January 2, 2026

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

• Current Temp: 46° F
• Humidity: 96%
• Wind: 1 MPH W
• Current Conditions: Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 68-78
• Today's Forecast: High 51 | Low 46 | Cloudy
• Sunrise: 7:46 AM | Sunset: 4:50 PM

Gusty Winds Expected This Weekend Across the Region

Another strong low-pressure system is expected to develop in the Pacific this weekend, bringing gusty winds to much of the region Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Medford.

While winds are not expected to reach extreme levels, forecasters say gusts will be strong enough to blow around unsecured objects and may result in isolated power outages.

The National Weather Service rates the overall impact as minor, but residents are encouraged to take precautions, especially those in wind-prone areas or higher elevations.

What to know:

• Secure loose or lightweight outdoor items.
• Use extra caution when driving, especially in high-profile vehicles such as trucks, RVs, or trailers.
• Be prepared for brief power disruptions.

The system is expected to impact the area through Sunday before conditions gradually improve.

Rain, Snow, and Strong Winds Through the Weekend

The National Weather Service in Medford is tracking a series of weather systems that will impact the region from Thursday through Sunday, bringing rain, mountain snow, and periods of strong wind.

Through Early Friday (Jan. 2)

• Light rain continues through Thursday night.
• Conditions turn mostly dry during the day Friday.
• Gusty winds develop late Friday, especially in the Shasta Valley, mountain areas, and along the coast.
• Rain and higher-elevation snow return Friday evening into the overnight hours.

Saturday – Sunday (Jan. 3–4)

A stronger system moves in, bringing more impactful weather across southern Oregon and northern California.

• Rain and higher-elevation snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected in Siskiyou County.
• Heavy mountain snow possible in the Siskiyous, with light to moderate snow in the Cascades.
• A Winter Storm Watch is in effect above 5,000 feet from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening for western and southern Siskiyou County.
• Snow levels are expected to drop:
  • Around 6,000 feet Saturday
  • Lowering to 5,000–5,500 feet Saturday evening
  • Dropping further to 4,500–5,000 feet Sunday into Sunday night
• Strong southerly winds will develop, with the strongest winds expected Saturday into Saturday night.
  • High Wind Watches are in effect for the Shasta Valley and along the Curry County coast.
• Urban areas and creeks in Siskiyou, Curry, and southern Josephine counties may see high streamflows and roadway ponding.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, prepare for changing road conditions, and use caution when traveling, especially in mountain passes and wind-prone areas.

DOUGLAS C.A.R.ES. SEEKING COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO HELP RE-OPEN

After recently announcing a pause in its operations, Douglas C.A.R.E.S. is seeking community support to help the non-profit organization reopen.

A C.A.R.E.S. release said the county’s Child Advocacy Center has worked for over thirty years to help children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or sexual assault receive expert, compassionate medical care and advocacy close to home.

Douglas C.A.R.E.S. Executive Director Sarah Wickersham said due to an unexpected disruption in revenue primarily caused by delayed Medicaid reimbursements, as well as contractions in the larger grants they reply on and the resulting short-term funding gap, they made the difficult decision to pause operations for one month.

Wickersham said the pause is temporary but urgent, as they must bridge the gap in funding to reopen their doors and resume services for children who need them.

The release said that staff, referral partners, and the board are working tirelessly – in full cooperation with the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Human Services, and their Coordinated Care Organization – to resolve reimbursement issues and ensure a stable system moving forward.

Wickersham said that while that process moves forward, the organization urgently needs community and institutional support to fund operations so they can reopen and remain available to children in crisis. Wickersham said gifts right now will allow them to restart operations immediately:

• $1,2000 covers one full forensic medical exam and advocacy session
• $5,000 to $25,000 contributions from local businesses, agencies, and donors will sustain medical and support staff as C.A.R.E.S. reopens
• Major partnership gifts from healthcare and government partners will help secure long-term stability.

The release said every contribution, large or small, helps bring Douglas C.A.R.E.S. back to full operation – ensuring children in Douglas County continue to receive the protection and care they deserve here at home.

Contributions can be made at: https://douglascares.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/17049

Coos County Man Arraigned on Murder, Kidnapping Charges After Courthouse Disruption

A 50-year-old Coos County man appeared in court Wednesday facing multiple felony charges following a fatal shooting in Coos Bay, according to court records.

Christopher Blodgett is charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping, coercion, assault, harassment, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities say the charges stem from a Sunday afternoon incident in the Staples parking lot, where officers found 39-year-old David Orr suffering from gunshot wounds. Orr was pronounced dead at the scene.

Court documents also allege that Blodgett unlawfully kidnapped a woman and threatened her with physical harm if she did not comply. During his arraignment at the Coos County Courthouse, Blodgett was reportedly disruptive and uncooperative.

Wallet Left Behind Leads to Arrest in Roseburg Burglary Case

A 35-year-old Roseburg man was arraigned Monday on multiple charges following an alleged home burglary, according to Douglas County Circuit Court records and the Roseburg Police Department.

Court documents show that Dakota Thomas Miars was arraigned Dec. 29 on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree theft, second-degree criminal mischief, and a probation violation. The charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred last week at a residence in Roseburg.

Police said officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of West Winter Ridge Road at approximately 3:35 p.m. on Dec. 22 after an occupant reported finding an unknown male dressed in black inside her daughter’s bedroom. The suspect reportedly left the area before officers arrived, and police were unable to locate him at that time.

According to authorities, the suspect allegedly entered the home by prying open a window screen and stole several gold and diamond necklaces. Police later identified Miars as a suspect after locating a wallet containing his Oregon identification card at the scene.

Investigators contacted Miars at the Douglas County Jail, where he was already in custody on an unrelated matter, police said. Authorities stated that Miars was booked into the jail after refusing to provide additional information.

Jail records indicate Miars remains in custody as of Jan. 1, and court documents show his next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 2.

Longtime Southern Oregon Philanthropist Wanda Olsrud Dies at 100

Wanda Olsrud, a longtime Southern Oregon philanthropist and co-founder of the Sherm’s Thunderbird and Food 4 Less grocery brands, died this week at the age of 100.

Olsrud, along with her late husband Sherm, played a major role in shaping community support efforts across the Rogue Valley for more than six decades. Their work spanned food access, youth programs, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community infrastructure. Sherm Olsrud died in 2019 at the age of 95.

Born in 1925 and raised in Crow, Oregon, Wanda Olsrud spent much of her life in Southern Oregon after moving to the region with her husband in the late 1960s. The couple married in 1947 and later entered the grocery business, purchasing Wilson’s Sausage Kitchen in Eugene before expanding into Jackson and Douglas counties.

Their first Rogue Valley store opened in Medford in 1967 under the Thunderbird name. Additional locations followed in Klamath Falls, Medford, and Roseburg, eventually operating under the Food 4 Less brand. The businesses became known not only for affordability but for deep involvement in the surrounding communities.

Over the decades, the Olsruds became widely recognized for their consistent support of youth programs, agriculture, education, and local nonprofits. Their philanthropy extended to 4-H and FFA programs, food banks, healthcare services, and youth recreation facilities throughout Southern Oregon.

Wanda Olsrud was particularly known for her involvement with youth livestock programs, often attending auctions and supporting young participants regardless of competition outcomes. The couple also contributed to numerous infrastructure projects, including the development of the Olsrud Family Playground at Bear Creek Park and the Olsrud Arena at The Expo in Central Point.

In later years, their philanthropic efforts expanded further into healthcare. In 2022, the family made a major contribution to Asante Health System, supporting programs focused on women’s health, pediatric care, mental health, and cardiac services. The Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center bears their name in recognition of that support.

Their involvement also extended to organizations such as ACCESS, where they supported food distribution and community assistance programs, including large-scale food drives and infrastructure improvements.

Despite their influence, the couple was known for maintaining a low profile and avoiding public recognition. Community members often described their giving as quiet, consistent, and deeply personal.

Wanda Olsrud is survived by her family and by a legacy of community investment that continues to shape Southern Oregon. Her impact is reflected not only in buildings and programs, but in the many individuals and families who benefited from her lifelong commitment to service.

Her passing marks the end of an era for the region, but the influence of her generosity and values will continue through the institutions and people she supported.

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 Friday morning. Enjoy your weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team