December 19, 2025

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

• Current Temp: 51° F
• Humidity: 95%
• Wind: 4 MPH N
• Current Conditions: Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 13
• Today's Forecast: High 51 | Low 38 | Light Rain
• Sunrise: 7:42 AM | Sunset: 4:40 PM

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO PERSIST THROUGH FRIDAY

An atmospheric river is expected to persist through Friday, bringing heavy rain to Douglas, Coos, Curry and Josephine counties.

A Hydrologic Outlook from the National Weather Service in Medford said this will cause quick rises on area streams, creeks and rivers. Rain amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with the highest amounts in Curry County.

Small streams are likely to run high and could result in nuisance flooding along with ponding water on roadways during periods of heavy rain. Significant rises on mainstem rivers are expected, but the overall concern for widespread river flooding is low due to dry conditions with minimal snowpack. The National Weather Service is monitoring rivers in the Umpqua and Coquille basins for flooding potential.

DOUGLAS ELECTRIC HAS NEARLY 290 METERS WITHOUT POWER

Windy conditions on Thursday mean additional power outages for customers of Douglas Electric Cooperative.

As of 10:00 p.m. Thursday new outages in the Scottsburg and Reedsport areas have led to nearly 290 meters being without power. The utility said significant progress had been made since early Wednesday when over 3,300 meters throughout their system were without power after a windstorm hit the region. DEC had been down to around 70 meters without service as of Thursday afternoon before more wind impacted the area.

For the latest updates on power outages in the Douglas Electric Cooperative service area, go to: https://www.dec.coop/outage-center/

FUEL CLEANUP UNDERWAY, TRAVELERS CAN EXPECT DELAYS

Travelers can expect delays on Interstate 5 south of Myrtle Creek as lane and shoulder closures are in place through the work zone while crews clean up after a recent fuel spill.

Julie Denney from the Oregon Department of Transportation said on Wednesday afternoon a tanker truck overturned in the southbound lanes of the freeway at the Exit 103 in the Tri City/Riddle area, spilling gasoline. Denney said the Interstate was closed for several hours. No waterways were affected by the spill.

Work is expected to last for a few days. Southbound traffic will be limited to one lane through the work zone. Northbound travelers can expect an inside shoulder closure.

Denney said the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is coordinating the cleanup effort with the assistance of an environmental contractor. Crews will not know the extent of the contamination until their assessment begins. Work could take longer if pavement replacement is needed.

Drivers are reminded to slow down through the work zone and watch for workers and equipment in the roadway. Allow extra space for southbound vehicles merging onto Interstate 5 from Exit 103.

Denny said with holiday travel adding to traffic volumes, motorists should expect congestion and factor more time for their trip through the area. Visit www.tripcheck.com for the latest information on road conditions.

FRIDAY IS THE FINAL DAY FOR COMMUNITY SURVEY ON STEWART PARK MASTER PLAN

Friday is the final day for community members to provide input on the future of Stewart Park via an online survey, as work begins to develop a new master plan.

A city release said Roseburg residents and others who use the city’s premiere park and its various amenities are being asked to give feedback to help officials understand what people value most about Stewart Park, how the park is used today and what improvements they believe could make the park even better.

The digital survey is only available through Friday. The goal of the survey is to reach as many people as possible to get input from a range of individuals and interest groups.

Stewart Park’s master plan is 25 years old. Thanks to Umpqua Health Alliance grant funding, Roseburg Parks and Recreation staff are initiating a new plan to guide the park’s development for the next 20 to 25 years.

To access the survey and provide input on Stewart Park:

COW CREEK TRIBE DONATES $34, 000 TO 17 DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD BANKS

On Thursday, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians gifted $34,000 to 17 food banks in Douglas County.

Each organization received $2,000 to help ensure that families have access to food during the holiday season and beyond.

A Tribal release said as the demand for food assistance increases during the holidays, these donations will directly support local families facing food insecurity throughout Douglas County.

Tribal Chairman, Carla Keene said, “The holidays should be a time of comfort and togetherness, but for too many families in our community, this season brings added stress about families putting food on the table”. Chairman Keene said, “We’re committed to supporting our neighbors and ensuring that every family in Douglas County has access to the support they need. These foodbanks are lifelines for our community, and we’re honored to support their work”.

Each organization was invited to attend a small ceremony at the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Government Office in Roseburg to receive their funds and share how contributions, big and small, directly benefit the families they serve.

Captain Edith Dye-Mabie with the Salvation Army in Roseburg said, “I just want to thank the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe for the compassion and the kindness because this will make a huge difference this year to many families”.

The release said Thursday’s donations reflect the Cow Creek Tribe’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the health and wellbeing of all Douglas County families.

WILDLIFE SAFARI HOLIDAY EVENTS CONTINUE THROUGH DECEMBER 28TH

Wildlife Safari’s holiday events continue through December 28th.

“Wildlights: A Dazzling Winter Tradition” is Fridays through Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Safari Village is transformed into a glowing wonderland as thousands of sparkling lights illuminate the park. Guests can stroll through immersive light displays, enjoy seasonal phot 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 festive surprises await throughout the holiday.

“Holly Jolly Giants” is Fridays through Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with more seating ability added. The 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 keeper chat
• Bring a stocking for Jolly Giants to fill with holiday goodies
• Enjoy the park’s unique blend of wildlife, education, and holiday magic

The event is timed so attendees must purchase tickets ahead of time. Get tickets for both events at: www.wildlifesafari.net

FRIENDS OF FORD’S POND HOSTS APPRECIATION DINNER

The Friends of Ford’s Pond recently hosted an Appreciation Dinner, which was held at Triple Oak Wine Vault.

A release said the nonprofit organization recognized volunteers on the Stewardship Team and the Activities Committee for their work at Sutherlin’s Ford’s Pond Community Park. The evening featured dinner, entertainment, and opportunities to thank the volunteers for their dedication and a successful year.

The Stewardship Team cares for the park most every day, removing litter, mowing paths, weeding the landscaping beds and restoring native habitats. Board President Jim Houseman thanked the volunteers for “giving their time to keep Ford’s Pond a special place for the entire family”.

The newly formed Activities Committee, under the leadership of Nissa Rudh, organized the first events and happenings at the park. Community members, some traveling from Roseburg and Glide, enjoyed free weekly yoga classes, running/walking clubs, music presentations and outdoor games. Rudh said the committee will begin planning another year of free educational and recreational activities in late January.

Those interested in joining either the Stewardship Team or Activities Committee as asked to call Jim Houseman at 680-2841.

Get more information about Friends of Ford’s Pond at www.fordspond.org

MERKLEY AND COLLEAGUES: LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE WILDLIFE CROSSINGS

On Thursday, Senator Jeff Merkley and a group of colleagues introduced legislation reauthorizing the Wildlife Crossings Program.

A release said this program at the Federal Highway Administration is a competitive grant program with the goal of reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.

Merkley said, “Wildlife crossings safeguard wildlife and protect drivers from dangerous collisions and costly damages to their vehicles”. Merkley said, “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress man a one-in-a generation investment in these crossings, supercharging projects such as the I-5 wildlife crossing in Southern Oregon. Federal investments like this ensure we can continue to building on this progress for years to come”

Merkley was joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in announcing the legislation.

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
• Stand-Up Comedy w/ Geoff Tate, James Hartenfeld, Nathaniel Greene @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9 PM

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
• BrandonLee Cierley, Tommy Whiteside Septet DOUBLE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 PM

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
• Live Music: Insomniac Folklore, Fairweather Friend @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 10 PM
• Live Music: Acoustic Blend @ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• Live Music: The Southern Son @ Spire Mountain Cellars | 1 - 4 PM

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
• Jackpot Bingo @ Lookingglass Brewery | 11 AM - 1 PM | Link

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

• We now have 17,924 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 Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team