Community

Wildlife Safari has completed a brand new lemur house in the free Walk Thru Safari. The larger, heated space includes big windows and can be divided for new introductions or maternity needs. The lemurs have returned to their updated island home.

Reedsport Main Street advanced to the Designated Main Street level in the Oregon Main Street Network, along with Downtown Medford Association, North Bend Main Street, and Port Orford Main Street. OMS said the designation reflects progress in strengthening historic downtowns.

Douglas County commissioners issued a proclamation Jan. 21, 2026, declaring January as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. The proclamation cites the TVPA and recognizes the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force and its partner agencies.

North Douglas County Fire & EMS received two SPIRE grants from Oregon Emergency Management, funding new Holmatro battery rescue tools for vehicle extrication and a thermal imaging drone to boost search and rescue and scene awareness. Crews are now training with the equipment.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awarded $759,930 in grants to 93 nonprofit organizations across seven Southern Oregon counties during its winter awards ceremony at Seven Feathers Casino Resort. Total giving since 1997 is now $27.2 million.

Elk Island Trading Group dismissed its lawsuit against the City of Roseburg, citing a possible path forward through changes to the Homeless Commission and a focus on Parker’s Place Village in Grants Pass, expected to open June 1, 2026.