07-10-25 Notice Of Virtual Meeting - Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (Photo) -07/10/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2025

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Monday, July 14, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) A special meeting has been called for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) for Monday, July 14, 2025, at 12:00 pm via a virtual conference format.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting via video conference or listen via phone.  Members of the public who wish to watch or listen to this meeting can do so by accessing the options listed on the attached agenda.  For more information about the LPSCC program click here to access their webpage on the county website at or contact Koree Tate LPSCC Program & Partnership Coordinator at koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov.

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Program Contact: Koree Tate | LPSCC Program & Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department

Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

07/09/25 Commissioners Honor Firefighters With A Proclamation Honoring Firefighter Appreciation Week (Photo) -07/09/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2025

Commissioners Honor Firefighters with a Proclamation Honoring Firefighter Appreciation Week

​(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation today at their Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe July 7-13, 2025, as "Firefighter Appreciation Week" in Douglas County.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “We recognize that firefighters are dedicated public servants who place themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives, property, and wellbeing of our communities.  These brave men and women respond to emergencies with courage and professionalism, facing dangers such as fire, hazardous materials, medical crises, and natural disasters. Firefighters not only respond to emergencies but also work tirelessly to prevent them through education, training, community outreach, and fire safety programs.  We recognize the physical, mental, and emotional demands of this honorable profession, and express deep gratitude for the commitment and sacrifice of every firefighter, past and present.”  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

This week the Commissioners celebrated the men and women of Douglas County that have chosen to serve others in the firefighting profession, whether they are career, volunteer, wildland, or structural firefighters or chief officers, company officers, battalion chiefs, engineers, lieutenants, captains, fire marshals, public information officers, those cross-trained as EMTs and paramedics, or fire office personnel. Following the reading of the proclamation, Commissioner Freeman asked to take a few minutes to honor our fallen firefighters.  

“We also dedicate today to the memory of our fallen firefighters who selflessly gave their lives for our communities.  We do this to honor them and make sure that they are never forgotten!  We researched lists of fallen firefighters from local agencies, as well as from state and national archives.  We were able to locate the names and respective agencies for 19 fallen firefighters from Douglas County dating back to 1951.” – CommissionerFreeman

Chief Michael Lane from Sutherlin Fire Department and Chief Tyler Christopherson from Roseburg Fire Department were invited to the podium to present the Fireman’s Prayer, recite the names of our 19 fallen firefighters from Douglas County and present the “Last Alarm” poem followed by a 200-year-old tradition of sounding a bell.  Chief Christopherson read the Fireman’s Prayer, followed by an emotional reading of the 19 fallen firefighter’s names, agencies and year of passing by Chief Lane.  As firefighter tradition notes, it is customary that the ‘Last Alarm’ be sounded for our firefighting brothers and sisters who paid the supreme sacrifice. For having selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their duties well done, to signify, they are “returning to quarters.” Following the reading of the “Last Alarm,” Chief Christopherson ceremoniously rang the bell five rings, three times each in honor of our local fallen firefighters. The “Last Alarm” was written by Jim Martinez. He was a long-time member of the International Association of Fire Fighters.  We would like to thank Chief Lane and Chief Christopherson for helping us honor our fallen fire heroes.  Commissioner Freeman then asked for a moment of silence to remember the 19 fallen firefighters.  

Douglas County Fallen Firefighters:

Jerry Bain ​- Douglas Forest Protective Association ​- 1951

Roy W. McFarland ​​- Roseburg Fire Department, Roseburg​​ - 1959

John J. Richards ​- Douglas Forest Protective Association ​- 1961

Richard Underhill ​- Douglas Forest Protective Association ​- 1979

Elwin I. King​​ - Fair Oaks Fire Department, Sutherlin​ - 1984

Mark Giles ​- Douglas Forest Protective Association ​- 1987 

James Moore ​​- Douglas Forest Protective Association ​- 1987

Russell Brine​​ - Elkton Rural Fire District, Elkton​​ - 1987

Julius C. Starr​​ - USDA Forest Service, Roseburg Office​ - 1990

Clark N. Gilkison ​- Fair Oaks Fire Department, Sutherlin​​ - 1991

Rob Johnson​​ - Prineville Hot Shots (South Canyon Fire, Colorado)​ - 1994

Paul E. Gibson​ - ​First Strike Environmental, Roseburg - ODF Contractor - ​2003

David Kelly Hammer - ​​First Strike Environmental, Roseburg - ODF Contractor​ - 2003

Jeffrey D. Hengel​ - First Strike Environmental, Roseburg - ODF Contractor - ​2003

Jesse D. James​​ - First Strike Environmental, Roseburg - ODF Contractor​ -  2003

Richard Burt Moore II​​ - First Strike Environmental, Roseburg – ODF Contractor​ - 2003

Leland ‘David’ Price Jr.​​ - First Strike Environmental, Roseburg – ODF Contractor​ - 2003

Mark Robert Ransdell​​ - First Strike Environmental, Roseburg – ODF Contractor​ - 2003

Ricardo M. Ruiz​ - First Strike Environmental, Roseburg – ODF Contractor - ​2003

Commissioner Tim Freeman presented Firefighter Appreciation Weekproclamation certificates to firefighters and fire personnel from:

In 2017, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation created Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters, to recognize Fallen Firefighters. As a gesture of support and honor we have asked that the exterior lights of the Douglas County Courthouse be turned RED from July 1-13, as a tribute to the 19 fallen Douglas County firefighters, their families, and ALL fallen fire heroes across our great nation. 

This proclamation is a reminder to our citizens to take the time to thank ourfire heroes, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their profession, have rendered immeasurable service to their communities. 

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Media Contact:​Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Photo Credit: K.Tate/Douglas County

06-24-25 Notice Of Holiday Closure - Independence Day (Photo) -06/24/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2025

***NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE***

Observance of Independence Day Holiday

Friday, July 4, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Douglas County Fairgrounds Office, Douglas County Landfill and Transfer Sites, and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the American Independence Day Holiday.

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working on special, routine or emergency projects such as our Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Parks Department, and Salmon Harbor Marina.  In addition, some County Departments may have limited hours or will be lightly staffed on Thursday, July 3, 2025.  Please call ahead of your visit to see if the Department has staff available to assist you with your needs.  You can call (541) 672-3311 for general inquiries and Department extensions.  You can also visit our website at douglascountyor.gov/ to access the direct contact information for each County Department.   

Please note a few other closures and openings for the Fourth of July Holiday:

• The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Roseburg and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open for visitors on Friday, July 4, 2025, for normal business hours. For more information visit umpquavalleymuseums.org/.
• Douglas County Solid Waste Department: All offices and County operated transfer sites, as well as the landfill will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.  They will resume services on the next scheduled regular workday.  For more information visit douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste.  
• Douglas County Senior Services Department: Douglas County Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites and Douglas County Meals on Wheels programs will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.  Meals on Wheels delivery customers are asked to request additional meals on their Thursday, July 3, 2025, deliveries to help hold them over until the next regularly scheduled meal delivery.  Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels programs will resume service on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.  For more information call Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677.
• Douglas County Parks Department: All County operated Parks, Campgrounds and Boat Ramps will be open and accessible to the public during the Fourth of July holiday.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks. 
• Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will continue to be open and accessible to the public.  For harbor or reservation information at Salmon Harbor, please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  As a reminder, the Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach the Douglas County 911 Dispatch Center for a non-emergency, please call (541) 440-4471. 

            This year we celebrate the 249^th Fourth of July, also known as American Independence Day.  It has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century with the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy Fourth of July holiday.  They encourage citizens to safely and responsibly participate in Independence Day celebrations that honor our great nation, celebrate our freedoms, and demonstrate patriotism for the land that we love.  Happy Birthday, America!

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Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

06-19-25 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council (Photo) -06/19/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 19, 2025

*** MEETING NOTICE***

Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council

Monday, June 23, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are pleased to inform the public that the next meeting of the Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to view the meeting. To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

For additional information about this meeting, please contact the Douglas County Senior Services by calling (541) 440-3677 or email at seniors@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

06-19-25 Meeting Notice - LPSCC - Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee (Photo) -06/19/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 19, 2025

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’s (LPSCC) – Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 11:30 am via a virtual conference format.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch or listen to the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can watch or listen to this meeting, please see the agenda, or contact Koree Tate at koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Program Contact: Koree Tate, Programs and Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department | Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

06-16-25 Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice Spearheads Defense Of Umpqua River Fall Chinook Fishery, Protecting Winchester Bay’s Economy And Way Of Life (Photo) -06/17/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 16, 2025

Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice Spearheads Defense of Umpqua River Fall Chinook Fishery, Protecting Winchester Bay’s Economy and Way of Life

(Douglas County, Ore) Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice, liaison for Coastal Douglas County and Economic Development, led a determined delegation to Pendleton, Oregon to testify before the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission. Boice traveled roundtrip from Roseburg with Douglas County Coastal Events Coordinator Jody Wilson and fisherman, outdoors activity advocate, and social medial personality Rob Gensorek also known as “Basin Tackle Rob” to oppose a proposed closure of the Umpqua River’s fall Chinook fishery, which threatened to devastate Winchester Bay’s small business owners, guides, and tourism-driven economy.

Boice consulted with former ODFW biologists Jim Muck, Dave Loomis and several local fishing guides before writing his testimony, and believed it vital to be in-person to challenge the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the agenda item, which reported “no major fiscal or economic effects are expected to result from the proposed changes in fishing regulations.” In his opening remarks, Boice stated, “The North Umpqua is a world-class fishery, not just for Oregon but globally. It’s a significant economic driver for our county.” His in-person testimony, backed by his written submission and the full support of Commissioners Tim Freeman and Tom Kress, underscores Douglas County’s fierce commitment to its constituents, particularly the coastal communities reliant on fishing revenue.

The delegation’s advocacy highlighted the fishery’s critical role in sustaining Winchester Bay and Douglas County’s economy, with Boice’s written testimony warning that a closure would cost $1.5–2.5 million, impacting motels, restaurants, tackle shops, and more. Wilson, representing Winchester Bay’s business community, reinforced this with Datafy statistics showing that fishing and off-highway vehicle (OHV) tourism generate $15 million annually, with 65% of visitors drawn by the Umpqua’s salmon and steelhead fisheries. She emphasized, “For Winchester Bay, our two big draws are the OHV—sand dunes—and fishing”, noting that 150,000 annual angler visits support 150 direct jobs and $8 million in local spending. A closure would cripple these livelihoods, threatening the heart of coastal Douglas County.

Commissioner Chris Boice’s Written Testimony Summary (Original submitted to ODFW Commission):  As a Douglas County Commissioner, I urge you to reject the proposed closure of Fall Chinook and coho salmon fishing in the Umpqua River. This decision threatens our local economy and ignores the balance between conservation and community needs. Below is a concise, powerful case for maintaining a limited fishery, supported by key points.

Key Impacts and Recommendations:

• Economic Devastation: Closing the fishery will cost Douglas County $1.5–2.5 million, hitting motels, restaurants, gas stations, tackle shops, grocery stores, RV parks, and maybe even boat manufacturers. This is unacceptable to our constituents who rely on these jobs.
• Unbalanced Conservation Approach:
  • The 2020 Coastal Fall Chinook Sliding Scale sets an overly conservative escapement threshold of 3,197 fish, compared to the 2014 CMP’s 1,500. This shift prioritizes preservation over conservation, stifling harvest opportunities.
  • Fall Chinook losses are primarily in Cow Creek and South Umpqua, not the lower bay where fishing occurs. ODFW’s population-based management ignores regional differences.
• Proposed Limited Fishery:
  • Working with the Oregon Coastal Alliance, we propose a fishery from August 1 to September 1, from the jetty tips to Scottsburg Bridge.
  • With ODFW’s 2025 estimate of 4,000 fish, a 20% catch (800 fish) is sustainable, verifiable via electronic punch cards. This balances harvest with escapement needs.
• Hatchery Mismanagement:
  • Past hatchery smolt releases near Reedsport allowed targeted fishing. Current releases into Windy Cove and reduced adult returns (due to PHOS modifications) make hatchery fish unviable for harvest.
  • ODFW must prioritize hatchery improvements for the Umpqua and Coquille rivers to support fishing without harming wild stocks.
• Coho Closure Concerns:
  • ODFW’s push to close coho fishing, despite National Marine Fisheries Service approval for stratum-level harvest, reflects a preservationist mindset.
  • We recommend a limited coho fishery (1 fish/day, 3 fish/year) in the lower Umpqua to sustain economic benefits while protecting stocks.
• Risk of Permanent Closure: The Coquille River’s fishery never reopened after closure, even for hatchery fish. We fear the Umpqua faces the same fate, permanently erasing a vital economic and cultural resource.
•  Final Plea: Douglas County, alongside our partners, urges the Commission to adopt a limited fishery for Fall Chinook and coho salmon in the lower Umpqua River estuary. This aligns with true conservation—balancing environmental needs with the economic survival of our communities. Listen to those most affected and act to preserve our way of life.

Jody Wilson, Douglas County’s Coastal Events Coordinator, passionately defended Winchester Bay’s business community, emphasizing the fishery’s economic and cultural significance. In addition to presenting economically staggering Datafy statistics, she cited a 2022 Oregon State University study, which noted 5-10% catch-and-release mortality in warm waters, advocating for a restricted season to reduce fish stress while preserving access for guides and businesses. Wilson called for adaptive measures, such as limited fishing days, aimed to balance conservation with the needs of Winchester Bay’s shop owners, lodges, and hospitality workers.

Rob Gensorek, passionately defended the fall Chinook fishery’s cultural and economic significance, emphasizing its role as Winchester Bay’s primary resource, surpassing other species in economic draw. He highlighted how fishing revenue supports families, homes, education, and healthcare, but stressed the deeper cultural value, uniting generations across diverse backgrounds to share in the Umpqua’s bounty. Drawing from his experience as a former tackle shop owner and outdoor writer with a 5–10 million monthly social media reach, Gensorek shared stories of families fishing together, from grandparents to grandchildren, embodying a vital outdoor culture. He urged the Commission to preserve this legacy for the community’s backbone.

ODFW Commission Decision:

The ODFW Commission, moved by the delegation’s testimony and public comments, rejected a full closure in favor of a compromise. They adopted a limited fall Chinook season on the mainstem Umpqua, Smith, and North Fork Smith rivers, open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from July 1, 2025, until a 500 wild Chinook quota is reached, with a bag limit of one Chinook (hatchery or wild) per day and season. This decision, detailed in ODFW’s press release, reflects adaptive management under the Coastal Multi-Species Conservation Plan, preserving fishing opportunities while addressing conservation concerns.

Commissioner Boice, speaking for the Board, summarized the collective testimony: “On behalf of Winchester Bay’s guides, shop owners, and families, we urged the Commission to recognize the Umpqua fishery as more than a resource—it’s the heartbeat of our coastal economy, sustaining jobs and dreams. We ask the Commission to keep our citizens, especially those whose livelihoods depend on these waters, at the forefront of every decision. Your compromise reflects their voices, and we implore you to continue seeking their input to ensure our communities thrive alongside our cherished fish populations.”

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners—Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress—remain dedicated to safeguarding tourism and outdoor recreation, a lifeline for Coastal Douglas County.  The 311-mile journey to Pendleton demonstrated Douglas County’s unwavering commitment to in-person advocacy, amplifying the voices of Winchester Bay’s small business owners and guides. The full meeting can be viewed on ODFW’s YouTube channel. 

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Photo Credit:  K.Trenkle/Douglas County

Photo Captions:

1. Commissioner Chris Boice testifies at the ODFW Commission meeting in Pendleton.
2. Coastal Coordinator Jody Wilson advocating for Winchester Bay’s business community.
3. Fishing guide Rob Gensorek defending local livelihoods at the ODFW meeting.