December 12, 2025

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

• Current Temp: 41° F
• Humidity: 96%
• Wind: 2 MPH SW
• Current Conditions: Mostly Cloudy / Fog
• Air Quality Index: 38-43
• Today's Forecast: High 54 | Low 49 | Partly Cloudy
• Sunrise: 7:37 AM | Sunset: 4:38 PM

Oregon DMV Announces Major Changes to SR-22 and Uninsured Accident Rules Beginning January 2026

The Roseburg Receiver

The Oregon Department of Transportation Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) has notified insurance companies about significant changes to state laws involving uninsured drivers, SR-22 requirements, and accident related suspensions. These updates come from Senate Bill 840, passed by the 2025 Oregon Legislature and signed by Governor Tina Kotek. All new rules take effect January 1, 2026 and will impact both motorists and insurers.

One of the biggest changes is a shorter SR-22 filing requirement for drivers convicted of driving uninsured.
Under current law, a conviction for driving uninsured (ORS 806.010) requires drivers to file an SR-22 for three years. Beginning January 1, 2026, the SR-22 requirement will be reduced to one year for convictions that happen on or after that date.

Another major change affects drivers involved in crashes while uninsured. DMV will no longer impose an automatic one year suspension for being in an uninsured accident if the crash occurs on or after January 1, 2026. Although the automatic suspension is ending, drivers involved in uninsured accidents will still need to file an SR-22 for three years. DMV will only suspend the driver if they fail to submit the required SR-22.

The new law also makes the process of proving insurance coverage more strict.
Right now, drivers can use various documents to challenge a report that they were uninsured during an accident. Starting January 1, 2026, DMV will only accept a signed statement on official insurance company letterhead, issued by an authorized employee, confirming the driver was insured at the time of the accident. No other type of proof will be allowed once an insurer has reported a lapse in coverage.

Insurance companies are encouraged to prepare by updating internal systems, informing customers about the shorter SR-22 period, and making sure staff can quickly provide signed coverage letters when requested.

For more information, the DMV public information lines are 503-945-5000 and 503-299-9999 (Portland Metro). Additional details can be found at OregonDMV.com. Insurer specific questions may be sent to DMVDriverControl@odot.oregon.gov.

SNAP Work Requirements Now Apply Statewide in Oregon Starting December 2025

The Roseburg Receiver

Oregon has begun applying federal SNAP work rules in every county as of December 1, 2025, following new federal law and the early end of statewide waivers. The change affects about 37,000 people today, and more Oregonians are expected to be impacted as the rules continue to expand.

The United States Department of Agriculture ended Oregon’s work-rule waivers in November 2025. These waivers had previously allowed most counties to exempt people from work requirements because of limited job opportunities. They were originally scheduled to last until December 31, 2025, but USDA ended them early. A new federal law that took effect July 4, 2025 also broadened the range of people required to follow the rules. ODHS has notified everyone affected and encourages anyone with questions to contact the agency immediately.

The work rules apply to adults with Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents status, known as ABAWD. As of December 1, they now cover:

• Adults ages 18 to 64
• Adults who do not have children under age 14 in their SNAP household

This is a major expansion. Previously, the rules applied only to adults up to age 54 and households without children under age 18. Newly impacted groups now include veterans, people who were in foster care, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

A new exemption has also been added. People who are enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, or who have a parent or grandparent who is a member, do not have to meet ABAWD requirements. People who live on certain Tribal lands are exempt as well. These exempt lands include:

• Burns Paiute Tribe Reservation and off Reservation Trust Land
• Coquille Indian Tribe Reservation and off Reservation Trust Land
• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Reservation
• Klamath Tribes Reservation
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Reservation and off Reservation Trust Land

A complete list of exemptions is available on the ODHS SNAP Work Rules website.

People who are subject to ABAWD requirements and do not qualify for an exemption must work or participate in approved work or training activities for at least 80 hours per month. Work can be paid or unpaid, including trading labor for shelter. Those who do not meet the requirement may only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a three year period. For example, someone who does not meet the requirement in January, February and March will lose food benefits beginning in April. The current three year period ends December 31, 2027. People may regain benefits later if their situation changes, such as becoming exempt or moving to an area with waived rules.

ODHS urges anyone who thinks these rules may apply to them to contact the ODHS ABAWD Unit as soon as possible. The agency can help determine whether someone qualifies for an exemption, whether they already meet the work rules, or whether they should work with the Oregon Employment Department to create a work or training plan.

ABAWD help line: 1-833-947-1694
Email: SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

ODHS and the Oregon Employment Department are partnering to help SNAP recipients through job search assistance, training programs and education services. A referral from ODHS is required to access these OED services.

Information provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

One Killed in Three Vehicle Crash on Highway 38 Near Scottsburg

The Roseburg Receiver

Oregon State Police are investigating a three vehicle crash on Highway 38 that left one person dead and injured another Tuesday evening.

The crash happened December 9 at about 5:20 p.m. near milepost 22. According to the preliminary investigation, an eastbound Buick Enclave driven by 48 year old David Michael Lawson of Elkton crossed into the westbound lane for unknown reasons. The vehicle collided head on with a westbound Freightliner truck and trailer operated by 65 year old Kevin Morgan Leiser of Vancouver, Washington.

The impact caused the Buick Enclave to spin uncontrollably in the roadway, where it was then hit by a westbound Buick LaCrosse driven by 53 year old Krystal Richelle Jacks of Elkton. The Enclave rolled and came to rest on its side.

Lawson, the driver of the Enclave, died at the scene.

Leiser, the Freightliner driver, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Jacks, the driver of the Buick LaCrosse, was not injured.

Highway 38 was restricted for about five hours during the on scene investigation.

Scottsburg Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted Oregon State Police.

Two Arrested During Search Warrant Operation in Glendale, Suspect Still Sought

The Roseburg Receiver

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people during a search warrant operation in Glendale on Wednesday, though the primary suspect in a domestic disturbance case remains at large.

Deputies responded on December 9 to a report of a domestic disturbance involving a 38 year old Glendale woman and 52 year old Corey Lange of Glendale in the 100 block of Section Creek Road. During the investigation, deputies learned that Lange allegedly possessed a rifle during the incident even though he is legally prohibited from having firearms.

Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence and for Lange’s arrest.

In the early morning hours of December 10, members of the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team executed the search warrant. Lange was not found.

During the search, deputies located 27 year old Promise Phelps of Wolf Creek and 44 year old Jason Dangerfield of Glendale, both of whom had outstanding warrants. Phelps was also arrested on new charges including First Degree Burglary and multiple counts of First Degree Theft related to a previous case.

Both were lodged at the Douglas County Corrections facility.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the location of Corey Lange to call 541-440-4471 and reference case number 25-4207.

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Roseburg Community Pushes Back Against Proposed OSAA Conference Realignment

The Roseburg Receiver

A major decision by the Oregon School Activities Association could reshape the future of Roseburg High School athletics for years to come, prompting urgent calls from families, coaches and district leaders for more time and community input before the plan is finalized. OSAA is proposing to place Roseburg High School in a newly created 6A Southern Oregon Conference that would include only four schools: Roseburg, Grants Pass, North Medford and South Medford. The recommendation would dissolve the current Southwest Hybrid and greatly reduce the size of the competitive field for Southern Oregon schools.

If approved at OSAA’s December 15 meeting, the alignment would remain in place through 2030. That would leave Roseburg athletes with fewer league opponents than every other 6A conference in Oregon, where most leagues contain six to nine schools.

District officials say the change would significantly affect all sports programs at Roseburg High School. A four team conference means:

• Fewer guaranteed league games
• Less competitive variety
• More required travel outside the region to complete schedules
• Higher transportation costs for families and the district
• More missed class time
• Greater scheduling strain on coaches and athletic departments
• Fewer opportunities for athletes to be seen by college recruiters

These concerns reflect what district leaders describe as a clear equity imbalance. Every 6A school outside Southern Oregon will continue competing in conferences with more balanced membership, while Roseburg and its regional neighbors would face increased travel demands simply to build full season schedules. Leagues such as the Metro, Mt. Hood, Three Rivers and Central Valley will all range from six to nine teams, leaving only the proposed Southern Oregon Conference with four. Districts in Roseburg, Medford and Grants Pass argue that this structure creates unequal access to competition, visibility and athletic development.

To address these concerns, the three districts are jointly requesting that OSAA delay the vote. A short postponement would allow Southern Oregon schools to present alternative solutions, which may include redistributing teams statewide to create balanced conferences, considering a shift for Roseburg High School to 5A, or exploring different conference models designed to reduce travel and support student well-being. OSAA’s own documents note that the Final Recommendation is not the last step, and that member schools and the public may submit written feedback or testimony before the Executive Board votes on December 15.

With the vote approaching, community involvement is especially important. Residents can email OSAA at kellyf@osaa.org to request a pause in the decision making process and to explain how the proposal may affect Roseburg families and student athletes. District leaders also encourage parents, students and community members to continue discussing the issue and sharing concerns in order to strengthen the collective call for a fair and equitable outcome.

Roseburg students and coaches have a long tradition of competitive excellence and strong community pride. District officials say they want the same opportunities provided to other 6A schools across Oregon. The OSAA Executive Board will review public input and vote on the Final Recommendation on December 15, 2025 in Wilsonville.

Information provided by Roseburg School District

FRUIT TREE PLANNING WORKSHOP IN JANUARY

KQEN News Radio

The Oregon State University Extension Service in partnership with Umpqua Soil & Water Conservation District will offer a fruit tree pruning workshop on Saturday, January 17th.

The event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Elkton Community Education Center on Highway 38 in Elkton.

Designed for everyone from backyard growers to small-scale orchardists, the workshop will cover proper techniques to improve tree heath, boost fruit production and shape trees for long-term success. Topics will include:

• When and why to prune in winter
• Tools and safety
• Pruning strategies for apples, pears, cherries, and plums
• Live demonstrations plus a question-and-answer segment

While the event is free, pre-registration is needed. Go to: https://beav.es/ZkU

For more information, contact Logan Bennett at the OSU Extension Service at 236-3015 or via email: logan.bennett@oregonstate.edu

COMMISSIONERS ISSUE PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF NATIONAL GUARD DAY

KQEN News Radio

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation at their weekly meeting on Wednesday, calling upon all citizens to observe National Guard Day, in celebration of the National Guard’s upcoming birthday on Saturday.

Commissioner Chris Boice presented a proclamation acknowledging the history of the U.S. National Guard and the Oregon Army National Guard.

In addition to deployments all over the world during war and conflict times, in recent years, the utilization of the National Guard has been unprecedented. Members of the Oregon National Guard provided critical support to the state’s COVID-19 response, assisted civilian law enforcement during periods of civil unrest, as well as provided help to state and local governments during hazardous weather and wildfire response operations.

Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates and a Douglas County challenge coin to Oregon Army National Guard members that were at the meeting. That included soldiers from Roseburg’s Charlie Company, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, and 186th Infantry Regiment.

A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment

CITY OFFICES, LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS

KQEN News Radio

City of Roseburg buildings will be closed on Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th, for the Christmas holiday, and on Thursday, January 1st, for the New Year holiday.

A city release said that means that Roseburg City Hall and the Roseburg Public Safety Center, both on Southeast Douglas Avenue, and Roseburg Public Library, on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard, will not be open to the public.

Police and firefighters will continue to provide public safety throughout the holidays.

The library and other city buildings will be open on Christmas Eve, Wednesday December 24th, and New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31st.

The library will be closed on Saturday, December 27th and the parking lot book drop will be locked from Thursday, December 25th through Monday, December 29th. The library does not assess overdue fines, so patrons should hang onto materials until the library reopens on Tuesday, December 30th. The library will be open Friday, January 2nd and Saturday, January 3rd. The book drop will be open on Thursday, January 1st. The library’s Winter Reading Program will run through December 31st.

For more information on the City of Roseburg, go to: www.cityofroseburg.org

SUTHERLIN PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN OPEN HOUSE ON MONDAY

KQEN News Radio

The open house for the City of Sutherlin Parks and Recreation Plan is happening Monday night.

A city release said the plan is in the process of being updated and staff are hoping to receive community input regarding what the community wants and what its top priorities are.

The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sutherlin Community Center on Willamette Street at Central Park. Those who attend can learn about the park system plan process. Snacks, activities, a raffle and more are all part of the evening.

Residents with questions about the plan update can contact Alli Langley, a consultant working with the city. Her email is: alangley@cameronmccarthy.com

ROSEBURG HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY ONE-ACT EXTRAVAGANZA

KQEN News Radio

Roseburg High School Theatre Department presents, “A Holiday One-Act Extravaganza” on Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. It is a series of original and adapted short stories about the spirit of the holidays. Each evening features, “The Little Match Girl”, by Herbert Ammann, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. It will be an all-inclusive Unified Theater Production.

Performances will be in the Rose Theater on the RHS campus. Tickets are $5 per person. A bake sale will be held as well. All proceeds go to the RHS Drama Department.

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!

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• 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.

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 Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team