January 3, 2025

The Roseburg Receiver Morning Scoop

January 3, 2025

Good morning Douglas County! Happy Friday! 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: 52°F
  • Humidity: 87%
  • Wind: 5 MPH SE
  • Current Conditions: Light Showers
  • Air Quality Index: 28
  • Today's Forecast: High 53 | Low 44
  • Yesterday's Rain Levels (January 2nd): 0.62 Inches
  • January's Monthly Rainfall: 0.78 inches

Roseburg Area Morning News


WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MOUNTAIN AREAS STARTS FRIDAY AFTERNOON

KQEN News Radio

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4:00 p.m. Friday through 10:00 a.m. Saturday for mountain areas in parts of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said snow above 3,500 feet is expected. Total snow accumulations between 7 and 12 inches. The highest mountain elevations could have up to 16 inches of snow. Winds will gust as high as 45 miles per hour.

The Advisory area includes the south central and southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains. It applies to Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, Highway 51 at Willamette Pass, and portions of highways 62, 138, and 140.

Forecasters said travel could become very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could have an impact on the Friday evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Light to moderate snow is forecast to fall most of Friday. Snow will become moderate to heavy at times between 10:00 p.m. Friday and 4:00 a.m. Saturday.

Motorists should slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 511 or visit www.tripcheck.com for updated road information.

AGENCIES IN EARLY STAGES OF POTENTIAL ROUNDABOUT WEST OF ROSEBURG

KQEN News Radio

Two agencies are in the early stages of a potential project that could bring a roundabout to the intersection of Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road, just west of Roseburg.

Information from Douglas County and the Oregon Department of Transportation said the road safety improvement project has been in the works for several years.

Garden Valley Road meets Melrose Road at a high-speed rural intersection that has experienced several serious crashes in recent years. ODOT said its an opportunity to reduce the number and severity of crashes with modified traffic control
Douglas County applied for a Federal Transportation Grant in 2015, which was awarded in 2017. This project is in the 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, adopted by the Oregon Transportation Commission in 2023.

The total project cost is estimated at just over $9 million, which is subject to change. Total federal funds for the project are set at just over $8 million. The county’s match is slightly over ten percent. Douglas County Emergency Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Tamara Howell said the federal funding is already earmarked and the 10 percent county match has already been placed in a saving account for the project.

Howell said the planning phase is nearly complete. Next to come is the design and engineering phase.

Dan Latham of ODOT said he is collecting information before he begins working with a consultant on a public outreach plan. Latham said a project page should be online by February or March, followed by an open house next summer.

Howell said the construction phase is tentatively set to start in late 2026 or early 2027 presuming that no changes are made following the other parts of the process.

UCC AND SOWIB PARTNER TO CREATE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

KQEN News Radio

Umpqua Community College and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board are partnering to address a critical shortage of surgical technologists in Oregon.

A college release said together they are launching the state’s first apprenticeship program for surgical technologists with the Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. The BOLI Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved the Health Star Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program. The initiative aims to fill vacancies in operating rooms across the state, particularly in rural areas with high demand for trained professionals.

The college and SOWIB aim to provide a direct pathway for candidates to gain the necessary skills and certification while staying in their communities through the new apprenticeship program. The 12-month program offers a unique combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After completing the program, apprentices will be eligible to sit in for the Tech in Surgery certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing. Passing the exam enables students to work as surgical technologists in any location in the state of Oregon.

CHI Mercy Health President and CEO Russel Woolley said, “This new program brings a positive solution to Douglas County by offering students an opportunity to gain valuable skills that support our hospital”. Woolley said, “This program will produce students ready to step into our healthcare team which helps support the needs of our growing healthcare opportunities. This is a win-win for Umpqua Community College and our healthcare community”.

The release said Oregon currently faces a shortage of certified surgical technologists, forcing many hospitals and surgery centers to rely on registered nurses to fill gaps. With only four educational programs statewide and no programs available in southern Oregon, the number of gradates is insufficient to meet the projected need of 111 annual openings, according to data provided by www.qualityinfo.org.
UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said, “We now have an open door for individuals who want to pursue a career as a surgical technologist, especially within southern Oregon”. Pokrandt said, “It allows hospitals to train local talent, allows students to earn a good wage while completing their education, and eliminates the need for them to move outside of the area”.

The apprenticeship program is currently accepting applications from employers to become training agents, as well as applications from apprentices. Applications are accepted year-round with no submission deadline.

Learn more at www.umpqua.edu/surgical-technologist.

FRIENDS OF FORD’S POND COMMUNITY PARK WITH NEW ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

KQEN News Radio

The Friends of Ford’s Pond are looking for community members to join a new activities committee for Ford’s Community Park in Sutherlin.

A release from the non-profit organization said the committee will plan and facilitate fun and educational events for all ages and abilities at the park. The group is looking for people who can inject ideas and enthusiasm into the newly opened 202-acre park. The first meeting will be held at the Sutherlin Community Center on Tuesday, January 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pizza and beverages will be provided. Those who are interested should email an RSVP: JHousemanFOFP@gmail.com. Put “activities committee” in the subject line with name and contact information as part of the email.

Board member and committee chair Nissa Rudh said, “We are thrilled to start broadening our focus at Ford’s Pond to include activities for the public”. Rudh said, “We have had many ideas from park visitors and now have the opportunity to bring those to life”.

The Friends of Ford’s Pond has worked with the City of Sutherlin for the past 10 years to fundraise and care for the park, located just west of the Sutherlin I-5 exit. Donations can be mailed to: P.O. Box 99, Sutherlin, 97479 or made online at www.fordspond.org

YACHATS LIONS CLUB ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CRAB FEED

KQEN News Radio

For over 30 years the Yachats Lions Club has held an annual crab feed in Yachats.

A release from the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation said the annual trek to Yachats to eat Dungeness crab is a tradition for families and groups across Oregon, Washington and beyond.

This year’s crab feed will go back to an all-you-can-eat format. The price has been rolled back to $45 per person. The meal will consist of Dungeness crab, baked beans, coleslaw, bread and soda. It will be held on Saturday January 25th.

Three seatings will be arranged this year, two at the Lions Hall at 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and one in the Yachats Commons at 4:00 p.m. The one in Yachats Commons will be for groups of 6 or more with reserved tables. Meal tickets are available online at: www.yachatslionsclub.org.
For more information email: lionscrabfeed2025@gmail.com

SENATORS ANNOUNCE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 5 COUNTIES

KQEN News Radio

On Thursday, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said they were gratified that President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler counties that enables those counties to receive federal help for wildfires that took place last year between July 10th and August 23rd.

A joint release said the declaration triggers the release of funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help communities in those counties recover from wildfires that were part of a record-season in Oregon that burned nearly 2 million acres statewide – about three times the amount in an average year.

The declaration follows a letter from the entire congressional delegation supporting Governor Kotek’s request that Oregon receive a major disaster declaration.

Roseburg Area Upcoming Events


Each day, there will likely be new events posted for the week. Keep reading the morning scoop every day!

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
  • Tommy Whiteside's "Nana's Piano" Album Release Show @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 10PM | 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 11,700 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!
  • 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 Friday morning. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team