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

Today's Current Conditions

As of 6:00AM in Roseburg, Oregon

• Current Temp: 55° F
• Humidity: 90%
• Wind: 3 MPH S
• Current Conditions: Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 23
• Today's Forecast: High 62 | Low 49 | Mostly Cloudy
• Sunrise: 7:35 AM | Sunset: 4:38 PM

River Temperatures

Douglas County Morning News

Roseburg City Council Unanimously Approves $453K Radio Purchase Ahead of Countywide Digital Upgrade

The Roseburg Receiver

The Roseburg City Council has unanimously approved the purchase of new digital radios for the Roseburg Police Department, ensuring officers remain fully connected when Douglas County transitions to its upgraded UHF digital communication system early next year. The decision came Monday night as the Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-18, exempting the purchase from normal competitive bidding and authorizing the City Manager to finalize a $453,280.84 contract with EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. The contract includes portable, mobile, and stationary radios as well as programming and installation.

Douglas County Emergency Communications (DCEC) is completing a multi-million-dollar project that will shift law enforcement radio traffic from VHF analog to UHF digital by mid-February 2026. When that transition occurs, Roseburg Police’s current radios—now nearing the end of their usable lifespan—will no longer be compatible with dispatch or other agencies. Because Roseburg officers rely heavily on clear, real-time communication with DCEC and surrounding jurisdictions, obtaining new equipment before the cutover is critical.

Through its partnership with Kenwood for the countywide upgrade, Douglas County negotiated steep discounts, 40% to 51.4% below standard pricing, for agencies purchasing compatible equipment. Roseburg’s approved purchase includes:

• 50 handheld portable radios
• 25 mobile vehicle radios
• 1 stationary base radio
• Programming and installation for all radios

EF Johnson Technologies provided the lowest quote at $453,280.84. Two other quotes were significantly higher: Communications Northwest (Kenwood distributor) at $648,892.16, and Day Wireless (Motorola equipment, installation excluded) at $849,169.27. Because of the substantial cost difference and the time-sensitive nature of the system transition, the City determined that a formal bidding process would not provide additional public benefit.

All Douglas County agencies purchasing radios under the shared pricing agreement must place their orders by December 9. Grouping these orders allows every agency to secure the same discounted rate and ensures timely delivery. To meet the mid-February launch, Roseburg must receive, program, install, and test its radios several weeks in advance.

While the City had previously budgeted funds for replacing older VHF radios in a future fiscal year, the cost of modern tri-band digital equipment is much higher. Roseburg has applied for a $300,000 Oregon State Homeland Security Program grant to offset the expense, and if awarded, the City will seek reimbursement. At Monday’s meeting, the Council officially selected the General Fund Non-Departmental Capital allocation as the funding source. This avoids the need for an appropriation transfer and ensures the project can proceed immediately to meet the countywide deadline.

After discussion, the Council unanimously approved the motion:

“I MOVE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-18, EXEMPTING THE PURCHASE FROM COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH EF JOHNSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR $453,280.84 FOR STATIONARY, MOBILE AND PORTABLE RADIOS WITH INSTALLATION AND PROGRAMMING.”

With this vote, Roseburg Police Department is on track to receive all required equipment ahead of the county’s digital cutover—ensuring uninterrupted communication and continued public safety when the new system goes live in February.

LAWMAKERS APPLAUD REAUTHORIZATION OF SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS PROGRAM

KQEN News Radio

Late Tuesday afternoon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representative Val Hoyle applauded the House passage of a bipartisan bill reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools Program.

Wyden said, “The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon since I originally authored the program back in 2000”. Wyden said, “I’m relieved the House has finally done its job with the long-overdue passage of my bill to return the safety net for critical services to communities that need it the most. This is exactly why we need a permanent solution to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and ensure they have the resources they need to not only survive but grow and thrive”.

Merkley said, “Extending the SRS program ensures Oregon communities and local governments can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources, and I look forward to President Trump swiftly signing our bill into law”.

During remarks on the House floor on Tuesday, Hoyle emphasized why she believes rural communities need this support. Hoyle said, “When the timber industry collapsed, Congress made a commitment to support rural communities and their critical infrastructure to make sure they did not get left behind”. Hoyle said, “The Secure Rural Schools program, SRS, has been a lifeline”.

In Fiscal Year 2023, the last time SRS was authorized, counties in Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District received over $31.5 million through the program.

JOSEPHJANE WINERY TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY AFTER THIS WEEKEND

KQEN News Radio

JosephJane Winery will close after this weekend.

Owned by Kayla and Leon Glaser, the winery on Garden Valley Road, northwest of Roseburg has been in operation for eight years.

Kayla Glaser told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that both the winery and the family’s home, which is on the same property, are for sale. Glaser said it is a package deal and there has been a lot of interest from potential buyers. The business name, however, does not go with the sale. JosephJane are Leon and Kayla’s middle names.

Glaser said the main reason for selling is due to the amount of time it was taking away from the couple’s growing family. Glaser said being open every weekend and all the weekly prep it requires was leaving the couple ready to move on and focus on family time.

Glaser said the business has been doing great with the wood fired pizza being a huge draw. She said the venture had reached all its goals with the support of customers, family, staff, and local business partners.

Glaser is hoping to find new owners who can pick the business up with a new brand and continue to deliver a fun, cozy, family-friendly environment for the community to enjoy.

The Glaser’s have purchased most of their grapes to create wine from other vineyards. They have only a quarter acre of Pinot Noir planted on the property currently.

Open for their final weekend, this Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., cases of wine that remain, are on sale for fifty percent off. Along with Pinot Noir, other varietals available include Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Muscat, among others.

The JosephJane Winery property, including the 5,600 square foot home, are priced at just under $1.1 million.

JUST OVER A WEEK TO PROVIDE INPUT ON STEWART PARK MASTER PLAN

KQEN News Radio

Just over a week remains for citizens in the City of Roseburg to provide input on the Stewart Park Master Plan update.

A city release said the survey was launched last week in an effort to get public input from as many people are possible. City officials want to know what people value most about Stewart Park, how the park is used today, and what improvements could make the park even better.

As of Tuesday, 812 people have taken the survey, and 341 individuals have started the survey but haven’t completed it.

At 236 acres, Stewart Park is the largest of Roseburg’s 21 parks. Its boundaries stretch from the Stewart Park Natural Area at Northwest Garden Valley Boulevard on the northern end to Fir Grove Park at West Harvard Avenue on the southern end, and from Northwest Stewart Parkway on west to Northwest Stewart Park Drive on the east end.

The online survey is open until Friday, December 19th.  It is available at: https://tinyurl.com/mw5f3huz

GOVERNOR KOTEK APPOINTS JUDGE TO DOUGLAS COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

The Roseburg Receiver

On Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Cadence L. Whiteley to the Douglas County Circuit Court.

A release from the Governor’s Office said Ms. Whiteley will fill the new judicial position created by the passage of Senate Bill 95. Her appointment is effective on January 1st.

Ms. Whiteley is a native of Douglas County. She received both her bachelor’s degrees and juris doctorate from the University of Oregon. She is currently an attorney at Dole Coalwell in Roseburg. Whiteley was previously an attorney at the Umpqua Valley Public Defender.

The legislation was created in response to the growing caseload in Oregon’s circuit courts.

WILDLIFE SAFARI EXTENDS HOLIDAY EVENTS

KQEN News Radio

Wildlife Safari has just extended holiday events to spread even more Christmas magic.

A Safari release said that includes their Wild Holiday Sale. Visitors can take advantage of a buy one, get one, 50 percent off deal on stuffed animals, take an extra 20 percent off clearance items, 20 percent off animal artwork, and 50 percent off admission tickets, now through December 28th.

WildLights, A Dazzling Winter Tradition: It will continue Fridays through Sundays through December 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Safari Village transforms into a glowing wonderland as thousands of sparking lights illuminate the park. Guests can stroll through immersive light displays, take advantage of season photo opportunities, enjoy a festive story on the Candy Cane Caboose, and soak in a magical, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Warm treats, holiday music and festival surprises await throughout the pathway.

Holly Jolly Giants: Now going on Friday through Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. More seating has been added. This brand-new holiday event brings visitors face to face with the park’s tallest and biggest ambassadors. Guests will:

• Visit the giraffe barn for an exclusive feeding experience
• Meet the elephant herd for a festive keep chat
• Bring a stocking for the Jolly Giants to fill with holiday goodies
• Enjoy the park’s unique blend of wildlife, education and holiday magic

This event is limited and timed, so tickets should be purchased ahead of time.

Tickets and more information about both events is available at: www.wildlifesafari.net

SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

KQEN News Radio

The Roseburg Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign continues through December 24th.

Captain Edith Dye-Mabie said the fundraising effort is their biggest one each year.

Shoppers can help the non-profit by making a donation at Red Kettles located at Fred Meyer, Sherm’s Thunderbird Market, Walmart and Bi-Mart, all in Roseburg. Red Kettles are also at Bi-Mart locations in Sutherlin and Winston.

Donations can also be made online at: www.redkettleroseburg.org

Douglas County Upcoming Events

Limited Time Events

• Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights 2025 | November 23 - January 1st | 5:30 PM | Link
• Deck the Halls Holiday Decorating Contest | Nov 28 - Dec 15 | Reedsport
• A Holly Dolly Christmas @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | December 5th and 6th | 7 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Holly Jolly Giants @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21 | 12 - 2 PM | Link
• Wildlights @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21 | 4 - 7 PM | Link
• UACT - CRAZY Little Christmas | December 4 - 21 (Selected Dates) | Link
• Candy Cane Lane | Oakland City Hall | December 5, 6 12, 13 (Friday and Saturday) | 5 - 7:30 PM | Link
• Holiday Village, Thu-Sun and Christmas Eve | December 5 - 22 | River Forks Park | Link
• Holiday Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | Dec 3 - 21 (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun) | Link

Monday, December 8th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
• Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM
• Open Mic Night at Little Brothers Pub, hosted by Benjammin' | 6 - 9 PM | Link

Tuesday, December 9th

• 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
• Live Music: Mark Malefyt @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Vine Katz Duo (Liz Jones & Dave Wilson on bass) | 2 - 4 PM | Link

Wednesday, December 10th

• 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.
• T. Bone Stone's Old School Blues Jam @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM | Link
• “Bird-Brained: Bird Intelligence and Behaviors” By ornithologist Dan Gleason @ The Roseburg Public Library | 6 PM | Link
• 80's Night at Melrose Vineyards | 5 - 9 PM | Link

Thursday, December 11th

• DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 PM
• Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 PM
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday and Saturday | 8 PM
• DJ Bingo @ Brix Bar & Grill | 7 - 9 PM | Link
• Draper Jam Night | 8 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Thirsty Thursday Cornhole Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | Every week on Thursday | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Local on Vendor Night @ Cooper Ridge Vineyard | 3 - 6 PM | Link
• Open Mic Night @ Oran Mor | 5:30 PM | Link
• Thursday Jam Night at The Scoreboard Annex, hosted by Steve Amari | 8:30 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: James and the Lost Dogs, Sellout @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 PM

Friday, December 12th

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4PM
• Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 PM
• Karaoke Night @ Workman's Bar and Smokehouse | 9 PM - 12 AM
• 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.
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 PM
• Roseburg Ghost Tour | 6:30 PM | Link
• Tubing Season Begins (Weather Permitting) @ Diamond Lake Resort
• Glide Light Parade | 7:30 PM | Starts at Old Glide Mill (Glide Industrial)
• Timber Town Christmas Bazaar | 10 AM - 6 PM | December 12 & 13 | Link
• Live Music: The Real Gone Trio, The ‘Lectrics @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 11 PM

Saturday, December 13th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | SE Jackson St | Link
• Roseburg Saturday Market - Outside Winter Market | 10AM - 2PM | Harvard Ave - Rife's Home Furniture Parking Lot (Every Saturday until December 20th)
• Drain Farmers Market | 308 N 1st St in Drain @ 10AM - 2PM
• Workman's Community Market | 4550 Old Hwy 99S | 10 AM - 3 PM
• 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
• Karaoke Night - Shamrocks Cocktail Bar | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 PM
• Holly Jolly Giants @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21 | 12 - 2 PM | Link
• Live Music: Heritage Singers @ The Chapel | 4 PM | Link
• Wreaths Across America Day | 1 PM | Link
• Heritage Singers LIVE at The Perfect Occasion Chapel | 4 - 7 PM | Link
• Rush Auer LIVE at Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 - 11 PM | Link
• Timber Town Christmas Bazaar | 10 AM - 6 PM | December 12 & 13 | Link
• Snow Dance and Penguin Plunge | Diamond Lake Resort | Link
• Myrtle Creek Winter Festival and DR Johnson Memorial Trucker's Parade | 5:30 PM @ DR Johnson Lumber in Riddle
• Winston Christmas Ball @ Winston Community Center | Social Hour at 6PM, Dance at 7 PM | Link
• Glide Christmas Fair | Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 10 AM - 3 PM, Santa both day 1-2 PM
• Live Music: Skip Jones & the Spirit of New Orleans @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 PM
• Live Music: Rovers & Dragons @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sunday, December 14th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• Holly Jolly Giants @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21 | 12 - 2 PM | Link
• Wildlights @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21 | 4 - 7 PM | Link
• Santa Sundays @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 1 - 5 PM | Link
• Glide Christmas Fair | Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 10 AM - 3 PM, Santa both day 1-2 PM
• Drain Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting | Parade at 5 (Ray's Parking Lot). Tree lighting follows | Link
• LB Winter Wonderland @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 12 - 5 PM | Link

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

The Roseburg Receiver Updates

• We now have 17,781 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 advertising@roseburgscanner.com. Your ads will be featured in The Roseburg Scoop emails, videos, website, and much more.
• Project Skywatch - Roseburg's Eyes in the Sky is now seeking funding through donations and sponsors. For information about Project Skywatch, visit https://www.roseburgscanner.com/project-skywatch

The Roseburg Receiver Partners with The Roseburg Plug.

The Roseburg Receiver is excited to share that we’re partnering with The Roseburg Plug to bring an expanded level of real, local coverage to the people of Douglas County.For nearly two years, the Receiver has focused on timely information: scanner traffic, emergencies, outages, weather, community updates, and everything that helps keep people aware and connected.
Now, we’re adding something new: professional, on-the-ground video storytelling, created in partnership with The Roseburg Plug.This collaboration will bring:

• Exclusive field reports filmed directly in our community
• Small-business features with real local impact
• Coverage from the places where things are actually happening
• Stories that add context, depth, and real faces to the moments you see unfolding

The Roseburg Plug will be producing video features specifically for the Receiver, giving our audience a closer look at the people, businesses, and events shaping Douglas County - while we continue to provide the real-time awareness we’re known for. Our mission stays the same.
Our reach, and the way we tell the stories of this community, is about to get even stronger. More to come.

How to Contribute

We welcome all volunteers to share local events and incidents through our Facebook group. Whether you've witnessed something directly or received credible information, your contributions help keep our community informed and aware.

We encourage you to share relevant details and photos when appropriate. However, please note two important guidelines:

1. Maintain privacy by excluding any personal or identifying information
2. Ensure your own safety first - never attempt to post while driving

Your participation strengthens our community network, and your adherence to these guidelines helps keep everyone safe. Thank you for being part of our volunteer reporting team. If you have questions or want to participate as an author for our roseburgscanner.com website, please email community@roseburgscanner.com.

That is the scoop for this Wednesday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team