December 31, 2025

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

• Current Temp: 35° F
• Humidity: 95%
• Wind: 3 MPH SW
• Current Conditions: Partly Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 19
• Today's Forecast: High 47 | Low 35 | Cloudy
• Sunrise: 7:46 AM | Sunset: 4:48 PM

AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY CONTINUES UNTIL 4:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY

An Air Stagnation Advisory continues until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday for central Douglas County, its eastern foothills, and much of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford said air quality is likely to worsen through Wednesday afternoon. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that are trapping pollutants.

The Advisory area includes valley locations west of the Cascades in Douglas, Josephine and Jackson counties and east of the Cascades in Klamath and Lake counties.

Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.

GUIDED FIRST DAY HIKES SET FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY IN OREGON STATE PARKS

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering a First Day Hike at 25 parks around the state.

An OPRD release said rangers and volunteers will lead the hikes around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 a day for Oregon residents or $12 for non-residents.

America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. OPRD has participated since 2012.

OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said, “Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging adventure”.

Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page at: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=374 to see the list of parks hosting hikes.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE CONTINUES ENHANCED DUII PATROLS THROUGH THURSDAY

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is continuing enhanced DUII patrols through New Years Day.

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said DCSO is partnering with federal and state efforts to remind residents about the dangers of drunk driving. O’Dell said the lifesaving message is: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. O’Dell said deputies are specifically working overtime with a focus on identifying and stopping impaired drivers. Funding for the enforcement is made possible through DUII enforcement grant dollars.

O’Dell said, “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and will not be tolerated. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior”.

DCSO recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• For those who have had one alcoholic beverage or more, designate a sober driver, plan to use a ride service, call a taxi or contact a sober friend to get home safely.
• Those who see a drunk driver on the road, should report them to law enforcement. This behavior could include swerving in the lane, inconsistent speeds, quick braking, excessive speeds, or careless driving.
• Take the keys away from friends and family who are about to drive under the influence and make a plan to get them home safely.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, go to: www.nhtsaa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

MYRTLE CREEK LISTS PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR JANUARY

The City of Myrtle Creek has listed its public meetings for the month of January.

• The City Council will meet on January 6th and January 20th at 5:30 p.m.
• The Mural Committee will hold their regular meeting on January 26th at 2:00 p.m.

No other meetings are on the schedule for the month. All meetings are held in the city council chambers on Northwest Pleasant Street and are ADA accessible.

For more information on the City of Myrtle Creek, go to: https://www.cityofmyrtlecreek.com/

DOUGLAS C.A.R.E.S. ANNOUNCES PAUSE IN OPERATIONS

The Douglas C.A.R.E.S. Board of Directors has announced the difficult decision to temporarily pause all operations, effective January 1st.

The organization is the sole Child Advocacy Center serving Douglas County.

A Douglas C.A.R.E.S. release said the pause is projected to last through February 1st at a minimum, as the organization addresses a severe financial crisis.

This emergency measure is a direct result of significant financial constraints, including unforeseen shortfalls in crucial grant funding and unexpectedly low reimbursements for essential billable services. These challenges have created an unsustainable operational environment, making a temporary suspension of services necessary to restructure and seek a viable path forward.

Board President David McGinnis said, “It is with profound regret and a heavy heart that we must take this step”. McGinnis said, “We understand the critical nature of the services we provide and the trust the community places in us to protect the children of Douglas County. The gap in services this pause creates is deeply concerning, and we offer our sincere apologies to the children, families, and partner agencies who rely on us daily”.

The release said for years, Douglas C.A.R.E.S. has been at the forefront of the community’s response to child abuse, providing a safe, neutral location for forensic interviews, medical exams, and victim support services, all under one roof. The organization’s multi-disciplinary team approach ensures that children and families receive coordinated, compassionate care without having to navigate multiple systems during a time of crisis.

McGinnis said, “The vital work of Douglas C.A.R.E.S. is a community effort, and now more than ever, we need our community to come together”. McGinnis said, “We are actively exploring every possible avenue to secure emergency funding and long-term sustainability. The future of our CAC and the safety net it provides for vulnerable children are at stake”.

The board encourages residents, local businesses, and community leaders to join the effort to save Douglas C.A.R.E.S.

Updates on the organization’s status and ways the community can help in the coming weeks will be posted at: https://www.douglascares.org/ or on their Facebook page.

BACKSIDE BREWING CO. ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

Backside Brewing Co. has announced a change of ownership effective January 1st.

The popular micro-brewery was created by KC McKillip back in the 2000s and officially became a location on Northeast Odell Avenue in Roseburg in 2012. Food and liquor were added to their menu throughout the years, which the owners believe positioned Backside as one of the most popular and frequented restaurants in the county. In 2020, KC and Savannah McKillip were offered the opportunity to create a second location in Sutherlin and the Outpost opened shortly thereafter in 2021. Between the two locations, brewers and distribution, the company currently has twenty-seven employees.

The new owners are Karly and Dawson Batch. Karly Batch has worked at Backside for over seven years and has been in management for five of those years. Batch told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that her main mission is to honor the existing legacy of Backside, but she is committed to improving the efficiency of both locations, and creating an environment that new and repeat customers alike will enjoy coming back to. Batch said while some menu revamps, new events and new merchandise are on the way, Backside will stick strong to its roots.

Outgoing owner KC McKillip told KQEN that his future plans are to spend more time with family and friends, on personal projects riding dirtbikes and hunting more. Looking back at the evolution of Backside, McKillip said, “it’s one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life, but it’s very rewarding to see it passed on and still thriving”. McKillip said, “It’s a lot like raising a child and then releasing them into the wild. It’s a crazy ride, and if you make it out on the other side alive, it’s a success”.

Along with the two locations, Backside beer is distributed in Klamath Falls, the Rogue Valley and as far north as Albany.

WILDLIFE SAFARI WITH YEAR-END GIVING REMINDER

Wildlife Safari reminds residents that the time to make a year-end gift to the non-profit organization is here.

Executive Director Dan Van Slyke said some of the highlights of 2025 include:

• Community support in the spring when heavy rains and flooding left the park in urgent need of repairs. Thanks to financial gifts, they were able to repair washed out roadways, reinforce their drive through paths, and replace culverts to help prevent future floods.
• Thanks to donors at Safari’s 2024 benefit dinner, they were able to add an entirely new exhibit and bring a pack of African Painted Dogs to the park in July of this year.
• Early this year, support enabled the park to purchase a new van for the education department.

To help make Wildlife Safari a brighter, safer and more welcoming place for years to come, donations can be made at: www.wildlifesafari.net. Go to the support tab and click on the Holiday Appeal.

Limited Time Events

• Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights 2025 | November 23 - January 1st | 5:30 PM | Link

Monday, December 29th

• 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 30th

• 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

Wednesday, December 31st

• 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.
• 2026 Midnight Premiere - NYE @ The Rosebud Theatre | 8 PM - 1 AM | Link
• Last Bash New Year’s Eve Party @ Oran Mor | 5 - 9 PM | Link
• New Year's Eve Black & White Ball w/ Velvet Whiskey @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 5 PM | Link
• New Year's Eve Party w/ Flashbak @ Melrose Vineyards | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• NYE Bubbles Bash @ The Wine Destination | 4 - 7 PM | Link
• Party Through The Decades NYE Party @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 9 PM - 12 AM | Link
• White Out NYE Bash @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 PM | Link
• Grand Buffet and Adult New Year's Eve Party with Live Music | Diamond Lake Resort
• Parrott House NYE Party | 9 PM - 1 AM | Call for reservations
• Stand-Up Comedy: Juan Denmark, Lucas Copp @​ Brix Bar & Grill | 7 - 9 PM
• Live Music: Kacie Corrine @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM

Thursday, January 1st - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• 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
• Hangover New Year's Day Brunch Buffet @ Melrose Vineyards | 12 - 3 PM | Link
• Thursday Jam Night at The Scoreboard Annex, hosted by Steve Amari | 8:30 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Umpqua Valley Fly Fishers Meetup @ The Roseburg Country Club | Postponed to January 8th | 5:30 - 8 PM

Friday, January 2nd

• 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
• ALL AGES Jam Night @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM

Saturday, January 3rd

• 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
• Live Music: Moon Mountain String Band @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 11 PM | Link
• High School Cross Country Ski Races | Diamond Lake Resort
• Live Music: T.O.B. (That Other Band) @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• Live Music: Cody Ponder @​ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 8 PM

Sunday, January 4th

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• Open-Mic Night @ The Rosebud Theatre | 4 - 8 PM | Link
• Winds of Umpqua Flute Circle - Oran Mor | 1 - 3 PM | Link
• Jackpot Bingo @​ Lookingglass Brewery | 11 AM - 1 PM

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That is the scoop for this Wednesday morning. Enjoy your day and Happy New Year!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team