December 24, 2025

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

• Current Temp: 42° F
• Humidity: 91%
• Wind: 9 MPH W
• Current Conditions: Light Rain
• Air Quality Index: 12-32
• Today's Forecast: High 49 | Low 41 | Cloudy
• Sunrise: 7:44 AM | Sunset: 4:43 PM

Roseburg Disposal offers free Christmas tree recycling at multiple sites until January 12

Roseburg Disposal Co. will once again offer free Christmas tree recycling for area residents following the holiday season.

The annual program allows community members to drop off natural Christmas trees at designated locations throughout Roseburg and surrounding areas. Free drop-off boxes will be available from December 29 through January 12.

Roseburg Disposal said the program is made possible through a partnership with the Douglas County Landfill, which is providing free disposal of the collected trees.

Only natural trees are accepted. All decorations, lights, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands must be removed before drop-off.

Christmas Tree Drop-Off Locations

• Legion Field
• Kline Street in front of Hucrest School
• Corner of Calkins Road and Cherry Street
• Totem Market in Winchester
• Sherm’s Thunderbird parking lot
• Fulton Road and Diamond Lake Boulevard
• Bobalou Billiards, 1028 NE Stephens Street
• Rose Street near the former Safeway
• Redeemer’s Cinema parking lot, 3041 W. Harvard Avenue

Residents are encouraged to use the designated drop-off sites during the recycling period to help keep holiday trees out of landfills.

Fish & Wildlife Investigating Bull Elk Shot and Left to Waste in Douglas County

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is investigating a report of a bull elk that was shot and left to waste during the opening day of Tioga Second Season in Douglas County.

According to investigators, the bull elk was discovered in the area of the 8400 line near Bear Creek off Hubbard Creek, near Umpqua. The incident is believed to have occurred on November 22, 2025, the opening morning of the season.

A reporting party told troopers they heard a gunshot around daylight on the foggy opening morning. When the individual returned to hunt in the same area the following day, they located the dead bull elk in a clear-cut. The animal had not been recovered.

While in the area, the reporting party observed three adult males, described as possibly a grandfather, father, and son, walking nearby. The men were wearing camouflage clothing and were not carrying firearms at the time. Their identities are unknown.

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking anyone who may have shot and lost a bull elk in the area, or who has information related to the incident, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) program. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile device. Callers are asked to reference case number SP25-479764.

Authorities remind hunters that the unlawful waste of big game animals is a serious violation of Oregon law and encourage anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to report it.

Absolute Motosport to Close Roseburg and Grants Pass Locations After December 31

Absolute Motosport has announced it will permanently close its Roseburg and Grants Pass locations effective December 31, marking the end of an era for many local riders and motorsports enthusiasts.

In a message shared with customers, the owners: Sean, Eric, John, Bill, and Mike, expressed gratitude to the community for years of support. “We want to thank all of our wonderful customers who have supported us for all these years,” the statement read.

Until closing day, Absolute Motosport is holding a liquidation sale on all in-stock inventory, with the goal of clearing remaining items before the end of the year.

Liquidation Sale Details

• Location: 428 NE Newton Creek Rd, Suite 100, Roseburg, OR 97470
• Hours (this week): Monday–Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Pricing: Items are not marked — staff will make a deal on anything you’re interested in
• Parts: Staff will help verify part numbers and check availability

“Everything must go,” the owners emphasized, adding that it’s “crunch time to get stuff gone.” Customers are encouraged to stop by, save some money, and help clear out remaining inventory.

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEARBY AREAS

A Wind Advisory remains in effect for central Douglas County, eastern Curry County and Josephine County.

Southeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 miles per hour are expected in some locations.

The Advisory area includes the entire Interstate 5 corridor, especially over the passes between Grants Pass and Canyonville.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that the Roseburg area will see lighter winds as a surface low will turn inland rather than staying over the coast. Winds of 15-20 miles per hour with some gusts to 30 miles per hour are possible.

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and a few power outages may result. Large inflatable holiday decorations will be blown about.

HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FOR MOUNTAIN AREAS

A High Wind Warning remains in effect through 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for mountain areas in parts of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford said southeast winds of 35 to 50 miles per hour with gusts up to 75 miles per hour are expected. 1 to 4 inches of snow is expected above 5,000 feet.

The Advisory area includes the southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains. It applies to Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake, and the passes of highways 140, 138, 62, 66, and 58.

Forecasters said high winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Additional wind and snow hazards are possible Wednesday night into Christmas Day.

Residents are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs, Use caution if driving.

Check current road conditions at www.tripcheck.com

DOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS EVE

Douglas County government offices will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

A county release said that includes offices at the courthouse, Justice Building, Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, transfer stations, fairgrounds, and all external government offices. As always, even when county government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working.

Douglas County Senior Services Bistro Sixty Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels program will be closed for both holidays.

All county operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Salmon Harbor Marina docks, boat ramps, camping sites and the Winchester Bay RV Resort will also be open and accessible to the public.

Sheriff’s deputies, 911 communications and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance to residents.

For more information on Douglas County government, go to: https://www.douglascountyor.gov/

COSA NAMES JON MARTZ 2026 OREGON HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

The Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, a subset of Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, has named Sutherlin High School Principal Jon Martz, as the 2026 Oregon High School Principal of the year. The announcement was made last week by COSA Executive Director Dr. Krista Parent.

A COSA release said Martz was selected for his visionary yet practical leadership, his ability to build trust and coherence in complex systems and his sustained impact on student achievement, staff culture and community partnership.

COSA said during his four years as principal of Sutherlin High School, Martz has led transformative changes that strengthened the academic culture, improved key performance metrics, and built a shared sense of purpose among students and staff. Under his leadership, the school implemented grade-level Professional Learning Communities focused on instructional improvement, student data analysis and targeted intervention – creating consistent, collaborative systems across departments.

The release said these efforts have produced measurable results. Attendance, course proficiency, and on-track graduation rates have all improved, with the four-year cohort graduation rate rising to 94 percent, surpassing the district goal. Regular student attendance increased to 72.5 percent, with focal group attendance improving by 17.3 percentage points.

Sutherlin School District Director of School Improvement Janel Sorenson said, “Martz exemplifies everything we hope for in a school leader. He is a passionate educator, a systems thinker, a tireless advocate for students, and a steadfast supporter of his staff”. In her nomination letter, Sorenson also said, “Through his leadership, Sutherlin High School has become not only a stronger institution academically but also a more compassionate and connected place for young people to learn and grow”.

As the 2026 Oregon High School Principal of the Year, Martz will be honored by COSA and become eligible for the national principal of the year honor through the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The full COSA release can be found here.

SNAP RECIPIENTS IN 19 OREGON COUNTIES HAVE TIME TO REPLACE FOOD

Residents of Douglas and 18 other Oregon counties who lost food bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of recent storms and power outages now have more time to ask for replacement benefits.

A release said the Oregon Department of Human Services has extended the deadline to 30 days for people whose food was lost or spoiled due to power outages on December 17th. Households in those counties have until January 16th to report food losses and request replacement SNAP benefits.

To do so, call 800-699-9075, email: Oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov, or visit a local ODHS office.

Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

Limited Time Events

• Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights 2025 | November 23 - January 1st | 5:30 PM | Link
• Holiday Village, Thu-Sun and Christmas Eve | December 5 - 22 | River Forks Park | Link
• Wildlights @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21, 26-28 | 4 - 7 PM | Link

Monday, December 22nd

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

Tuesday, December 23rd

• 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: Debra Kay & Jason Heald @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM | Link

Wednesday, December 24th

• 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 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.

Thursday, December 25th

• 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
• Christmas Dinner @ Melrose Vineyards | 4 - 8 PM | Link
• Thursday Jam Night at The Scoreboard Annex, hosted by Steve Amari | 8:30 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Christmas Day Buffet Dinner | Diamond Lake Resort (Call for reservations)
• Christmas Day Dinner | Parrott House, Roseburg | 2 - 7 PM | Call for Reservations

Friday, December 26th

• 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
• 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
• Wildlights @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21, 26-28 | 4 - 7 PM | Link

Saturday, December 27th

• 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)
• Karaoke Night @​ Brix Bar & Grill | (Every Saturday) @ 7 - 10PM
• Karaoke Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8 PM
• Wildlights @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21, 26-28 | 4 - 7 PM | Link
• Live Music: StevieMac @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 - 9 PM | Link
• ROSEBUD'S 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY w/ Widespread Haze, The 'Lectrics, The Mother Smuckers, and more! | 6 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Oregon Old-Time Fiddlers Jam & Finger Foods Potluck on the Fourth Saturday, Year-Round | 12 - 3 PM | Link
• The Fabulous Delmontes LIVE at Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 - 11 PM | Link
• Live Music: Cover Culture @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sunday, December 28th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• Wildlights @ Wildlife Safari | December 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 19 - 21, 26-28 | 4 - 7 PM | Link

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That is the scoop for this Wednesday morning. Have a great day and happy holidays! There will not be a morning scoop on Christmas day.

- The Roseburg Receiver Team