information will be posted on the Umpqua Bird Alliance Facebook page.

For more information, email info@umpquaaudubon.org.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Two drivers were killed Tuesday afternoon in a head-on crash involving a pickup and a Douglas County Public Works dump truck on Highway 38.

Oregon State Police responded to the crash near milepost 27 at approximately 2:50 p.m. Sept. 1.

According to a preliminary investigation, a blue Honda Ridgeline driven by 65-year-old Gail Elizabeth Smith of Coburg was traveling east when it crossed the center line for an unknown reason and entered the westbound lanes. The pickup collided head-on with a westbound yellow International dump truck driven by 25-year-old Cody James Miller of Winchester Bay.

Smith and Miller were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

Highway 38 was affected for approximately four hours while investigators examined and documented the crash scene.

OSP was assisted by the Elkton Rural Fire Protection District, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, Scottsburg Rural Fire District, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Transportation.

The crash remains under investigation.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Two major infrastructure projects involving Roseburg-based Romtec Utilities have received national recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The Hyperion Advanced Water Purification Facility in Playa del Rey, California, and the Portland International Airport Terminal Core Redevelopment Phase One were selected as recipients of the organization’s 2026 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Honor Award.

The two projects are among 12 selected for the national honor, which recognizes civil engineering work that improves communities, supports public health and safety, and advances the profession. The top three projects will be announced Oct. 15 during the ASCE OPAL Gala in Reston, Virginia.

“It is an honor to see two projects we were a part of recognized among the world’s leading civil engineering achievements,” Romtec Utilities President Ben Cooper said in a release. “These projects show how reliable water and wastewater infrastructure support public health, sustainability and long-term community growth.”

The Hyperion Advanced Water Purification Facility can produce up to 1.5 million gallons of purified recycled water each day. The facility is intended to help Los Angeles reuse water while reducing demand on potable water supplies.

Romtec Utilities supplied a water treatment pump station package for the project, including a wastewater lift station and two self-priming pump skids.

In Oregon, Romtec Utilities contributed to the first phase of Portland International Airport’s $2 billion terminal modernization project. The redevelopment includes a mass timber roof, seismic improvements, expanded passenger areas and other sustainability-focused upgrades.

Romtec Utilities designed, manufactured and supplied the airport’s main wastewater pump station. The Roseburg company has also completed several other pump station projects for the Port of Portland over the years.

Romtec Utilities designs and manufactures site-specific packaged pump systems for water, wastewater, stormwater, clean water and industrial applications. Additional information about the company is available at romtecutilities.com.

Industrial fire restrictions will decrease across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association following recent rainfall and improved conditions.

The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will drop to Level 1 at 12:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. DFPA cited increased fuel moisture and relative humidity as reasons for the change.

The lower restriction level applies to DFPA-protected lands within regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1 and UA-2, along with forestland within one-eighth mile of those areas. This includes land managed by the Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management.

Under IFPL Level 1, industrial operations involving fire or power-driven machinery must follow applicable fire prevention requirements under Oregon law. IFPL restrictions apply to industrial activity and are separate from rules governing recreational and other public uses.

Public Use Restrictions will remain at LOW with no additional changes taking effect Thursday.

Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels and the burning of debris piles, remains prohibited.

DFPA said fire season remains in effect despite the recent reduction in restrictions. Levels could increase again if conditions become more hazardous. Residents and visitors should check current restrictions before conducting activities on forestland.

SUTHERLIN, Ore. - Improvements to the boat docks and parking areas at Cooper Creek County Park are complete, with the west boat ramp, dock and parking lot reopening to the public Friday, Sept. 4.

The project replaced the aging east and west boat docks, paved the parking lot and made accessibility improvements intended to provide safer and more convenient facilities for boaters and other park visitors.

Construction began in June at the east boat ramp before work shifted to the west boat ramp in July. Douglas County Parks said at least one launch facility remained available throughout construction to maintain public access to Cooper Creek Reservoir.

With the west facilities reopening, both boat ramps and docks are once again available for public use.

“We are excited to have this important project completed and to welcome the public back to the West Boat Ramp in time for Labor Day weekend,” Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall said. “These improvements will provide safer, more accessible and better-quality facilities for our community and visitors who enjoy Cooper Creek Reservoir.”

Topper Industries I, LLC completed the dock replacement work, while JRT Construction, LLC handled the paving improvements. According to the county, the project was completed on time and under budget.

Funding came from an Oregon State Marine Board Boating Facility Grant supported by fees paid by motorized boaters, along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration funds administered through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Additional support was provided by the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby, Sutherlin Rotary Club and matching Douglas County Parks revenue funds.

Cooper Creek County Park is located about three miles southeast of Sutherlin and provides access to the 166-acre Cooper Creek Reservoir. Visitors are asked to use caution around the newly improved facilities and follow posted signs and park rules.

More information is available through the Douglas County Parks Department.

Buckeye Bridge and National Forest Service Road 29 on the Tiller Ranger District will be closed from September 7 through September 11 while crews complete road construction and repairs.

The work will focus on repairing the approach connecting the roadway to Buckeye Bridge. Travelers should avoid the closed area and plan for possible changes to their routes during the five-day project.

National Forest Service Road 28 will remain open throughout the work, allowing visitors to continue accessing South Umpqua Falls.

Anyone traveling near the construction area should use caution and follow all posted signs and directions from flaggers. The project is intended to improve infrastructure and provide safer access within the national forest.

NEWPORT, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising people not to harvest or eat softshell or bay clams from the Alsea Bay estuary due to concerns about elevated toxin levels.

The recommendation follows an Oregon Health Authority recreational use advisory issued Aug. 28 for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County. Testing detected cyanobacteria and very high levels of saxitoxin, a toxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Eckman Lake drains directly into the Alsea Bay estuary near Waldport. Because contaminated water could reach the estuary, ODFW recommends avoiding softshell and bay clams harvested from Alsea Bay.

The recommendation is specific to Alsea Bay and does not apply to Douglas County waterways or the entire Oregon coast. However, it may affect Douglas County residents who travel to the Waldport area for clamming or other coastal recreation.

Visitors should check current state advisories before harvesting shellfish because conditions and affected areas can change. The Oregon Health Authority advisory contains additional information about conditions at Eckman Lake.

VALE, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management is launching an emergency operation to remove hundreds of wild horses from a southeast Oregon range where severe shortages of water and forage threaten the animals’ survival.

The emergency gather begins Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Sheepshead/Heath Creek Herd Management Area. The BLM plans to gather as many as 499 horses and transport them to off-range holding facilities.

Approximately 1,200 wild horses currently occupy the herd management area, according to the agency. The range is estimated to sustainably support between 500 and 900 horses.

BLM officials said an unusually dry winter reduced available water and forage, while recent wildfires placed additional pressure on the range. Only two of the area’s usual 63 water sources remain available.

“Ongoing drought has left this herd with only two of the usual 63 water sources available,” Vale District Deputy District Manager Cassandra Andrews-Fleckenstein said. “We are taking this necessary, humane step to prevent widespread suffering and a further decline in the animals’ health.”

After being removed from the range, the horses will receive veterinary evaluations, feed, fresh water and other care at BLM facilities. Some may later become available for adoption once they have been evaluated and determined to be ready.

The agency said the gather will also reduce pressure on the landscape and allow areas affected by wildfire to begin recovering. Drive-trap operations will be conducted under the BLM’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which establishes standards for handling and caring for wild horses during gathers.

Updates about the emergency operation will be posted on the Bureau of Land Management website.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - A Roseburg man was arrested Thursday on 37 felony charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a young child, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division received a report Aug. 26 concerning past sexual abuse of a minor. The Sheriff’s Office was notified and detectives began investigating the allegations.

Detectives developed probable cause to arrest 30-year-old Derikk Ross Killcy of Roseburg. During an interview Sept. 3, Killcy admitted to sexually abusing a child known to him, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the child was approximately 4 to 5 years old when the alleged abuse occurred.

Killcy was arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• 12 counts of first-degree rape
• 12 counts of first-degree sodomy
• 12 counts of first-degree sexual abuse
• One count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 541-440-4458.

CANYONVILLE, Ore. - A Roseburg man died Tuesday evening after his pickup left Tiller Trail Highway and struck a tree outside Canyonville.

Douglas County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before 8 p.m. Sept. 1 to the crash in the 7000 block of Tiller Trail Highway.

Deputies found a 1986 Ford F-150 that had traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver and sole occupant, 56-year-old Derek Edward Knuuttila of Roseburg, was pronounced dead at the scene by fire and emergency medical personnel.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said alcohol is suspected to have contributed to the crash.

The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded, and Knuuttila’s next of kin was notified.

Days Creek Fire, South Umpqua Fire, the Riddle Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance assisted the Sheriff’s Office at the scene.

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, August 31st

• 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 1st

• 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 2nd

• 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+. $1 for non-members.
• 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

Thursday, September 3rd

• 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
• Stand-Up Comedy w/ Nathan Hart, Chadhurst Sharpe, Nathaniel Greene @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 10 pm | Link
• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Umpqua Valley Fly Fishers Meetup @ The Roseburg Country Club | 5:30 - 8 PM | There will be socializing, speakers, raffle prizes, and fun!

Friday, September 4th

• 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
• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Live Music: Drive to Space @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 pm | Link

Saturday, September 5th

• 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+
• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Live Music: Wild Hare (FKA Billy & The Box Kid), Blue Jay Blue @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 pm | Link
• End of Summer Celebration @ Diamond Lake Resort | September 5 & 6th | Link
• Fort Umpqua Days | Elkton Community Education Center | September 5 & 6th | Link
• Coffee with Christie (Winston Mayor) | 10 am - 12 pm | Winston City Hall | Look for the "Coffee with Christie" Flag

Sunday, September 6th

• Umpqua Kennel Club Dog Show @ Douglas County Fairgrounds | September 3 - September 6th | 7 am - 3 pm | Link
• Open-Mic Night @ The Rosebud Theatre | 5 - 8 pm | Link
• End of Summer Celebration @ Diamond Lake Resort | September 5 & 6th | Link
• Fort Umpqua Days | Elkton Community Education Center | September 5 & 6th | Link

• We now have 23,832 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.
• Project Skywatch cam is now live! WATCH IT HERE!

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That is the scoop for this Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend! The next morning scoop will be on Tuesday, September 8th.

- The Roseburg Receiver Team