Good morning Douglas County! Happy Wednesday! 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: 43° F
• Humidity: 91%
• Wind: 0 MPH
• Current Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
• Air Quality Index: 14
• Today's Forecast: High 72 | Low 43 | Cloudy
• Yesterday's Rain Levels (May 20th): 0.00
• May's Monthly Rainfall: 0.57 Inches

Roseburg Area Morning News

MAY SPECIAL DISTRICTS ELECTION PRELIMINARY RESULTS

KQEN News Radio

Preliminary Unofficial Results are out for the 2025 Douglas County May Special Districts Election.

The county has 83 Special Districts and most races were uncontested, with some even having no declared candidate. In contested races:

For the Umpqua Public Transportation District:

Challenger Bill Hagedorn is leading incumbent Cathye Dewhirst Curreri by a margin of 62 percent to 37 percent in the Position 3 race. Incumbent Todd Vaughn has a narrow lead over former board member and current challenger Natasha Atkinson 50 percent to 49 percent for Position 4. That is a margin of 82 votes. Jeana Beam leads incumbent John Estill 55 percent to 44 percent in the Position 6 race. Phil Morton has 14 percent lead over Ashley Hicks, 57 percent to 43 percent in an open race for Position 7.

For the Douglas Education Service District Board of Directors:

Gina Stewart is ahead of Elaine Lavington 56 percent to 43 percent for the Position 1 seat. Long-time Zone 2 incumbent Harry McDermott leads challengers Tracy Sullivan and Samantha Frost 38 percent to 28 and 33 percent respectively.

The Sutherlin School District had one contested race. For the Position 5 seat on the board. Michael Boehm has a wide lead over William Wiloth 73 percent to 26 percent.

The South Umpqua School District also had one contested race. For an At Large seat on the board, Quinn Pickering leads Lindy Graves 53 percent to 47 percent.

A complete look at local election results is on the county election’s website at: https://www.douglascountyor.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27224/May-20-2025-Preliminary-Unofficial-Results

DOUGLAS COUNTY EMPLOYERS DROP 110 JOBS IN APRIL

KQEN News Radio

Douglas County’s seasonally adjusted payroll employment decreased by 110 jobs in April after a gain of 100 in March and no change in February.

A State of Oregon Employment Department release said in the not seasonally adjusted private-sector industries in April, there were relatively large gains of 50 in leisure and hospitality, 40 in retail trade and 20 in private education and health services.

Government added 20 jobs in April, from a gain in local education.

Regional Economist Brian Rooney said when comparing April 2025 with April 2024, total nonfarm employment decreased by 470 jobs or 1.2 percent. Rooney said private-sector over-the-year gains of 220 were seen in private education and health services while warehousing and utilities, and the other services category each gained by 20. There were relatively large losses of 220 in retail trade, 140 in manufacturing, 150 in professional and business services, 90 in mining and logging, 70 in construction and 50 in financial activities.

OED said over the year, government added 130 jobs due to gains of 80 in local government and 50 in federal government.

Rooney said Douglas County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 5.6 percent in April compared with a revised 5.7 percent in March. The rate is up from 5.2 percent in April 2024. Douglas County’s record low unemployment rate was set in November 2019 at 4.4 percent. The Oregon seasonally adjusted April rate was 4.7 percent and the U.S. rate was 4.2 percent.

CITY OF ROSEBURG DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMITTEE TO MEET THURSDAY

KQEN News Radio

The City of Roseburg Downtown Parking Committee will meet on Thursday.

The committee will review ways to cut parking enforcement expenses and look at customer-versus-owner revenue models. A review of possible revenue splits will take place as well.

The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Center on Southeast Douglas Avenue. The meeting is open to the public, but audience input is not scheduled to be taken.

For more information about the Downtown Parking Committee, go to: https://www.cityofroseburg.org/downtown-parking-committee

DOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT HOLIDAY CLOSURE FOR MEMORIAL DAY

KQEN News Radio

Douglas County Commissioners have announced that most county government offices will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day.

A county release said that includes offices in the courthouse, Justice Building, Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, landfill and transfer stations, fairgrounds and all external government offices.

Even though most county offices are not open, many officials and public employees are still working on special, routine, or emergency projects such as the Douglas County Commissioners, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Parks Department and Salmon Harbor Marina Division.

The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum will be open on Monday for normal business hours. All county operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public. Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester RV Park will be open as well.

While the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, deputies, 911 communications, and other DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and assistance for residents. Those with an emergency can still call 911. To reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the non-emergency number at 440-4711.

ROSEBURG EDUCATORS RECEIVE HONOR OF GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS

KQEN News Radio

Roseburg School District celebrated its exceptional educators at the annual Golden Apple Awards ceremony on Monday at Roseburg High School.

A district release said one outstanding educator from each school in the district was recognized for their dedication and lasting impact on students.

The event brought together staff, school board members, family members and community partners to honor educators who go above and beyond their service to students.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said, “These teachers are champions of our mission to ensure every student receives the care, support and instruction needed to graduate with plans for a successful future”. Cordon said, “They are changing lives and shaping the future of our community”.

Guest speakers Ryne Wilson, an RHS senior, School Board Chair Andrea Miner and School Board member Steve Hammerson expressed their gratitude to the honored educators and to all school employees serving students.

This year’s Golden Apple Awards were generously sponsored by School Board member Andrew Shirtcliff of Shirtcliff Oil Co.

The 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients are:

• Eastwood Elementary: Kristi DeFea
• Fir Grove Elementary: Wesley “Wes” Rea
• Fullerton IV Elementary: JennyLynn Harris
• Green Elementary: Christine Ausdemore
• Hucrest Elementary: Hugh Heinrichsen
• Melrose Elementary: Joanie McLain
• Sunnyslope Elementary: Rebecca King
• Winchester Elementary: Mandy Young
• Roseburg Virtual School: Tatum Stedman
• Fremont Middle School: David Dunn
• Joseph Lane Middle School: Andrea Phippen
• Roseburg High School: Marie Felgentrager

UCAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF CEO SHAUN PRITCHARD

KQEN News Radio

The United Community Action Network has announced the retirement of CEO Shaun Pritchard, as of May 19th.

A UCAN release said the organization is grateful for everything that Pritchard accomplished during his 5 plus years at one of Douglas and Josephine county’s largest social service non-profits. Pritchard began at a most demanding time, as a month into his position, all offices were closed in connection with the statewide COVID shutdown. Working closely with existing management, Pritchard was able to ensure that services continued to be offered throughout the shutdown.

Moreover, Pritchard oversaw the rollout of additional services needed to support local residents during a very difficult time. UCAN supported local health authorities, providing outreach and education regarding COVID to residents in Douglas County, and supporting those isolating with the illness in Josephine County. As the shutdown lifted, Pritchard led efforts to address the on-going impacts of the pandemic. This included the oversight of record levels of rent and utility assistance.

Pritchard also led efforts to address the homeless crisis impacting local communities. In coordination with City of Roseburg officials, UCAN opened a 24/7 homeless shelter at the Gary Leif Navigation Center.

The release said UCAN also stepped up to take on new services, including wildfire recovery in east Douglas County, veteran services in Klamath and Lake County, and a new, universal home visiting program for new moms in Douglas County.

UCAN Board Chair Steve Loosley said, “We are deeply grateful for Shaun’s vision and steady guidance, and we with him every happiness and fulfillment as he embarks on this next chapter of life”.

UCAN Chief Operating Officer Jordan Jungwirth will step in as interim CEO as this time.

Music Off Central returns for a summer of music to Sutherlin

The News Review

The summer season is approaching, and with it comes the return of summer music programs to Douglas County. For Sutherlin, that entertainment will be provided by Music Off Central, which announced a lineup featuring talent from across the country to perform in the town’s Central Park.

“I’m actually really excited about this lineup this year,” Music Off Central Vice President Dan Bartram said. “Some talent that’s going to be diverse, that’s what we’re going to have this year.”

Music off Central will start with a performance on July 3 by The Vandoliers, a six member ensemble from Dallas-Fort Worth. Blending the sounds of punk and country while drawing from their Texas routes, the band features music that is as politically charged as it is upbeat and energetic.

Up next will be Philip Sayce, a Welsh-born, Canadian-American guitarist who has toured with artists such as ZZ Top, Deep Purple and Jeff Healy. Possessing a wide range of blues and rock influences, Sayce has performed across the U.S., Europe and South America in his career.

July 17 will feature Yachty By Nature, a Southern Californian six member yacht rock tribute band. With members from across the U.S., the band performs and improvises upon a variety ‘70 and ‘80s classics from artists like Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and Toto with a distinctly nautical twist.

Returning to Music Off Central on July 24 is the Huey Lewis & The News tribute band The Heart of Rock & Roll. Dedicated to accurately performing a number of classic ‘80s hits, the band will be playing with the talents of Aaron Johnson, a saxophonist from the Sutherlin High School band.

“He’s been a great help for the past two years volunteering, helping set up and tear down,” Bartram said about Johnson. “When this came up, we just saw the opportunity and he jumped at it...we’re super happy for him.”

For fans of country, soul and bluesy folk, July 31 will feature singer and guitarist Kashus Culpepper. Born in Alabama and based in Tennessee, Culpepper’s Southern roots have led him to open for artists such as Charles Wesely Godwin and NEEDTOBREATHE.

Music Off Central will close out on Aug. 7 with a performance from the Nashville based country band Little Texas. Racking up multiple GRAMMY and Country Music Award nominations since their debut in the ‘90s, Little Texas features a rock infused country songlist written and co-written by each of its members.

“We’ve got people coming from all the way up as far as Corvallis, Albany, Salem coming down to our shows,” Bartram said about Music Off Central. “It brings a lot of people into Sutherlin so they can see our cute little town.”

River rescue stations reinstalled across the county

The News Review

As the warmer months approach and families head outdoors for recreation along Douglas County’s rivers, lakes and creeks, the YMCA of Douglas County is once again turning its focus to a mission that is deeply important to its organization: promoting water safety and preventing drowning.

Central to that effort is the reinstallation of water rescue stations that took place over the past weekend at several popular river access points, renewing emphasis on life-saving education and remembering those lost.

This May marks 10 years since the drownings of then 16-year-old Dustin Conopa, 17-year-old Froylan Carrion-Estrada and 17-year-old Joshua Hartley. Conopa and Estrada, of Roseburg, were best friends and lost their lives in the South Umpqua River. Only a couple months later, Hartley, a Douglas High School football player, died after jumping into the Sandy River.

“Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare and one of the most devastating experiences to go through. The grief is intense and will last the rest of our lifetime. When Dustin died, a piece of us died too,” said Lonni Conopa, mother of Dustin Conopa.

A year later, the river rescue stations were installed in their honor at Stewart Park, Cleveland Rapids Park, River Forks Park, Whistler’s Bend Park and Hestness Landing. Each station is equipped with emergency flotation devices and instructions for bystander rescues — resources that can help prevent tragedies and support first responders.

Three of the stations have signs dedicated to remembering Conopa, Estrada and Hartley.

“They were both strong swimmers and physically fit. These precious boys lost their lives due to the water temperature being too cold and hypothermia setting in,” said Conopa.

Along with the stations, the Y and its partners installed a water temperature sensor in the North Umpqua River near Riverforks Park that allows a live reading of the water temperature on the Y website as a part of its vital message to “Know before you go.” Each of the stations also have a QR code which, when scanned with your phone, will tell the water temperature.

“Even if it’s a hot 97-degree day, the temperature of the river can be very cold and lethal in terms of where it’s cold enough your body can lock up and won’t be able to move. It can be life-threatening,” said Steven Stanfield, CEO of the YMCA of Douglas County.

These stations and water temperature information are one part of the Y’s ongoing commitment to keeping families safe during the outdoor recreation season in a region where swift-moving, cold rivers pose serious risks.

On April 23, the YMCA hosted its annual Health Kids Day where it handed out 150 free youth life jackets. To date, the YMCA has distributed approximately 3,700 youth life jackets, free of charge to families across Douglas County.

“We know that’s one of the number one things we can do to stay safe in the water is to wear your life jacket,” Stanfield said.

The YMCA’s water safety efforts reflect its broader mission of healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. The YMCA works annually to not only provide awareness of water safety with efforts such as the water rescue stations, but also through its aquatics department offering swim lessons tailored for kids and adults of all ages and abilities, in addition to swim instructor and lifeguard courses. The range of classes are intentionally developing a community with water safety and preparedness skills.

“Dustin had a quote written down on his calendar at work, it said, ‘The greatest lessons come from the worst accidents.’ We know that other families have lost loved ones on our rivers throughout our beautiful state that we call home. It is our mission and sincere hope that we can get the message of water safety out to as many as possible,” said Conopa.

Roseburg Area Upcoming Events

Limited Time Events

• "Midwife a Life" + Add'l Exhibits @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday | March 21st - May 30th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Community Yoga Class @ Body Balance | Every week on Wednesday | March 20 - June 25th | Body Balance Yoga Center | 12 PM | Link
• Pairing Pass Weekend | May 23 - May 26th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link

Monday, May 19th

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

Tuesday, May 20th

• Bingo @ Roseburg Elks Lodge #326 | 6:30 PM
• DJ Trivia @ Urban NY Pizza & Grill | 7 PM
• 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
• "Midwife a Life" + Add'l Exhibits @​ Umpqua Valley Arts | Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday | March 21st - May 30th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Trivia with Amy @ Two Shy Brewing | 6 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Jason Heald and Debra Kay LIVE MUSIC | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Douglas County Youth Orchestra - Spring Concert | 7 - 9:30 PM | Link

Wednesday, May 21st

• 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 Winston VFW | 5 - 9 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.
• Community Yoga Class @ Body Balance | Every week on Wednesday | March 20 - June 25th | Body Balance Yoga Center | 12 PM | Link
• Canyonville Farmers Market | 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Seven Feathers Casino Resort Parking Lot (May - October)
• Community Yoga Class @ Body Balance | Every week on Wednesday | March 20 - June 25th | Body Balance Yoga Center | 12 PM | Link
• All Abilities Karaoke at Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 1:30 - 4 PM | Link
• Dylan James LIVE at Two Shy Brewing - Roseburg | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Line Dancing Lessons at Canyon Creek Tavern | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Phoenix at The Atom Bistro and Coffee Bar | 6 - 8:30 PM | Link

Thursday, May 22nd

• DJ Trivia @ North Forty Beer Company | 7 - 8:30 PM
• Kick Up the Dust - Line Dancing Lessons @ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 8 PM
• Lookingglass Grange 927 Farmers Market | 2:30 - 5:30 PM | April - October
• DJ Bingo @ Brix Bar & Grill | 7 - 9PM | Link
• Celtic Jam Night @ Oran Mor | 5 - 8 PM | Link
• Draper Jam Night | 8 - 11:30 PM | Link
• Thirsty Thursday Cornhole Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | Every week on Thursday | 6 - 8 PM | Link
• Sugar Pine LIVE at The Rosebud | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link
• Live Music: Bob Hall @​ Old Soul Pizza | 5:30 PM

Friday, May 23rd

• Friday Pizzas! @ Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards | 12 - 4PM
• Karaoke Night @ Winchester Pub & Grill | 8 - 11 PM
• TGIF Wine & Pizza @ Abacela | 4 - 7 PM
• Sutherlin Farmers Market | 2 - 6 PM | April - October | 1305 W Central Ave
• 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.
• Bullseyes & Bites @ The Blade Axe House | Every Friday | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Link
• Pairing Pass Weekend | May 23 - May 26th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Timberwolf LIVE at The Winston VFW | 6 - 10 PM | Link
• English/Scottish Country Dancing | 6:15 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Jeff Miller and The Congregation LIVE at The Rosebud | 7 - 10:30 PM | Link
• Love Craft Collective Presents: Break Their Back Tour – Diseased and Depraved / Oddities / Mirror Fear / Live Evil | 7 - 11 PM | Link
• Live Music: Kacie Corinne @​ JosephJane Winery | 4 - 6 PM

Saturday, May 24th

• Umpqua Valley Farmers Market | 9AM - 1PM | Link
• Drain Farmers Market | 308 N 1st St in Drain @ 10AM - 2PM
• Myrtle Creek Outdoor Farmers and Craft Market | 10 AM - 2 PM | April - October | 106 S Main St (Elks Lodge Parking Lot)
• Melrose Farmers Market @ Oran Mor Meadery | 10 AM - 2 PM | May - October | 305 Melrose Rd
• Karaoke Night @​ Brix Bar & Grill | (Every Saturday) @ 7 - 10PM
• Karaoke Night @ Lookingglass Brewery | 6 - 8PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at Winston VFW | 5 - 9 PM | Link
• Karaoke Night - Shamrocks Cocktail Bar | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• Karaoke Night at Kodiak | 8 PM | Link
• Pairing Pass Weekend | May 23 - May 26th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Abacela's 30th Anniversary Celebration | May 24th and 25th | 11 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Live Music: The Little River Band @ Seven Feathers Casino Resort | 7 PM | Link
• Table Top and Board Game Night @ Oran Mor | 6 - 9 PM | Link
• Oldtime Fiddlers Meeting and Jam (fourth Saturdays) | 12 - 3 PM | Link
• Colin Trio LIVE at North Forty Beer Co. - Roseburg | 5 - 8 PM | Link
• The Southern Son LIVE at Spire Mountain Cellars | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Link
• Joanne Broh Band LIVE at the Rosebud | 6 - 9:30 PM | Link
• Hopstone & Co. LIVE at Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 - 10 PM | Link
• Live Music: Joanne Broh Band @​ The Rosebud Theatre | 6 PM
• Live Music: Hopstone & Co. @​ Workman's Bar & Smokehouse | 7 PM
• Live Music: Cover Culture @​ Two Shy Brewing | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sunday, May 25th

• Garden Valley Farmers Market | 11AM - 3PM
• Karaoke Night at The Wild Rose Saloon | 7 - 10 PM | Link
• Pairing Pass Weekend | May 23 - May 26th | 10 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Abacela's 30th Anniversary Celebration | May 24th and 25th | 11 AM - 6 PM | Link
• Second Chance Blues Band LIVE at Memorial Day Weekend Wine Tasting | 2 - 5 PM | Link

HAVE AN EVENT? TELL US AND WE WILL POST IT FOR FREE!

The Roseburg Receiver Updates

• We are now at 14,932 members!!! Thank you all so much for being here!
• The Roseburg Receiver Live YouTube stream will transition to a single, continuous livestream starting June 1st.
  Currently, a new live feed is created every 12 hours, which can be confusing for viewers. Our goal is to provide one consistent link for uninterrupted access. Since radio transmissions are already archived separately, recording each YouTube segment is unnecessary and creates redundant files.

How to Contribute

We welcome all volunteers to share local events and incidents through our Facebook group. Whether you've witnessed something directly or received credible information, your contributions help keep our community informed and aware.

We encourage you to share relevant details and photos when appropriate. However, please note two important guidelines:

1. Maintain privacy by excluding any personal or identifying information
2. Ensure your own safety first - never attempt to post while driving

Your participation strengthens our community network, and your adherence to these guidelines helps keep everyone safe. Thank you for being part of our volunteer reporting team. If you have questions or want to participate as an author for our roseburgscanner.com website, please email community@roseburgscanner.com.

That is the scoop for this Wednesday morning. Have a great day!

- The Roseburg Receiver Team