Good morning Douglas County! Happy Thursday! Here are today's updates live from the Roseburg Receiver Communications Center.

Today's Current Conditions

As of 6:30AM in Roseburg, Oregon

• Current Temp: 42°F
• Humidity: 85%
• Wind: 0 MPH
• Current Conditions: Mostly Sunny
• Air Quality Index: 30
• Today's Forecast: High 71 | Low 42
• Yesterday's Rain Levels (April 16th): 0.00 Inches
• April's Monthly Rainfall: 0.75 Inches

Roseburg Area Morning News

LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL WRAPS UP SUNDAY AT UACT

KQEN News Radio

Umpqua Actors Community Theatre wraps up its production of Little Women the Musical this weekend.

The performances are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children aged 12 and under. They are available by calling 673-2125 or online at: www.uact-theatre.com

ROSEBURG WITH HIGH OF 75 DEGREES ON WEDNESDAY

KQEN News Radio

After the two hottest days of the year so far, Roseburg’s high temperature backed down into the 70s on Wednesday.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that the mercury reached 75 degrees at the Roseburg Regional Airport. That was down from highs of 84 and 80 degrees on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Highs are forecast to stay in the 70s for two more days before dropping closer to seasonal norms beginning on Saturday. No rain is in the forecast for at least the next several days.

SWANSON GROUP APPOINTS CHRIS SWANSON AS PRESIDENT

KQEN News Radio

Swanson Group has announced the appointment of Chris Swanson as the company’s president.

A company release said in this expanded role, he will assume control of the day-to-day management of the company. This transition ensures the continuation of family management of Swanson Group. Chris Swanson has served in various operations, sales and management roles across all facets of the company.

Steve Swanson, who has managed the company since 1988, will maintain a presence, serving as CEO and Chairman of the board.

Swanson Group is an Oregon based, family-owned, forest products company. It currently operates two veneer mills, two plywood mills and one stud lumber mill, collectively employing nearly 800 workers.

COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS DROP IN 2024

KQEN News Radio

Building permit data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that new housing construction in Douglas County as measured by permits for living units dropped in 2024.

A release from the State of Oregon Employment Department said the number of permits dropped to 190 units last year from 246 in 2023. Regional Economist Brian Rooney said that it was the lowest level since 2015 when there were 172 building permits for living units.

Rooney said building permits in Douglas County peaked in 2005 before the Great Recession and dropped dramatically to hit a low of 100 in 2011. Since then, the level of permits as measured by living units generally increased to a recent high of 437 units in 2021. Rooney said the 2021 figure is characterized by a large number of units – 104- in buildings of five or more units.

The construction industry in Douglas County may have benefitted from the strong housing market and the number of building permits. Construction employment in the county grew to a post-Great Recession high of 1,830 in 2021 and then dropped to 1,800 in 2022. It has since dropped to 1,730 as of the end of 2024.

OREGON’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 4.6 PERCENT IN MARCH

KQEN News Radio

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in March and 4.5 percent in February, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.1 percent in March 2024.

A State of Oregon Employment Department release said Oregon’s 4.6 percent unemployment rate was the highest since August 2021, when the rate was 4.7 percent, and slightly higher than during the three years prior to the COVID recession that started in 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in March and 4.1 percent in February.

State Employment Economist Gail Krumenauer said in March, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 7,300 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,600 jobs in February. Krumenauer said March’s gains were the largest in health care and social assistance, which rose by 4,600 jobs. Professional and business services went up by 1,000 jobs, other services rose by 800 jobs while wholesale trade gained 700 jobs. None of the other major industries had a job change of more than 400 jobs.

OED said the return of workers who were on strike at a major health care provider contributed to the one-month gain of 4,600 jobs in health care and social assistance during March. This industry has been leading the private-sector job growth in Oregon over the past few years. It added 18,400 jobs, or 6.2 percent, in the 12 months through March, continuing a three-year streak of rapid growth.

Krumenauer said professional and business services added jobs in each of the first three months of the year, with gains totaling 4,500 jobs in that time. This reversed a generally declining trend in the industry during the prior two years when it shed 5,400 jobs during the 24 months ending in December 2024.

The release said other services – an industry which includes religious organizations, membership associations, personal services, laundry services, and repair and maintenance services – has expanded steadily for more than four years. It employed 69,300 in March and is now well above its pre-pandemic high of 65,700 jobs in January 2020.

15 DOUGLAS COUNTY FIRE AGENCIES RECEIVE WILDFIRE STAFFING GRANTS

KQEN News Radio

15 Douglas County fire agencies have received 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grants from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office.

An OSFM release said the grants, now in their fourth year, help local fire agencies, many of whom rely on volunteer crews, to bring on extra firefighters during wildfire season. These seasonal staff boost emergency response in 200 agencies across the state, from wildfire calls to everyday emergencies.

Local agencies were eligible to apply for up to $35,000 to increase staffing levels during the fire season. Each summer, this grant adds more than 1,500 firefighters across Oregon. The Oregon legislature allotted $6 million to the program this year.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said, “The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is one of our most impactful tools to help local fire agencies respond to emergencies faster, protect communities and support each other through mutual aid”. Ruiz-Temple said, “We’re thankful to our legislators for continuing to invest in the safety and resilience of our communities”.

Local fire agencies that were awarded grants include fire departments in: Camas Valley, Days Creek, Elkton, Fair Oaks, Glendale, Glide, Kellogg, Lookingglass, Myrtle Creek, North Douglas, Oakland, Reedsport, Scottsburg, Sutherlin and Tri City.

ANNUAL FILL THE BOOT DRIVE RETURNS IN MAY

KQEN News Radio

The Roseburg Fire Department and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue will have the Fill the Boot event returning in May.

A release said fire fighters from both agencies will continue this long-standing tradition when they hit the streets with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Friday, May 30th.

A historic partnership between MDA and the International Association of Fire Fighters began in 1954 when IAFF adopted MDA as its charity of choice. Over the past seven decades, fire fighters have raised more than $710 million for MDA, helping fund over $1 billion in research. These contributions have fueled significant advancements in medical research, including the development of more than 20 FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular disease since 2015.

For Fill the Boot, firefighters will be in downtown Roseburg at the intersection of Southeast Washington Avenue and Southeast Stephens Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 30th.

Roseburg Area Upcoming Events

Limited Time Events

• Dance Potpourri @​ UMAC Studio | Every Wednesday | March 5 - April 30th | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Link
• "Midwife a Life" + Add'l Exhibits @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday | March 21st - May 30th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Community Yoga Class @ Body Balance | Every week on Wednesday | March 20 - June 25th | Body Balance Yoga Center | 12 PM | Link
• UACT Play - Little Women, The Musical | April 3 - 20 | Link

Monday, April 14th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
• Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM

Tuesday, April 15th

• Bingo @ Roseburg Elks Lodge #326 | 6:30 PM
• DJ Trivia @ Urban NY Pizza & Grill | 7 PM
• Free Line Dancing Lessons - Elements Lounge @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | Every week on Tuesday | 7 - 9PM | Link
• Open Mic Night @ Kodiak Bar & Grill | Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8PM
• Trivia with Amy @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Brian Dean LIVE at Serendipity | 6 - 8 PM | Link

Wednesday, April 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 | Link
• Karaoke Night at Winston VFW | 5 - 9 PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at The Wild Rose Saloon | 7 - 10 PM | Link
• 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 6:30PM. Food available. Ages 7+. $1 for non-members.
• Dance Potpourri @​ UMAC Studio | Every Wednesday | March 5 - April 30th | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Link
• Community Yoga Class @ Body Balance | Every week on Wednesday | March 20 - June 25th | Body Balance Yoga Center | 12 PM | Link
• Live Music: Dylan James @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Dylan James Clark LIVE at Two Shy Brewing - Roseburg | 6 - 8 PM | Link

Thursday, April 17th

• DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 PM
• Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 PM
• DJ Bingo @ Brix Bar & Grill | 7 - 9PM | Link
• Local Vendor Night @ Cooper Ridge Vineyard | 3 - 6 PM | Link
• Celtic Jam Night @ Oran Mor | 5 - 8 PM | Link
• Draper Jam Night | 8 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Guitar-aoke @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Trivia Night @ Trella | 6:30 PM | Link
• Umpqua Celtic Jam - Oran Mor | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Live Music: TOB (That Other Band) @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link

Friday, April 18th

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4PM
• Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 PM
• TGIF Wine & Pizza @ Abacela | 4 - 7 PM
• Bingo @ Roseburg Senior Center | (Every Wed and Fri) - Doors Open at 5 PM, starts at 6:30PM. Food available. Ages 7+. $1 for non-members.
• Bullseyes & Bites @ The Blade Axe House | Every Friday | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Link
• Karaoke Contest @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 8 - 11 PM | Link
• The Southern Son LIVE at Sutherlin Eagles | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Jet Black Pearl LIVE at Little Brothers Pub - All Ages | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: SevidemiC w/ Chophouse @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 10:30 PM | Link

Saturday, April 19th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | Link
• Drain Farmers Market | 308 N 1st St in Drain @ 10AM - 2PM
• Karaoke Night @​ Brix Bar & Grill | (Every Saturday) @ 7 - 10PM
• Karaoke Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at Winston VFW | 5 - 9 PM | Link
• Live Music: Forever Seger @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 PM | Link
• Leo Moon LIVE at North Forty - Roseburg | 5 - 8 PM | Link
• Rick Miller Band LIVE at Sutherlin Eagles | 6 - 10 PM | Link
• Acoustic Blend LIVE at Two Shy Brewing - Roseburg | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Battle at the Blendz - Judicial Homicide + Asylum Tribe | 6:30 - 11 PM | Link
• Escape From The Zoo and Hans Gruber and the Die Hards LIVE at THE ANNEX (Scoreboard) | 7 - 11 PM | Link
• Karaoke Night - The Offyce | 9 PM - 12 AM | Link
• Live Music Sat Nights!! with Rock Bottom - Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 PM - 12 AM | Link
• "Hello Spring!" Team | Washington School in Oakland | Reservations Only
• Easter Egg Hunt | West Intermediate School in Sutherlin | Ages 12 and Under | 1 PM
• Easter Egg Hunt | Winston Community Park | Ages birth to 5th grade | 11:30 AM
• Riddle Fire District 75th Annual Easter Egg Hunt | Riddle Junior/Senior Football Field | 1 PM
• Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast | Westside Christian Church - 2712 W Harvard Ave | 7 AM
• Easter Egg Hunt after 2nd Service | Westside Christian Church - 2712 W Harvard Ave | 12 PM
• Live Music: Point of Grace @​ The Chapel | 4 PM - Dinner @ 6PM | Link
• All Ages Punk Show w/ Generic & Something on the Wing @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link
• Adult Easter Egg Hunt @​ Backside Brewing Co. | 12 PM
• Live Music: Back Track by: Bill Lee @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 PM | Link
• Seed Swap & Plant Sale @​ Rainbow Kitchen | 10 AM - 1 PM | Link
• Winston-Dillard Festival Association Corndog Sale | 10 AM - 3 PM | Winston Grocery Outlet

Sunday, April 20th

• Garden Valley Farmers Market | 11AM - 3PM
• Karaoke Night at The Wild Rose Saloon | 7 - 10 PM | Link
• Third Thursday BLUEGRASS Jam in Sutherlin (hosted by Oregon Bluegrass Association) | 1 - 4 PM | Link
• Acoustic Sundays presented by Rogue Entertainment | 6 - 8 PM | Link

HAVE AN EVENT? TELL US AND WE WILL POST IT FOR FREE!

The Roseburg Receiver Updates

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1. Maintain privacy by excluding any personal or identifying information
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That is the scoop for this Thursday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team