January 30, 2026

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

• Current Temp: 40° F
• Humidity: 97%
• Wind: 4 MPH S
• Current Conditions: Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 60-74
• Today's Forecast: High 52 | Low 39 | Light Rain
• Sunrise: 7:31 AM | Sunset: 5:23 PM

A section of Interstate 5 north of Exit 127 in the Roseburg area was temporarily shut down Thursday, 1/29, following a reported law enforcement incident involving a firearm.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the closure impacted traffic in the northbound lanes for a period while officers responded. The roadway has since reopened and traffic is flowing normally.

The Oregon State Police said a suspect discharged a firearm along the interstate prior to being taken into custody. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Investigators remained in the area for several hours as they worked to document the scene and gather additional information. Motorists may have noticed a continued law enforcement presence while the investigation was underway.

OSP reported assistance from Sutherlin Police Department, Roseburg Police Department, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office during the response.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. Additional details are expected as the investigation continues.

At Jo Lane Middle School, robotics has become more than an elective. It is a space where curiosity turns into action and students are encouraged to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. Guided by instructor Steve Kiepert, the program centers on project based learning that gives students both the tools and the independence to bring their ideas to life. As Kiepert shared, robotics gives students the room to think creatively and turn concepts into something tangible, with motivation often being the only limit.

Students are involved in every step of the design process, from brainstorming to building and testing. They compete with teams from across the region while using industry inspired tools and methods. Their work includes additive and subtractive manufacturing, such as 3D printing and CNC machining, supported by a makerspace that allows them to produce custom parts when needed. After years of fundraising, the program recently introduced a galvo fiber laser, expanding opportunities for students to gain hands on experience with technology that is increasingly common in modern manufacturing and engineering.

That preparation was put into practice during the December 13 FIRST Tech Challenge competition. Jo Lane students joined peers from schools throughout the region for a day that called for teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem solving. Student Dante Johnston reflected on the supportive atmosphere, saying the best part of the event was how every team was willing to help one another succeed.

For student Emerie Luster, the experience highlighted the realities of collaboration. She noted that teamwork can sometimes be messy, but those moments are an important part of learning and growing together. Outreach also plays a meaningful role for the team. Students mentor younger FIRST LEGO League participants at the school, helping them build confidence and skills that will carry into future competitions.

Challenges along the way have helped students develop resilience. Mathew Coutts described the competition as intense but rewarding, sharing that even when their robot faced difficulties, the team worked together to recover. Bentley Newman emphasized that success is not measured only by match results. While their team won one of five matches, he felt the overall experience was both meaningful and enriching.

The program’s momentum continued at a more recent event, where one of Jo Lane’s FIRST LEGO League teams, led by Brian Shimer, advanced to the state competition after earning top honors at their regional tournament. Competing against 60 of Oregon’s strongest teams, they placed 46th overall, gaining valuable experience while representing their school community.

Looking ahead, students and mentors are preparing for future changes as FIRST Tech Challenge introduces new control and power systems beginning in the 2027 to 2028 season. These updates will require adjustments to equipment and resources, but the commitment to providing meaningful learning opportunities remains strong.

At its heart, Jo Lane Robotics is about opening doors. Through engineering, teamwork, and creative problem solving, students gain skills that can shape their future paths in technology and beyond. It is a program built on encouragement, collaboration, and a shared belief in what young people can accomplish when they are given the chance to explore and create.

Douglas County commissioners formally approved Phil McAfee as the county’s next Building Official during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, setting a February 1 effective date for the transition. The board approved a board order presented by Human Resources Director Michael Kurtz appointing McAfee to the position as current Building Official Bill Clemens retires after 11 years with Douglas County.

Oregon law requires counties that administer their own building inspection programs to appoint a certified Building Official to manage, enforce, and oversee compliance with state building codes. Commissioners used the meeting to recognize Clemens for his leadership and what they described as a consistent focus on safety while helping residents navigate projects and permitting.

Commissioner Tim Freeman told Clemens that a moment from an earlier public meeting had stayed with him and shaped how he understood the purpose of building codes and public service in the role.

“Bill, thank you for your service. You were appointed about the same time that I started at the County. You have taught me quite a bit over the years and I appreciate that. But there is one thing that I will never forget. You mentioned in a meeting where we had a few citizens that were upset about something going on with the building department and you reminded them that the building code is the minimum standard. And if your builder can’t meet the minimum standard, then you might want to think about that. I thought that was pretty profound and you changed the whole attitude of the situation everyone stopped and realized you were right. The building codes are there to make sure that when people have a building built that it is being built to at least the minimum standard, and hopefully their builder builds to a higher standard. Your approach has always been very well thought out in helping our citizens complete their projects, and never in a way that compromised safety. I think that is real testament to the kind of person you are, and the exact kind of person we look for to work for the County,” Freeman said.

Clemens’ career in building safety and code enforcement spans more than three decades across Oregon and included participation in the evolution of building standards at the state level. Clemens grew up in Half Moon Bay, California, and attended Mission Community College in Santa Clara, where he studied architecture. After a brief period running cabinet shops, he relocated to Oregon in 1990. In 1991, he accepted a position in Prineville as the Crook County Building Official, a role he held for more than 14 years. He later served as Building Official for the City of Bend and Linn County and worked as the lead FLS Plans Examiner for City of Salem and Corvallis before accepting the position of Building Official for the Douglas County Building Department in February 2015. Clemens was appointed to the role by then Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice, and Susan Morgan.

During his career, Clemens served for several years on Oregon’s Building Code Structure Committee, after being appointed by the Governor, and helped develop, adopt, and amend the Oregon Structural Specialty Code. He also served on the Oregon Reach Code Committee, the Building Officials Ethics Committee, and other specialized committees. Clemens has received numerous accolades, including being named Oregon’s Building Official of the Year in 2005. He was also twice elected President of the Oregon Building Officials Association and holds 23 professional building certifications.

As he prepared to retire, Clemens told commissioners that he came to Douglas County intentionally to finish out his career in an environment he viewed as practical and supportive.

“Eleven years ago, I made the decision to come to Douglas County to finish out my career and retire. I wanted to work for a county that was commonsensical. I have worked all over the State of Oregon and Douglas County was just the right fit for me. I have always tried to use common sense when applying codes and in finding ways for people to do what they want to do. I felt Douglas County was a good place to do that with the leadership that we have. You have been absolutely the best Commissioners I have ever worked for, and I don’t just say that it is the absolute truth. I truly appreciate all the support you have given me. My staff has been wonderful, and it has been a pleasure working here,” Clemens said.

Commissioner Chris Boice said Clemens helped residents understand why building standards exist while still working with people to find workable paths forward.

“Bill, you have been awesome. I have really enjoyed working with you. I think building officials in a lot of places get a bad rap. You are the authority when it comes to building, and that is not always popular. But you have a unique perspective in your approach to codes that help people to understand that we have rules they are important and there is a reason for them. At the same time, you work with them to get them to a place where they can do what they want on their property and that has been great to see. We want people out there helping people and you have been exceptional, and I believe Phil is going to do great,” Boice said.

McAfee will step into the role after serving in the Building Department for more than a decade. McAfee grew up in Douglas County and began his career in the light industrial field, building cell towers, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. After graduating, he returned home and spent 11 years running his own construction company.

McAfee joined the Douglas County Building Department in October 2014 as a Plans Examiner and was promoted to Building Inspection Supervisor in August 2016. Over the past year, he trained under Clemens in preparation for the Building Official role. McAfee is certified by the State of Oregon as a Building Official and currently holds 9 professional building certifications. In remarks shared through the county, McAfee emphasized continuity, a commitment to public service, and interest in building on department processes through technological improvements, while maintaining what county leaders described as a strong can do culture.

Board Chair and Building Department liaison Commissioner Tom Kress said the county expects a smooth transition and thanked both men for their work.

“Bill, thank you for everything. You have always been great to work with, very helpful to me, and we are definitely going to miss you. Phil, you have some really big shoes to fill, but I am pretty darn confident in you. We have a great chapter moving forward,” Kress said.

The Douglas County Building Department, a division of Douglas County government, first opened its doors in 1974 with the enactment of Senate Bill 73, which later became ORS 456 and created the Oregon State Building Code. The department provides inspection services for residential and commercial projects, including electrical, mechanical, building, and plumbing. The county said the department remains fully fee supported, with operating costs derived from permit fees collected.

The new Holiday Inn Express in Roseburg has opened.

It is part of the Hanna Heritage Place Development just east of Interstate 5 at the intersection of Northwest Garden Valley Boulevard and Northwest Mulholland Drive.

Bruce Hanna of Hanna Hospitality told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that a soft opening took place on January 21st. Hanna said every day since then more rooms have been finished. He is hoping to have all rooms ready for guests by the end of this week.

Hanna said a grand opening will take place in the near future, but no date has yet been set.

This week, Douglas County Commissioners issued a proclamation at their weekly business meeting calling upon all citizens in the county to observe Four Chaplains Day on Tuesday, February 3rd.

A county release said for more than seventy years, the Chapel of the Four Chaplains has told their story and supported the Legion of Honor Awards program all across America. The program publicly recognizes and honors outstanding members of society whose lives model the giving spirit and unconditional service to community, nation, and humanity, without regard to race, religion, or creed exemplified so dramatically by the Four Chaplains.

Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates to Douglas County Legion of Honor Chapter Coordinators: James Little, James Barnett and Dan Loomis. A long list of previous Legion of Honor recipients from the county were in attendance and were recognized as well.

The local Four Chaplains Chapter was started in Roseburg in 2012 by Jim Little and Jim Barnett. Dan Loomis joined the program in 2023. The local program has awarded 57 Legion of Honor awards and 10 certificates of appreciation to county residents since it began.

A few more inductees will be honored on Saturday, February 7th at the 14th annual Four Chaplains event at Westside Christian Church in Roseburg.

A copy of the video presentation from the commissioner’s meeting can be found at the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment

The City of Roseburg Economic Development Commission is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacancy.

A city release said the commission meets quarterly at 3:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of January, April, July and October. The commission creates an awareness both in the public and private sectors of the need for and the encouragement of effective community development and tourism promotion programs and provides a forum for evaluating and overseeing the city’s transient room tax revenues for programs and events designed to promote local tourism efforts.

Applications are available on the city website at: www.cityofroseburg.org/your-govenment/commissions. This vacancy will remain open until it is filled. Applications are reviewed weekly.

Douglas C.A.R.E.S Board President David McGinnis says the organization wishes to clarify recent statements regarding Medicaid reimbursement challenges and to correct the public record concerning Umpqua Health.

A CARES. release said following a detailed internal review and direct discussions with UHA leadership, CARES confirms that UHA was not the cause of CARES recent reimbursement shortfalls. McGinnis said the issues identified were primarily related to internal administrative, credentialing, and billing processes, not payment delays or denials attributable to UHA.

The release said UHA staff have been responsive and supportive throughout this review. Many denied or unpaid claims were tied to technical issues such as eligibility status, credentialing requirements, diagnosis coding, authorization requirements, or duplicate submission – matters that fall within provider-side administrative responsibility.

McGinnis said CARES acknowledges that earlier public statements suggesting UHA owed CARES outstanding funds were inaccurate, and the organization regrets any confusion or reputational harm those statements may have caused.

McGinnis said UHA has been a longstanding partner in serving vulnerable children and families in Douglas County, and CARES appreciates UHA’s continued commitment to the collaboration and problem-solving during this period.

The release said CARES is actively implementing corrective measures to strengthen internal billing, compliance and operational systems to ensure accuracy, sustainability, and accountability moving forward. Their focus remains on restoring and maintaining essential child advocacy services for the community.

McGinnis said the organization values transparency, partnership and public trust, and believes it is important to clearly state when responsibility lies with CARES’ own systems rather than with its community sponsors.

McGinnis said he is also the organization’s interim executive director, while Executive Director Sarah Wickersham is on medical leave. CARES paused its operations effective January 1st.

McGinnis told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that CARES intension is to restore core services as soon as it is responsible to do so. He said the organization is actively working toward that goal and will provide updates as appropriate.

Douglas C.A.R.E.S Board President David McGinnis says the organization wishes to clarify recent statements regarding Medicaid reimbursement challenges and to correct the public record concerning Umpqua Health.

Limited Time Events

• In Studio Classes @ Create & Sip Studio | January 8 - May 17th | Every Week on Wed - Sun
• "Shifting Landscapes" + Add'l Exhibits @ Umpqua Valley Arts | January 9 - March 6 | Every week Tuesday - Friday | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Sweeney Todd @ Umpqua Actors Community Theatre (UACT) | Jan 30 - 31, Feb 1, 5-8, 12-15 | 7 PM | Link
• “The Power of Place,” Photography Exhibit @ Roseburg Public Library | Jan 15 - Feb 19 | Tuesday - Saturday

Monday, January 26th

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

Tuesday, January 27th

• 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
• All Ages Jazz Jam @ North Forty Beer Company | 5 - 7:30 PM | Link

Wednesday, January 28th

• 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.
• Live Music: Bob Hall @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Stand-Up Comedy w/ Seth Milstein, Angie Bloomfield, Nathaniel Greene @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• Biz Bash | Bergin College of Canine Studies, Canyonville | 5 - 7 PM | Link

Thursday, January 29th

• 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
• Local on Vendor Night @ Cooper Ridge Vineyard | 3 - 6 PM | Link
• Trivia Night @ Trella | 6:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: The Gold Souls @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 - 10 PM | Link

Friday, January 30th

• 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
• Fifth Friday - Downtown Roseburg | Link
• Live Music: Cover Culture @ North Forty Beer Company | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Roseburg Author Signing & Wine Tasting @ Yours Truly Bookshop | 5 - 8 PM | Link
• Sip & Shop Downtown 5th Friday @ The Wine Destination | 4 - 7 PM | Link
• Supper Club Dinner @ Melrose Vineyards | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: Moon Music @ The Rosebud Theatre | 7 -11 PM | Link

Saturday, January 31st

• 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
• Winter Soup Supper In the Aisle @ The Chapel | 6 PM | Link
• Live Music: Savvy Katz @ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: Rockwork Orange @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 9 PM - 12 AM | Link
• Live Music: Acoustic Blend @ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Kindness and Crafting | Through engaging stories and hands-on activities, children will learn about different family types and the importance of empathy, acceptance, love, and respect for all people. | 11 AM - 1 PM | Link

Sunday, February 1st

• DJ Trivia Night @ Brix Bar and Grill | Every Sunday | 6 - 8 PM
• Live Music: Hop Stone @ Melrose Vineyards | 3 - 5 PM | Link
• Live Music: Hannah Juanita & The Hardliners w/ Mose Wilson @ The Rosebud Theatre | 5 - 9 PM | Link

• We now have 18,651 Facebook group members!! Thank you all so much for being here!
• There is now an opportunity to advertise your local business with The Roseburg Receiver! If your company is interested, please email info@theroseburgreceiver.com. Your ad will be featured in The Roseburg Scoop emails, videos, website, and much more.
• Everyone can now submit a press release to The Roseburg Receiver! Go to our main website (theroseburgreceiver.com) and click on "Submit Press Release" in the top navigation bar. We hope to get your story out for the public to see!
• Project Skywatch is still underway to get deployed in the Spring; however, more funding is still required. To donate, become a business sponsor, or read more information of Project Skywatch, visit https://www.theroseburgreceiver.com/project-skywatch/
• The Roseburg Receiver is now officially operating as its own limited liability company. The formation of The Roseburg Receiver LLC marks an important milestone in the platform’s growth, providing a formal legal structure that supports long-term sustainability, transparency, and community partnerships. While the mission remains the same - delivering timely, accurate, and locally focused information for Douglas County - this step allows The Roseburg Receiver to expand responsibly, strengthen collaborations, and continue investing in the tools and resources that serve the community.
• The Roseburg Receiver will be moving its primary website and tools back from roseburgscanner.com to theroseburgreceiver.com in the next few weeks. This change reflects our continued growth beyond scanner traffic into a broader local information and storytelling platform. All content, tools, and updates will continue uninterrupted during the transition. The roseburgscanner.com domain will continue to function and will redirect to the primary domain after the cutover.

The Roseburg Receiver is powered by the community. If you have local news, helpful information, an incident update, or an upcoming event to share, please email us at info@theroseburgreceiver.com so others can stay informed.

Two quick reminders:

• Protect privacy: For public safety or incident-related posts, please do not share personal or identifying information (names, addresses, license plates, etc.). Event posts, community announcements, and press releases may include names when appropriate.
• Safety first: Never post while driving

Want to contribute more regularly or become an author on roseburgscanner.com?
Email: community@theroseburgreceiver.com

That is the scoop for this Friday morning. Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team