December 15, 2025

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

• Current Temp: 50° F
• Humidity: 89%
• Wind: 5 MPH S
• Current Conditions: Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 93
• Today's Forecast: High 59 | Low 50 | Light Rain
• Sunrise: 7:39 AM | Sunset: 4:39 PM

Volunteers Place 7,000 Wreaths at Roseburg National Cemetery to Honor Veterans

The Roseburg Receiver

Quiet moments of remembrance filled Roseburg National Cemetery this weekend as thousands of volunteers gathered for the John Pierson Memorial Wreaths Across America Ceremony, an annual event dedicated to honoring veterans laid to rest in Douglas County.

As wreaths were carried from box to hand and from hand to headstone, the scale and meaning of the moment became clear. More than 7,000 wreaths were placed throughout the cemetery, each one marking the grave of a veteran who served.

In partnership with The Roseburg Plug, Shane was on scene documenting the event as volunteers moved methodically through rows of headstones, pausing at each grave. As part of the ceremony, participants were asked to say each veteran’s name out loud, a simple but powerful tradition meant to ensure no one is remembered as just a number.

Families, veterans, and community members stood side by side, sharing in the responsibility of remembrance. There were no speeches or fanfare in many moments, just quiet action. One wreath at a time. One name at a time.

The local ceremony is part of the national Wreaths Across America mission, a nonprofit effort that began in 2007 with a focus to Remember, Honor, and Teach. What started as a small initiative in Maine has grown into a nationwide movement, with thousands of participating locations each December.

Douglas County’s event carries special significance, as it is dedicated to the memory of John Pierson, a local veteran and longtime advocate for honoring service members. Pierson’s commitment to ensuring veterans were remembered with dignity helped strengthen and expand the local ceremony, which now bears his name in tribute to his legacy.

This year’s event once again reflected that dedication, with volunteers moving deliberately and respectfully through the grounds, placing each wreath with care. While each wreath is a small gesture on its own, together they represent the lives, service, and sacrifices of those who served.

From the Roseburg National Cemetery, the ceremony stood as a reminder that remembrance is not just something spoken. It is something done.

STORM SYSTEM BRINGING MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF RAIN THIS WEEK

KQEN News Radio

A storm system moving west to east is expected to bring multiple rounds of rain to the Umpqua Valley this week.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that rain will hit the region on Monday and Tuesday, with a brief break on Wednesday, before another dose of impactful rain will be seen on Thursday and Friday. The heaviest rain is expected to fall Tuesday night with up to three quarters of an inch of rain possible.

Forecasters said while the area will see plenty of rain, local rivers and streams are currently running at low levels, so no widespread flooding is forecast.

Temperatures are expected to remain over ten degrees above normal, with the exception of Wednesday, before dropping closer to seasonal norms starting on Friday.

MOBILE HOME DAMAGED IN LAUNDRY ROOM FIRE EARLY FRIDAY

KQEN News Radio

A mobile home in the Tenmile area was damaged in a laundry room fire early Friday morning.

Information from Tenmile Rural Fire District said the agency responded to a reported structure fire on Moonhill Road. The TRFD fire chief arrived in just under ten minutes, finding light smoke showing from the residence. Upon entry, he discovered a limited fire contained to the dryer and laundry room, with a significant amount of smoke inside.

The next arriving crew quickly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. During overhaul, crews utilized a thermal imaging camera to check for any hidden extension. The breaker for that room was isolated. Ventilation was also performed, and the residents were allowed to remain in their home.

The residents had been asleep when the fire began and were alerted by their carbon monoxide detector. There were no working smoke detectors in the home. As part of their investigation, TRFD provided the residents with a new smoke detector.

One individual was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center by a Central Douglas Fire & Rescue ambulance for evaluation of smoke inhalation. Quick action by a resident to throw water on the fire before exiting helped keep the fire contained until crews arrived.

The release said thanks to the teamwork of firefighters, partner agencies and the residents’ quick response, damage was minimized and everyone remained safe.

OREGON 42 LOOKINGGLASS CREEK TO I-5 PROJECT PAUSED UNTIL SPRING

KQEN News Radio

A contractor for the Oregon Department of Transportation has finished work for the season on the Oregon 42 Lookingglass Creek to I-5 Project.

Dan Latham of ODOT said on Friday, Rocky Mountain Construction finished the concrete traffic separators along the center of the median on Highway 42 between Rolling Hills Road and Carnes Road. Latham said all lanes are now open with the traffic control cones and barrels removed.

Latham said the contractor began work in February and has accomplished a lot in the last ten months:

• ADA sidewalk curb ramps were replaced at 14 intersections
• Two right turn lanes were constructed from the highway onto Landers Avenue and Rolling Hills Road
• New traffic signal put in at Rolling Hills Road
• A mile of the highway was paved from Carnes Road to Rolling Hills Road

Latham said new technology was added to the traffic signals through the project area that provide better timing and should help reduce the number of crashes at Kelly’s Corner and other big intersections.

Latham said in the past, there have been lots of crashes on Highway 42 between Carnes Road and Rolling Hills Road. He said the barrier and traffic separators along the center median will help prevent similar crashes.

When work resumes next year, the contractor will pave Highway 42 from Interstate 5 to Carnes Road and then from the Umpqua River. Past the Cheetah statue and out to Lookingglass Creek. Concrete barrier will also be placed between the eastbound and westbound highway lanes from Grange Road to the spot where the northbound I-5 ramps split apart.

Latham said there are a couple of months of work left, but the contractor is on track to get everything done ahead of schedule. The project completion date on the contract is September 30, 2026.

STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR CITY OF ROSEBURG FALL TOURISM GRANTS

KQEN News Radio

Local businesses and nonprofit organizations planning events to attract visitors, still have time to apply for a fall tourism grant from the City of Roseburg.

A city release said the Roseburg Community Development Department and Roseburg Economic Development Commission are taking applications for the grants until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st.

Applicants must submit well-researched, well-supported applications that identify exactly how they would use the funding. Grants of up to $7,500 are available. The city council can award grants larger than $7,500.

The city’s Tourism Grant Program is funded through the Roseburg hotel/motel lodging tax collected within the city limits.

The city offers a spring and a fall grant cycle. Applications are accepted from registered businesses, registered 501c(3) organizations and other 501c tax-exempt organizations, and governmental entities.

Grants are awarded for such things as advertising, publicizing or distributing information to market special events and festivals designed to attract tourists or to attract and welcome tourists at tourism-related facilities, or capital improvement projects that have a substantial purpose of supporting tourism or accommodating tourism activities.

The Economic Development Commission is especially interested in events and projects that entice people to visit from Labor Day through Memorial Day, but all applications are strongly encouraged. The commission will review and consider all applications, and vote on submissions at its next meeting on January 22nd.

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 492-6750.

UMPQUA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT BOARD MEETS MONDAY NIGHT

KQEN News Radio

The Umpqua Public Transportation District Board of directors will meet on Monday night at 5:30 p.m.

Jennifer Boardman from the Oregon Department of Transportation will provide an update regarding key areas like governance and board responsibilities, compliance requirements, procurement and contracting practices, funding opportunities, board member training expectations and alignment with ODOT and federal requirements.

New UPTD General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Sheri Bleau will give a financial report and a compliance update for the agency. Bleau will also provide an organizational chart with job descriptions. She will also give a project update regarding ridership numbers.

Other items are on the agenda as well.

The meeting will be held at the UPTD offices at 516 Southeast Jackson Street in downtown Roseburg.

For more information about the Umpqua Public Transportation District, go to: https://www.umpquatransit.org

FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $200,000 TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

KQEN News Radio

The Oregon Community Foundation recently awarded just over $200,000 to several organizations in Douglas County.

The funding was part of $5.1 million given out by OCF’s Community Grants program to organizations working to expand access to education, health services, economic opportunity, arts and culture, and more. A release said grants awarded in rural towns and urban neighborhoods reflect OCF’s commitment to strengthening communities and tackling urgent needs.

Several local groups received $20,000 grants:

• Glide Revitalization to increase childcare capacity
• Safe Haven Maternity Home to support their Facility Stewardship initiative
• Friendly Kitchen for expansion of their Meals on Wheels program
• Peace at Home Advocacy Center for facilities improvements
• Elkton Community Education Center to hire a Garden and Nursery Coordinator

Grants varied between $37,700 and $12,000. Eleven organizations were given grant awards.

OCF has worked to improve the lives of Oregonians since 1973. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships. Funds went to every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers.

A full list of grants throughout the state is available here.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CONTINUES THROUGH JANUARY 1ST

KQEN News Radio

The Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights continues nightly through January 1st.

Presented by the Roseburg Rotary Club, the 33rd annual event features more than 500,000 lights and 90 displays at River Forks Park, northwest of Roseburg.

A $10 ticket allows one vehicle visit to both the Festival of Lights and the Dutch Bros Holiday Village. While the lights are displayed seven nights a week, the village at adjacent Helleck Hall is open Thursdays through Sundays.

The Festival of Lights is open nightly at 5:30 p.m. It closes at 9:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays but remains open until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Proceeds from the event support Rotary scholarships and other Rotary-related programs.

For complete information on the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights, go to: https://www.uvfestivaloflights.com/

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
• 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
• 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 15th

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

Tuesday, December 16th

• 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
• Winter Band Concert: RHS Bands | 7 - 9:30 PM | Link

Wednesday, December 17th

• 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.
• Holiday Mixology Class @ Better Together | 6:30 - 8 PM | Link
• Live Music: A John Prine Christmas w/ Jenner Fox Band @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 PM | Link
• Live Music: Dylan James @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• 2025 Christmas Bird Count w/UV Audubon Society | 5:30 PM | Link
• A John Prine Christmas with Jenner Fox Band | 6 - 9 PM | Link

Thursday, December 18th

• 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
• Celtic Jam Night @ Oran Mor | 5 - 8 PM | Link
• Thursday Jam Night at The Scoreboard Annex, hosted by Steve Amari | 8:30 - 11:30 PM | Link

Friday, December 19th

• 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
• The Ghosts of Christmas Past @ The Parrott House | Dec 19 & 20 | 5 PM | Link
• Walk-In Wine Tasting @ The Wine Destination | 4 - 6:30 PM | Link
• Live Music Friday Nights: Timberwolf | 6 - 10 PM | Link

Saturday, December 20th

• 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
• The Ghosts of Christmas Past @ The Parrott House | Dec 19 & 20 | 5 PM | Link
• Gingerbread House Decorating | Drain Civic Center | 1 - 3 PM | Link
• Vine Katz Duo at 1892 Social Club | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Soul Shock LIVE at Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 - 11 PM | Link
• Reedsport Light Parade | Staging at 6, Parade at 7 | Reedsport Comm Charter School to Old Town
• Sutherlin Timber Town Toyland Electric Light Parade | 7 PM | Starts on Comstock
• Holiday Celebration Tea | 1 - 3 PM | Oakland City Hall

Sunday, December 21st

• 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
• Live Music: Chrysalis Sisters @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 PM | Link
• Singalong & A Christmas Carol with John Breen @ Oran Mor | 4 - 8 PM | Link
• Winter Solstice Luminary Walk @ Fir Grove Park | 4:30 - 6:30 PM | Link
• Third Sunday BLUEGRASS Jam from 1 – 4 pm at Sutherlin Senior Center | 1 - 4 PM | Link
• Roseburg Folklore Society "Christmas Singalong " | 5 - 7 PM | Link
• Live Music: Chrysalis Sisters @​ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 PM | Link

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

• We now have 17,841 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.

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 Monday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team