December 31, 2024
The Roseburg Receiver Morning Scoop

Good morning Douglas County! Happy Tuesday! Here are today's updates live from the Roseburg Receiver Communications Center.
Today's Current Conditions
As of 6:30AM in Roseburg, Oregon
- Current Temp: 36°F
- Humidity: 91%
- Wind: 0 MPH
- Current Conditions: Clear
- Air Quality Index: 37
- Today's Forecast: High 45 | Low 36
- Yesterday's Rain Levels (December 30th): 0.08 Inches
- December's Current Monthly Rainfall: 8.43 inches
Roseburg Area Morning News
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MOUNTAIN AREAS STARTING TUESDAY AFTERNOON
KQEN News Radio

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday for mountain areas in parts of southern Oregon.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service said snow is expected. Total accumulations between 5 and 10 inches, with higher amounts up to 13 inches above 5,500 feet are expected. Winds will gust as high as 40 miles per hour over exposed higher terrain.
The Advisory area includes the south central and southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains. It applies to portions of Highway 62, Crater Lake, Highway 138 near Diamond Lake, Highway 140 near Lake of the Woods, and higher portions of Highway 66.
Forecasters said roads will likely become slick and hazardous. Snow levels will start out around 3,500 feet to 4,000 feet then gradually rise Wednesday afternoon to 5,000 feet.
Drivers should slow down and use caution while traveling. Visit www.tripcheck.com for updated road information.
GOVERNOR ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED TO HALF-STAFF FOR PRESIDENT CARTER
KQEN News Radio

Monday, Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff, pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation, as a mark of respect for the memory of President Jimmy Carter.
A release from the Governor’s office said the flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset on January 28th.
Kotek said, “I deeply admired President Carter and followed his work during and after his presidency. He exemplified optimism, an unshakable faith in the human spirit, and resolve to end suffering in his country and across the world. President Carter was a champion of common sense for the common good”.
Kotek said, “He bolstered social services, economic opportunities for women and people of color, and was a longtime proponent for affordable housing, and so much more. He did not turn away from public service after his presidency and instead leaned into a life-long career of helping others, diplomatic pursuits, and being an outspoken advocate for working people”.
Kotek concluded saying, “Oregon sends love to the Carter family, may he rest in peace”.
DOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE ON NEWS YEAR’S DAY
KQEN News Radio

Most Douglas County government offices will be closed on Wednesday for New Year’s Day.
A county release said that includes offices at the courthouse, justice building, Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, transfer stations, fairgrounds, the museum in Roseburg, and all external county government offices.
An exception is the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay. It will be open January 1st for normal business hours and tours.
As always, when county government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working on special, routine or emergency projects. That includes the commissioners, juvenile department staff, public works, emergency management, parks and Salmon Harbor departments. Also, Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications, and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement and emergency assistance. Those who have an emergency can call 911. Residents who need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency can call 440-4471.
For more information on county government, go to: https://douglascountyor.gov/
CITY OF ROSEBURG TO CLOSE FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY
KQEN News Radio

The City of Roseburg will close for New Year’s Day on Wednesday.
A city release said that means that city hall and the public safety center, both on Southeast Douglas Avenue, and the Roseburg Public Library on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard, will not be open to the public. The library book drop will remain open during the holiday.
For more information on the City of Roseburg, go to: www.cityofroseburg.org
WALDRONS OUTDOOR SPORTS GETTING NEW OWNERS
KQEN News Radio

As the new year begins on Wednesday, a long-time local business is getting new owners.
Waldon’s Outdoor Sports co-owner Tom Kress, who is also a Douglas County Commissioner, said after 23 years the store has been sold to a Roseburg father and son. Kress told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that the buyers are Todd Black and Brody Black.
Kress said the plan is to move the store from 330 Northeast Garden Valley Boulevard to the former Ken’s Dry-Cleaning location a block to the east. He said the Blacks have gotten an opportunity to purchase that property and are hoping to move soon. Kress said the expanded store will add athletic gear and batting cages along with the reintroduction of an archery range.
Currently Waldon’s has 6 employees and operates weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Kress said over the years, the business had a total of 85 employees, and he is thrilled to have it continue as his life enters a new chapter. The store has been co-owned by John Backen and David Backen. Prior to opening Waldron’s, Kress co-owned Kress- Backen Auto Parts, on Northeast Cedar Street. Kress’s father originally owned that business with the Backen’s father. However, at some point he bought out the elder Backen. John and David Backen were partners in the auto parts building itself.
Kress said that the Carquest Corporation, which was their parts supplier, purchased Kress-Backen in 2000. Kress ran the Roseburg store for the new owner for a year and then was asked to become the corporation’s finance director. That sent him to Lexington, Kentucky where the corporate headquarters was located. After a year, Kress missed Douglas County and wanted to move back. He asked the Backen brothers if they would like to own a sporting goods store with him, and the new venture began in January 2002.
Kress’s wife Sasha has been the bookkeeper for the business, just as she was at Kress-Backen. Kress said she will now get to spend more time with the couple’s grandkids, while he will be able to concentrate even more on helping to run the county.
New co-owner Todd Black told KQEN that there will be many new features to the store but one thing that won’t change is the customer experience Waldrons has provided for decades.
YONCALLA MAN JAILED IN ALLEGED IDENTITY THEFT CASE
KQEN News Radio

A Yoncalla man was jailed Saturday in an alleged identity theft case.
A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said at 9:55 a.m. a victim called dispatchers and said her credit card had been used without her permission. Later that day a deputy made contact with the suspect at his residence in the 2500 block of Eagle Valley Road.
The man admitted to having the card to buy some parts, but claimed he must have used the wrong card by accident. He was charged with identity theft and computer crime. The man was detained without bail. He was released on Sunday.
Umpqua Valley Rivers Recede After Heavy Rainfall
The Roseburg Receiver
Rivers across Douglas County are steadily receding after a significant rise following recent heavy rainfall. For example, the South Umpqua River in Winston, which reached over 22 feet at its peak, has now dropped to 16.15 feet. Forecasts indicate that water levels will continue to decline throughout the week, providing some relief. However, additional rainfall expected by midweek may lead to a renewed increase in river levels, warranting continued monitoring.

As of December 30, 2024, rivers in Douglas County, Oregon, have experienced significant fluctuations due to recent heavy rainfall. The South Umpqua River at Tiller reached a gage height of 13.58 feet on December 29, 2024, with a discharge of 16,700 cubic feet per second (cfs), compared to the long-term median flow of 1,100 cfs.
Similarly, the North Umpqua River at Winchester recorded a gage height of 17.59 feet on December 29, 2024, with a discharge of 48,500 cfs, significantly higher than the median flow of 4,600 cfs. These elevated levels indicate substantial runoff from the recent precipitation.
Forecasts suggest that river levels will continue to recede in the coming days, providing temporary relief. However, additional rainfall expected by midweek may cause river levels to rise again. Residents and visitors in the area should remain vigilant and monitor updates from local authorities to stay informed about changing conditions.

Roseburg Area Upcoming Events
Ongoing Events
- All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Brunch @ The Parrott House | June 23rd - December 29th every Sunday @ 10AM - 2PM | Link
- Free Line Dancing Lessons - Elements Lounge @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | Every week on Tuesday | 7 - 9PM | Link
- Open Mic Night @ Kodiak Bar & Grill | Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8PM
- Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights | November 24th - January 2nd - Every day @ 5:30PM | Link
- Quilts & Christmas Exhibit @ Douglas County Museum | December 3rd - February 28th @ 10AM - 5PM | Link
Monday, December 30th
- DJ Trivia Night @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7PM
- Open Mic Night @ Little Brothers Pub | 6 - 8 PM
Tuesday, December 31st
- Bingo @ Roseburg Elks Lodge #326 | 6:30 PM
- DJ Trivia @ Urban NY Pizza & Grill | 7 PM
- Glide and Idleyld Winter Market | (Every Tuesday) @ 10AM - 1PM | Glide Community Center Annex
- Free Line Dancing Lessons - Elements Lounge @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | Every week on Tuesday | 7 - 9PM | Link
- Open Mic Night @ Kodiak Bar & Grill | Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8PM
- Gatsby Gathering New Year's Eve @ The Parrott House | 8PM - 1AM | Link
- Happy Hogmanay – New Year’s Eve Celtic Jam @ Oran Mor | 6 - 10PM | Link
- Live Music: Rockwork Orange @ The Place in Roseburg | 9AM - 12AM | Link
- New Year's Eve w/ Bump In The Road @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 8PM - 12AM
- New Year's Eve w/Melrose Vineyards and Bar Run Golf & RV Resort | 5 - 9:30PM | Link
- Paradise NYE Bash @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 9PM - 12AM | Link
- NYE Party @ Lookingglass Brewery in Winston | 5 - 9PM
Wednesday, January 1st (HAPPY NEW YEAR!)
- DJ Trivia @ Backside Brewing Co. | 6 - 7:30 PM
- Karaoke/Open Mic Night @ Idle Hour Tavern | 9 - 12:30 PM
- 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.
- All RC Hobbies Swap Meet and Race @ Twisted Metal RC Hobby Shop | Link
Thursday, January 2nd
- DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 PM
- Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 PM
- DJ Bingo @ Brix Bar & Grill | 7 - 9PM
Friday, January 3rd
- Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4PM
- Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 PM
- 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.
Saturday, January 4th
- Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | Link
- Drain Farmers Market | 308 N 1st St in Drain @ 10AM - 2PM
- Karaoke Night @ Brix Bar & Grill | (Every Saturday) @ 7 - 10PM
- Karaoke Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8PM | Link
- North Bank Habitat Hike | 8 AM @ DC Courthouse Parking Lot
- High School Cross Country Skiing @ Diamond Lake Resort | Link
Sunday, January 5th
- Garden Valley Farmers Market | 11AM - 3PM
- All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Brunch @ The Parrott House | 10AM - 2PM
HAVE AN EVENT? TELL US AND WE WILL POST IT FOR FREE!
The Roseburg Receiver Updates
- We are now at 11,600 members!!! Thank you all so much for being here!
- We are launching our new site, roseburgscanner.com soon! It is up and running, but still undergoing some configurations. We hope to be fully live soon!
- The online direct video stream can now be located at https://live.roseburgscanner.com
- The news feed from various online sources can now be found at https://news.roseburgscanner.com
- The direct feeds can now be found at https://listen.roseburgscanner.com (please go here to learn how to listen)
- Businesses are now able to sign up to sponsor us! Get your logo seen on our website! Contact us for more details!
- Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers!! Everyone is welcome to post in our Facebook group about things that are happening in the area - whether it's something you heard or something you are witnessing. Feel free to post and even send a pic! The only thing we ask is that you do not post any personal information and don't text and drive. Your safety is important too.
That is the scoop for this Tuesday morning. Have a great day!
- The Roseburg Receiver Team
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