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News Release

06-03-26 Doulgas County Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting (Photo) - 06/03/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2026

 

***MEETING NOTICE***

DOUGLAS COUNTY VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

 

 

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting of the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 3:00 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 watch 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 Veteran Service Office by calling (541) 440-4219 or by email at veterans@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda can be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

 

 

*Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs and activities.

If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 440-4219

at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office |

(541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office  tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached Media Files: 06-09-26VAC-Agenda.docx,

06-03-26 Doulgas County Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting (Photo) - 06/03/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2026

 

***MEETING NOTICE***

DOUGLAS COUNTY VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

 

 

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting of the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 3:00 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 watch 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 Veteran Service Office by calling (541) 440-4219 or by email at veterans@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda can be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

 

 

*Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs and activities.

If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 440-4219

at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office |

(541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office  tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached Media Files: 06-09-26VAC-Agenda.docx,

05-21-26 Notice Of Virtual Meeting - Douglas County LPSCC Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee (Photo) - 05/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2026

 

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

 

(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, May 26, 2026, 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. To view the post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

 

 

 
 

*Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs, and activities.

If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 957-7790 prior

to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | 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

 

 

Attached Media Files: 05-26-2026BehavioralHealthandHousingSubcommitteeAgenda.jpg,

05-21-26 Notice Of Virtual Meeting - Douglas County LPSCC Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee (Photo) - 05/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2026

 

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

 

(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, May 26, 2026, 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. To view the post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

 

 

 
 

*Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs, and activities.

If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 957-7790 prior

to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | 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

 

 

Attached Media Files: 05-26-2026BehavioralHealthandHousingSubcommitteeAgenda.jpg,

05-20-26 Bat Infected With Rabies Identified In Douglas County - 05/20/26

Joint Release: Douglas County Environmental Health Division, Douglas Public Health Network, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2026

 

Bat Infected with Rabies Identified in Douglas County

 

(Douglas County, Oregon) Douglas County Environmental Health Division, working in conjunction with Douglas Public Health Network and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division received a report from Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirming that a bat found in Douglas County, Oregon has tested positive for rabies.  This is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Douglas County in 2026, and the fourth positive case reported in Oregon this year. The last time bats tested positive for rabies in Douglas County was in 2021.

 

In this case our Douglas County Environmental Health Division coordinated with Umpqua Wildlife Rescue and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division to test a distressed bat after a concerned resident brought it in for care.   The resident will be encouraged to do post exposure care for handling the bat, as per Oregon Health Authority Investigative Guidelines for Animal Bites and Rabies.

 

While rabies is transmitted through the bites of an infected animal, and post-exposure vaccination is effective, Phil Kailiuli, Douglas County Environmental Health Supervisor, says the best plan is prevention. “People should avoid any and all contact with bats or other wild animals; make sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies; and if you are bitten by an animal, please contact your doctor or health care provider and seek medical attention immediately.”

 

“Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but people should avoid direct contact with them,” Kailiuli said. “Bats that are sick may be found lying on the ground, unable to fly, or displaying unusual behavior. If you encounter a sick bat or other ill wildlife on your property, do not touch the animal. Bring children and pets indoors and contact our local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Roseburg Field Office at (541) 440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at (541) 440-6895 for assistance.”

 

This notice also serves as a reminder to avoid contact with or interactions with unknown animals. Even animals that appear friendly can bite if provoked or startled.

 

Other Helpful Tips:

  • Avoid contact with bats. If you see a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should definitely NOT be touched.
  • Do not approach or touch a wounded animal, leave that for the professionals.
  • Do not feed, try to catch, or play with wild animals such as foxes, squirrels, birds, skunks, opossums, bats, beavers, rats, venomous snakes or raccoons.
  • It’s very important that you do not disturb or try to touch an animal while it’s feeding or taking care of its young. Never try to pet or remove a baby or young wild animal from its nest, den or habitat.

 

For additional tips about animal bites and rabies prevention visit here.   To report an animal bite or if you have questions or concerns related to animal bites or rabies, please contact Douglas County Environmental Health Division at (541) 440-4559 or Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at (541) 440-4328.   For more resources you can visit DPHN's Animal Bites webpage or Oregon Health Authority or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

###

 

Media Contacts:

Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Vanessa Becker | Public Information Officer & Public Health Modernization | Douglas Public Health Network | Cell: (541) 817-6552 | Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

 

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell | Douglas County Sheriff’s Office | Phone: (541) 440-4464 | Email: brad.odell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Jonathan Modie | Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division | Phone: (971) 246-9139 | Email: PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

05-20-26 Bat Infected With Rabies Identified In Douglas County - 05/20/26

Joint Release: Douglas County Environmental Health Division, Douglas Public Health Network, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2026

 

Bat Infected with Rabies Identified in Douglas County

 

(Douglas County, Oregon) Douglas County Environmental Health Division, working in conjunction with Douglas Public Health Network and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division received a report from Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirming that a bat found in Douglas County, Oregon has tested positive for rabies.  This is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Douglas County in 2026, and the fourth positive case reported in Oregon this year. The last time bats tested positive for rabies in Douglas County was in 2021.

 

In this case our Douglas County Environmental Health Division coordinated with Umpqua Wildlife Rescue and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division to test a distressed bat after a concerned resident brought it in for care.   The resident will be encouraged to do post exposure care for handling the bat, as per Oregon Health Authority Investigative Guidelines for Animal Bites and Rabies.

 

While rabies is transmitted through the bites of an infected animal, and post-exposure vaccination is effective, Phil Kailiuli, Douglas County Environmental Health Supervisor, says the best plan is prevention. “People should avoid any and all contact with bats or other wild animals; make sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies; and if you are bitten by an animal, please contact your doctor or health care provider and seek medical attention immediately.”

 

“Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but people should avoid direct contact with them,” Kailiuli said. “Bats that are sick may be found lying on the ground, unable to fly, or displaying unusual behavior. If you encounter a sick bat or other ill wildlife on your property, do not touch the animal. Bring children and pets indoors and contact our local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Roseburg Field Office at (541) 440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at (541) 440-6895 for assistance.”

 

This notice also serves as a reminder to avoid contact with or interactions with unknown animals. Even animals that appear friendly can bite if provoked or startled.

 

Other Helpful Tips:

  • Avoid contact with bats. If you see a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should definitely NOT be touched.
  • Do not approach or touch a wounded animal, leave that for the professionals.
  • Do not feed, try to catch, or play with wild animals such as foxes, squirrels, birds, skunks, opossums, bats, beavers, rats, venomous snakes or raccoons.
  • It’s very important that you do not disturb or try to touch an animal while it’s feeding or taking care of its young. Never try to pet or remove a baby or young wild animal from its nest, den or habitat.

 

For additional tips about animal bites and rabies prevention visit here.   To report an animal bite or if you have questions or concerns related to animal bites or rabies, please contact Douglas County Environmental Health Division at (541) 440-4559 or Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at (541) 440-4328.   For more resources you can visit DPHN's Animal Bites webpage or Oregon Health Authority or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

###

 

Media Contacts:

Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Vanessa Becker | Public Information Officer & Public Health Modernization | Douglas Public Health Network | Cell: (541) 817-6552 | Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

 

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell | Douglas County Sheriff’s Office | Phone: (541) 440-4464 | Email: brad.odell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Jonathan Modie | Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division | Phone: (971) 246-9139 | Email: PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

05-20-26 Commissioners Celebrate National Search & Rescue Week (Photo) - 05/20/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2026

 

Commissioners Celebrate National Search & Rescue Week

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners celebrated National Search & Rescue Week by issuing a proclamation to our Douglas County Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinators and volunteers at their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.  The proclamation recognizes the incredible dedication of volunteer rescuers and rescue personnel in Douglas County and across the nation. 

 

“Our volunteers in Search and Rescue provide a critical role in the Sheriff’s Office response to lost and missing persons, natural disasters, and sometimes we depend on them to help us with criminal investigations.  I want to thank the Douglas County Board of Commissioners for your constant and full support of our Search & Rescue program over the years. You have always recognized the importance of Search & Rescue and always provided us with the resources we need.  Most importantly, I want to thank our volunteers for your commitment and dedication to our Search & Rescue Program,” commented Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin. 

 

Commissioner Kress provided a background on Douglas County Search and Rescue program, Commissioner Boice read the National Search & Rescue Week proclamation on behalf of all three Commissioners, and then Commissioner Boice presented proclamation certificates to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) SAR Deputy Larissa May, DCSO SAR Deputy Derek Sweeden, DCSO Marine Deputy Todd Wingfield, DCSO USFS/Pacific Power Deputy Jayson Forte, Private Timber Deputy Kevin Webb, Special Services Lieutenant Tarun Tillet, as well as the following Douglas County Search & Rescue Volunteers: Margaret Avila, Wendy Lang, Diane McKillop, Mary Malone (K9 Sabina), Representative Virgle Osborne, Kevin Freeto, Joel Lemke, Wendy Hagberg, and Holly O’Dell.

 

“Thank you Commissioners.  I just want to say that the success of our Search and Rescue Program is completely because of the volunteers in our community who give selflessly every time they are called upon no matter the capacity.  Whether it be a search for someone or a recovery when we know the person is deceased and ultimately have to leave their families and bring that person home to theirs.  The people in our community who step up and decide to be search and rescue volunteers are dedicating hundreds of hours to obtain the training that’s required to reach their Oregon State Sheriff’s Office certification and then continue to selflessly give back to in our community.  It is really all their effort and hard work that makes us so successful.  I want to thank them and their families that support them and allow them to give back,” added Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy and SAR Coordinator Larissa May. 

 

The volunteers within Douglas County SAR operate under the direction of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), with the support of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  SAR members donate their time, skills, and expertise to help those in need.  Douglas County SAR volunteers completed 97 missions in 2025, utilizing 85 adult volunteers who donated 5,745 hours of their time.  They also participated in 48 outreach/education events and conducted 108 training exercises. The Douglas County SAR Dive Team made up of 8 members, logged 19.5 mission and 64 dive training hours.  Douglas County SAR is made up of over 75 dedicated volunteers who on their own time rigorously and regularly train and complete required certifications for the following SAR units in Douglas County: Communications Team, Mounted Team, Ground Team, 4x4 Team, Snow Cat Team, Dive Team, K-9 Team, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team, Logistics Team, Mountain Rescue Team, and Tracking Team.  They provide comprehensive search and rescue services across the county and also assist DCSO with wildfire evacuations, emergency events, and criminal investigations. 

 

“Thank you to all of the Board of Commissioners for your support.  I’ve been on a number of search and rescue missions, and we have an amazing group of Search & Rescue volunteers here in Douglas County.  I’ve seen some people give it their all.  We don’t get paid for this job, but it’s nice to know that we have the support of the County and the Sheriff’s Office and know that when we are out there, we have that with us.  It makes our job safer and helps us do what we need to do. I am proud to be part of Search & Rescue and I plan to always be part of it,” commented Representative Virgle Osborne. 

 

National Search & Rescue Week: First observed in May of 2010, National Search & Rescue Week was established when the United States Senate passed a resolution designating the fourth week in May each year to honor our nation’s Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers.  Search and rescue organizations are composed of mainly volunteer experts in search and rescue and disaster response.  They come from a wide range of skilled backgrounds, including pilots, mountaineers, divers, urban technicians, dog handlers, backcountry horsemen, snowmobilers, and ATVers. 

 

“What Search & Rescue is, is people who spend a tremendous amount of time training to help others.  They train all on their own, voluntarily and train in specialized areas like ground search, how to read a compass, GPS and road maps, first aid, tracking and using specialized equipment,” remarked Commissioner Chris Boice.  “It’s important for people to understand that these people who are going out volunteering their time and at times risking their own lives, are highly trained and very dedicated.  And I truly appreciate that.  The work you do matters, even when the outcome is not what we want - it is important to the public and to the families.  We could not do this work without you volunteers.  Our county is much better off because of your dedication and commitment to training.  Thank you!”

 

Additionally, to show their support to all SAR volunteers and personnel the Commissioners have instructed our Facilities Department to Turn the Night Orange, as they have changed the exterior lights on the Douglas County Courthouse to Orange lights from May 18-24.  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

###

 

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

Attached: Proclamation. Photo Credit © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Search and Rescue program are all functions and divisions of Douglas County Government. 

Attached Media Files: 05-20-26SARProclamationsigned.jpg, 05-20-262026SARProclamationCollage.png,

05-20-26 Commissioners Celebrate National Search & Rescue Week (Photo) - 05/20/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2026

 

Commissioners Celebrate National Search & Rescue Week

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners celebrated National Search & Rescue Week by issuing a proclamation to our Douglas County Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinators and volunteers at their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.  The proclamation recognizes the incredible dedication of volunteer rescuers and rescue personnel in Douglas County and across the nation. 

 

“Our volunteers in Search and Rescue provide a critical role in the Sheriff’s Office response to lost and missing persons, natural disasters, and sometimes we depend on them to help us with criminal investigations.  I want to thank the Douglas County Board of Commissioners for your constant and full support of our Search & Rescue program over the years. You have always recognized the importance of Search & Rescue and always provided us with the resources we need.  Most importantly, I want to thank our volunteers for your commitment and dedication to our Search & Rescue Program,” commented Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin. 

 

Commissioner Kress provided a background on Douglas County Search and Rescue program, Commissioner Boice read the National Search & Rescue Week proclamation on behalf of all three Commissioners, and then Commissioner Boice presented proclamation certificates to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) SAR Deputy Larissa May, DCSO SAR Deputy Derek Sweeden, DCSO Marine Deputy Todd Wingfield, DCSO USFS/Pacific Power Deputy Jayson Forte, Private Timber Deputy Kevin Webb, Special Services Lieutenant Tarun Tillet, as well as the following Douglas County Search & Rescue Volunteers: Margaret Avila, Wendy Lang, Diane McKillop, Mary Malone (K9 Sabina), Representative Virgle Osborne, Kevin Freeto, Joel Lemke, Wendy Hagberg, and Holly O’Dell.

 

“Thank you Commissioners.  I just want to say that the success of our Search and Rescue Program is completely because of the volunteers in our community who give selflessly every time they are called upon no matter the capacity.  Whether it be a search for someone or a recovery when we know the person is deceased and ultimately have to leave their families and bring that person home to theirs.  The people in our community who step up and decide to be search and rescue volunteers are dedicating hundreds of hours to obtain the training that’s required to reach their Oregon State Sheriff’s Office certification and then continue to selflessly give back to in our community.  It is really all their effort and hard work that makes us so successful.  I want to thank them and their families that support them and allow them to give back,” added Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy and SAR Coordinator Larissa May. 

 

The volunteers within Douglas County SAR operate under the direction of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), with the support of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  SAR members donate their time, skills, and expertise to help those in need.  Douglas County SAR volunteers completed 97 missions in 2025, utilizing 85 adult volunteers who donated 5,745 hours of their time.  They also participated in 48 outreach/education events and conducted 108 training exercises. The Douglas County SAR Dive Team made up of 8 members, logged 19.5 mission and 64 dive training hours.  Douglas County SAR is made up of over 75 dedicated volunteers who on their own time rigorously and regularly train and complete required certifications for the following SAR units in Douglas County: Communications Team, Mounted Team, Ground Team, 4x4 Team, Snow Cat Team, Dive Team, K-9 Team, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team, Logistics Team, Mountain Rescue Team, and Tracking Team.  They provide comprehensive search and rescue services across the county and also assist DCSO with wildfire evacuations, emergency events, and criminal investigations. 

 

“Thank you to all of the Board of Commissioners for your support.  I’ve been on a number of search and rescue missions, and we have an amazing group of Search & Rescue volunteers here in Douglas County.  I’ve seen some people give it their all.  We don’t get paid for this job, but it’s nice to know that we have the support of the County and the Sheriff’s Office and know that when we are out there, we have that with us.  It makes our job safer and helps us do what we need to do. I am proud to be part of Search & Rescue and I plan to always be part of it,” commented Representative Virgle Osborne. 

 

National Search & Rescue Week: First observed in May of 2010, National Search & Rescue Week was established when the United States Senate passed a resolution designating the fourth week in May each year to honor our nation’s Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers.  Search and rescue organizations are composed of mainly volunteer experts in search and rescue and disaster response.  They come from a wide range of skilled backgrounds, including pilots, mountaineers, divers, urban technicians, dog handlers, backcountry horsemen, snowmobilers, and ATVers. 

 

“What Search & Rescue is, is people who spend a tremendous amount of time training to help others.  They train all on their own, voluntarily and train in specialized areas like ground search, how to read a compass, GPS and road maps, first aid, tracking and using specialized equipment,” remarked Commissioner Chris Boice.  “It’s important for people to understand that these people who are going out volunteering their time and at times risking their own lives, are highly trained and very dedicated.  And I truly appreciate that.  The work you do matters, even when the outcome is not what we want - it is important to the public and to the families.  We could not do this work without you volunteers.  Our county is much better off because of your dedication and commitment to training.  Thank you!”

 

Additionally, to show their support to all SAR volunteers and personnel the Commissioners have instructed our Facilities Department to Turn the Night Orange, as they have changed the exterior lights on the Douglas County Courthouse to Orange lights from May 18-24.  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

###

 

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

Attached: Proclamation. Photo Credit © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Search and Rescue program are all functions and divisions of Douglas County Government. 

Attached Media Files: 05-20-26SARProclamationsigned.jpg, 05-20-262026SARProclamationCollage.png,

05-19-26 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission (Photo) - 05/19/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2026

 

***MEETING NOTICE***

Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

 

 

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting of the Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 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 watch 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 Public Works – Engineering Division by calling (541) 440-4481 or by email at paula.belloir@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

 

 

*Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs and activities.

If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 440-4481

at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office |

(541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office | email  tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached Media Files: 05-26-26DCTrafficSafetyCommissionMeetingAgenda.jpg,

05-19-26 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission (Photo) - 05/19/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2026

 

***MEETING NOTICE***

Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

 

 

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting of the Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 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 watch 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 Public Works – Engineering Division by calling (541) 440-4481 or by email at paula.belloir@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

 

 

*Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs and activities.

If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 440-4481

at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office |

(541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office | email  tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached Media Files: 05-26-26DCTrafficSafetyCommissionMeetingAgenda.jpg,

05-18-26 Meeting Notice - Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting (Photo) - 05/18/26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

 

*** MEETING NOTICE***

Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting

May 21, 2026

 

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next Douglas County Noxious Weed Advisory Board meeting will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 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 watch the meeting.  To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. 

 

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at  https://www.douglascountyor.gov/.  The meeting notice has been posted on the Douglas County website.

 

For additional information about this meeting, please contact Tracy Pope, Douglas County Natural Resource Specialist by calling (541) 440-4348 or email at tracy.pope@douglascountyor.gov.   

 

 

Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs, and activities.  Please contact

the Douglas County Board of Commissioners office in Room 217 of the Douglas County Courthouse, located at

1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon, or call Jennifer Miller at (541) 440-4201, prior to

the scheduled meeting time if you need an accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

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  

 

Attached Media Files: 05-18-25MeetingNotice-NoxiousWeedAdvisoryBoard.pdf, NWABAgendaMay212026.docx,

05-18-26 Meeting Notice - Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting (Photo) - 05/18/26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

 

*** MEETING NOTICE***

Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting

May 21, 2026

 

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next Douglas County Noxious Weed Advisory Board meeting will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 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 watch the meeting.  To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. 

 

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at  https://www.douglascountyor.gov/.  The meeting notice has been posted on the Douglas County website.

 

For additional information about this meeting, please contact Tracy Pope, Douglas County Natural Resource Specialist by calling (541) 440-4348 or email at tracy.pope@douglascountyor.gov.   

 

 

Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs, and activities.  Please contact

the Douglas County Board of Commissioners office in Room 217 of the Douglas County Courthouse, located at

1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon, or call Jennifer Miller at (541) 440-4201, prior to

the scheduled meeting time if you need an accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

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  

 

Attached Media Files: 05-18-25MeetingNotice-NoxiousWeedAdvisoryBoard.pdf, NWABAgendaMay212026.docx,

05-18-26 Notice Of Holiday Closure - Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 26, 2026 (Photo) - 05/18/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

 

*** NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE ***

Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 25, 2026

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman, would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Douglas County Landfill and Transfer Stations, Douglas County Fairgrounds and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

 

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees continue working on special, routine, or emergency projects, those include our Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Museums, Parks Department and Salmon Harbor Marina.  Please note the following: 

 

  • The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum will be OPEN on Monday, May 25, 2026, for normal business hours.
  • All Douglas County operated Parks, Campgrounds and Boat Ramps will be open and accessible to the public.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated Campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.  As a reminder, the Douglas County Parks Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
  • Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will be open and accessible to the public.  For harbor or reservation information at Salmon Harbor, please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  As a reminder, the Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
  • Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, our Deputies, 911 communications and various 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 dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471. 

 

Memorial Day is about remembering, and this year it will be observed for the 158th time.  Memorial Day started during the Civil War when women began decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in that war. In 1868, May 30th was designated as ‘Decoration Day’, a day for placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers throughout the United States.  ‘Decoration Day’ gradually became known as Memorial Day, and soldiers who died in other wars were honored. It quickly became a day to remember all people who had died in defense of our country. In 1971, the United States Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May.  The month of May was believed to have been chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the country. That humble and meaningful tradition of honor is what matters most today.

 

This day remains a time to set aside differences, stand-together, support one another and honor the sacrifices that have been made to preserve our way of life.  Locally you can find these and many other events honoring our heroes this Memorial Day Weekend:

 

  • Reedsport will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24 at 1:00 pm with a War Memorial Ceremony at Hahn Park at 2:30 pm and a Veterans Dinner at 5:00 pm.  A Salute in Remembrance will be held Monday, May 25 at 11:00 am at Reedsport Masonic Cemetery.  For more information visit www.reedsportmemorialparade.com.

 

  • The Vietnam Veterans of America & Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Umpqua Chapter 805 will host a wreath ceremony at the Douglas County War Memorial on Monday, May 25 starting at 8:45  am.  The memorial is located on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse under the beautiful canopy of our 128-year-old heritage elm tree.  It honors the more than 250 residents from Douglas County who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  Then at 10:00 they will be at the original Roseburg VA National Cemetery on Harvard Avenue in Roseburg for another wreath ceremony.

 

  • The Roseburg VA National Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, starting at 11:00 am, featuring a flyover by the 173rd Fighter Wing an Oregon Air National Guard unit based at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  They will also be placing U.S. flags on all graves of our heroes at both Roseburg VA National Cemeteries.

 

  • Roseburg Memorial Gardens and Wilsons Chapel of the Roses will have their annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 starting at 10:00 am.

 

 

  • The Glide Veterans Memorial on Highway 138E will host its 25th Annual Memorial Day Tribute at 10:00 am which is co-located at the Glide Community Center at 20062 North Umpqua Hwy in Glide.  For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/glideveteransmemorial/.

 

  • In Myrtle Creek, Tri-City and Canyonville you can drive through the community and across the bridges to see a patriotic display of over 200 American flags displayed along roads and key areas.  This event is coordinated by American Legion Fallin Post #123 in Myrtle Creek with support from the City of Myrtle Creek and MSK Building Supply.   

 

  • We understand that there will be wreaths, flowers, and flags placed at many other veteran memorials and individual grave sites around the county.  Be sure to check your local listings for additional Memorial Day events and ceremonies happening in your area.

 

  • In keeping with tradition, U.S. flags will be flown at half–staff from sun-up to sun-down at institutions across the nation on Monday, May 25, 2026.

 

Commissioners Kress, Boice, and Freeman encourage all citizens to take part in Memorial Day events that honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Help us honor, remember, and never forget the sacrifices made for our freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached Media Files: DC26MemorialDay.png,

05-18-26 Notice Of Holiday Closure - Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 26, 2026 (Photo) - 05/18/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

 

*** NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE ***

Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 25, 2026

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman, would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Douglas County Landfill and Transfer Stations, Douglas County Fairgrounds and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

 

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees continue working on special, routine, or emergency projects, those include our Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Museums, Parks Department and Salmon Harbor Marina.  Please note the following: 

 

  • The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum will be OPEN on Monday, May 25, 2026, for normal business hours.
  • All Douglas County operated Parks, Campgrounds and Boat Ramps will be open and accessible to the public.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated Campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.  As a reminder, the Douglas County Parks Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
  • Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will be open and accessible to the public.  For harbor or reservation information at Salmon Harbor, please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  As a reminder, the Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
  • Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, our Deputies, 911 communications and various 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 dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471. 

 

Memorial Day is about remembering, and this year it will be observed for the 158th time.  Memorial Day started during the Civil War when women began decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in that war. In 1868, May 30th was designated as ‘Decoration Day’, a day for placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers throughout the United States.  ‘Decoration Day’ gradually became known as Memorial Day, and soldiers who died in other wars were honored. It quickly became a day to remember all people who had died in defense of our country. In 1971, the United States Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May.  The month of May was believed to have been chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the country. That humble and meaningful tradition of honor is what matters most today.

 

This day remains a time to set aside differences, stand-together, support one another and honor the sacrifices that have been made to preserve our way of life.  Locally you can find these and many other events honoring our heroes this Memorial Day Weekend:

 

  • Reedsport will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24 at 1:00 pm with a War Memorial Ceremony at Hahn Park at 2:30 pm and a Veterans Dinner at 5:00 pm.  A Salute in Remembrance will be held Monday, May 25 at 11:00 am at Reedsport Masonic Cemetery.  For more information visit www.reedsportmemorialparade.com.

 

  • The Vietnam Veterans of America & Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Umpqua Chapter 805 will host a wreath ceremony at the Douglas County War Memorial on Monday, May 25 starting at 8:45  am.  The memorial is located on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse under the beautiful canopy of our 128-year-old heritage elm tree.  It honors the more than 250 residents from Douglas County who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  Then at 10:00 they will be at the original Roseburg VA National Cemetery on Harvard Avenue in Roseburg for another wreath ceremony.

 

  • The Roseburg VA National Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, starting at 11:00 am, featuring a flyover by the 173rd Fighter Wing an Oregon Air National Guard unit based at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  They will also be placing U.S. flags on all graves of our heroes at both Roseburg VA National Cemeteries.

 

  • Roseburg Memorial Gardens and Wilsons Chapel of the Roses will have their annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 starting at 10:00 am.

 

 

  • The Glide Veterans Memorial on Highway 138E will host its 25th Annual Memorial Day Tribute at 10:00 am which is co-located at the Glide Community Center at 20062 North Umpqua Hwy in Glide.  For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/glideveteransmemorial/.

 

  • In Myrtle Creek, Tri-City and Canyonville you can drive through the community and across the bridges to see a patriotic display of over 200 American flags displayed along roads and key areas.  This event is coordinated by American Legion Fallin Post #123 in Myrtle Creek with support from the City of Myrtle Creek and MSK Building Supply.   

 

  • We understand that there will be wreaths, flowers, and flags placed at many other veteran memorials and individual grave sites around the county.  Be sure to check your local listings for additional Memorial Day events and ceremonies happening in your area.

 

  • In keeping with tradition, U.S. flags will be flown at half–staff from sun-up to sun-down at institutions across the nation on Monday, May 25, 2026.

 

Commissioners Kress, Boice, and Freeman encourage all citizens to take part in Memorial Day events that honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Help us honor, remember, and never forget the sacrifices made for our freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached Media Files: DC26MemorialDay.png,

05-14-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Peace Officer Memorial Day And Police Week In Douglas County (Photo) - 05/14/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2026

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week in Douglas County

 

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to be invited to take part in Douglas County’s Annual Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office honoring all law enforcement agencies & officers, families, and fallen law enforcement officers today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Douglas County Courthouse. 

 

The special Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony takes place annually to honor and remember our Douglas County law enforcement officers that perished while in the line of duty.  The event started with Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin welcoming everyone to the Courthouse for the memorial service.  Commissioner Chris Boice then read a proclamation on behalf of all three of the Douglas County Commissioners proclaiming Friday, May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Douglas County.  The proclamation pays special tribute to our law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty, while standing up for the safety and protection of others and honors all members of our law enforcement community in Douglas County, who unceasingly provide a vital public service and play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens.

 

Boice called upon all citizens of Douglas County to “observe May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in memory of our law enforcement officers, who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and asked them to also recognize and pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes.”  He further proclaimed “May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Douglas County, and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating our law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their profession, have rendered immeasurable service to their communities.”

 

Additionally, the Commissioners pledged their support in the proclamation to all past, present, and fallen law enforcement officers and their families by Turning the Night Blue in their honor, as they have directed Facilities to light the exterior of the front of the Douglas County Courthouse with Blue lights during the week of May 10-16, 2026.   

 

Our Interagency Honor Guard commenced with their annual Douglas County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony with a call to attention by the Honor Guard lead. It was followed by a bagpipe performance of "The Green Hills of Tyrol" by an official Honor Guard bagpiper.  The Honor Guard presented the colors and raised then lowered the Peace Officer Memorial Flag to half-staff on a special commemorative flagpole that was placed between our United States, POW, and State of Oregon flags.  Following the ceremony the United States Flag, POW, and State of Oregon flags were honorarily placed at half-staff.  Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin and Roseburg Police Captain Jeremy Sanders placed ceremonial wreaths on either side of the Douglas County Fallen Police Officer Memorial.  A Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Dispatcher conducted a special radio end of watch broadcast in honor of our six fallen officers:

 

•    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959

•    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002

•    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

 

The radio broadcast was followed by a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of taps on the cornet, performed by members of the Interagency Honor Guard.  The ceremony concluded with the traditional playing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, followed by a final call to attention, and dismissal. 

 

Following the ceremony, Commissioners provided proclamation certificates to attending law enforcement agencies including Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, Roseburg VA Health Care System Police Department, Oregon State Police, Interagency Honor Guard, and special guest retired California Highway Patrol Officer Don Ling.  The Commissioners would also like to acknowledge and thank our law enforcement agencies that were not able to attend Sutherlin Police Department, Reedsport Police Department, Cow Creek Tribal Police Department, Roseburg BLM Rangers Office, US Forest Law Enforcement, and all law enforcement agencies and officers that keep our communities safe.  A special thank you to the Roseburg Fire Department, DINT, Douglas County Parole and Probation, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement families, and the many community members for their support and attendance today. 

 

  A copy of the video presentation of the entire ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.  To learn more about the National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week visit https://nleomf.org/.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County.

Attached Media Files: 2026BOCPeaceOfficerMemorialProclamationsigned.jpg, 05-14-2026POMCollage.png,

05-14-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Peace Officer Memorial Day And Police Week In Douglas County (Photo) - 05/14/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2026

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week in Douglas County

 

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to be invited to take part in Douglas County’s Annual Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office honoring all law enforcement agencies & officers, families, and fallen law enforcement officers today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Douglas County Courthouse. 

 

The special Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony takes place annually to honor and remember our Douglas County law enforcement officers that perished while in the line of duty.  The event started with Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin welcoming everyone to the Courthouse for the memorial service.  Commissioner Chris Boice then read a proclamation on behalf of all three of the Douglas County Commissioners proclaiming Friday, May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Douglas County.  The proclamation pays special tribute to our law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty, while standing up for the safety and protection of others and honors all members of our law enforcement community in Douglas County, who unceasingly provide a vital public service and play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens.

 

Boice called upon all citizens of Douglas County to “observe May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in memory of our law enforcement officers, who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and asked them to also recognize and pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes.”  He further proclaimed “May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Douglas County, and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating our law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their profession, have rendered immeasurable service to their communities.”

 

Additionally, the Commissioners pledged their support in the proclamation to all past, present, and fallen law enforcement officers and their families by Turning the Night Blue in their honor, as they have directed Facilities to light the exterior of the front of the Douglas County Courthouse with Blue lights during the week of May 10-16, 2026.   

 

Our Interagency Honor Guard commenced with their annual Douglas County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony with a call to attention by the Honor Guard lead. It was followed by a bagpipe performance of "The Green Hills of Tyrol" by an official Honor Guard bagpiper.  The Honor Guard presented the colors and raised then lowered the Peace Officer Memorial Flag to half-staff on a special commemorative flagpole that was placed between our United States, POW, and State of Oregon flags.  Following the ceremony the United States Flag, POW, and State of Oregon flags were honorarily placed at half-staff.  Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin and Roseburg Police Captain Jeremy Sanders placed ceremonial wreaths on either side of the Douglas County Fallen Police Officer Memorial.  A Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Dispatcher conducted a special radio end of watch broadcast in honor of our six fallen officers:

 

•    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959

•    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002

•    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

 

The radio broadcast was followed by a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of taps on the cornet, performed by members of the Interagency Honor Guard.  The ceremony concluded with the traditional playing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, followed by a final call to attention, and dismissal. 

 

Following the ceremony, Commissioners provided proclamation certificates to attending law enforcement agencies including Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, Roseburg VA Health Care System Police Department, Oregon State Police, Interagency Honor Guard, and special guest retired California Highway Patrol Officer Don Ling.  The Commissioners would also like to acknowledge and thank our law enforcement agencies that were not able to attend Sutherlin Police Department, Reedsport Police Department, Cow Creek Tribal Police Department, Roseburg BLM Rangers Office, US Forest Law Enforcement, and all law enforcement agencies and officers that keep our communities safe.  A special thank you to the Roseburg Fire Department, DINT, Douglas County Parole and Probation, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement families, and the many community members for their support and attendance today. 

 

  A copy of the video presentation of the entire ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.  To learn more about the National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week visit https://nleomf.org/.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County.

Attached Media Files: 2026BOCPeaceOfficerMemorialProclamationsigned.jpg, 05-14-2026POMCollage.png,

05-07-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For National Nurses Week (Photo) - 05/07/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Nurses Week

              (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman, issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe May 6-12, 2026, as "National Nurses Week" in Douglas County. The proclamation was presented by Chris Boice on behalf of the Board, who noted the proclamation also carried personal significance, stating, “My son Allen had just graduated nursing school this past Saturday.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

“This week is time to celebrate and recognize the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our nursing professionals. Professionally trained nurses hold a unique place in America’s healthcare system as a member of the largest healthcare profession, the nation’s nurses work in diverse settings and fields and are frontline providers of healthcare services.” stated Commissioner Kress.

 

 

This week the Commissioners celebrated the men and women of Douglas County that have chosen to serve others in the nursing profession. Professionally trained nurses hold a unique place in the American health care system. As members of the largest health care profession, the nation’s nurses work in diverse settings and fields and are frontline providers of health care services. While most nurses work in acute-care settings such as hospitals, nurses’ expertise and skills extend well beyond hospital walls. Millions of Americans turn to nurses for delivery of primary health care services, health care education. and health advice and counseling. Nursing continues to be an indispensable service, and nurses are the critical link in maintaining our entire health care system.

 

Commissioner Kress presented Nurse Appreciation Week proclamation certificates to nurses and administrators from CHI Mercy Medical Center, Aviva Health Care, Umpqua Health Alliance, UCAN’s Nurse Home Visiting Program, Roseburg VA Hospital, Umpqua Community College – Nursing Program and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division. Joining us today were: CHI Mercy: Holly Cook (Chief of Nursing) Aviva: Jess Freeman RN, Dani Christensen RN UCAN: Rachelle McDonald Rn, Elise Hansen RN, Ashley Pittam Hays RN; VA: Nikol Hansen, Holly Hutchings; UCC: Heidi Gallego, Leesa Sterner, Mary Barron, Emily Allen, Rose Diou; DSCO – Corrections Division: Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Lt. Clayton Ruble, Jodi Fassler RN and Tennille Redmond RN.

 

“I’m excited to have you guys here, like I said my son Allen had just graduated at George Fox University with his RN and is going to start looking for a job here. Thank you guys for what you guys do, we are excited for Allen’s future and grateful for the works you guys do.” commented Commissioner Boice.

 

The Commissioners invited a few of the participants to speak about the recognition and their work in nursing:

 

CHI Mercy Medical Center: Holly Cook, Chief of Nursing 

“I just want to say thank you, first off, for this proclamation and the recognition of nursing, I find that it is a team sport, healthcare specifically, and I'm so proud of the team of nursing and all of those that support nursing, and especially here in Douglas County, it is a privilege to be able to care for the family and friends that make up Douglas County.”

 

UCAN Home Nurse Program – Elise Hansen, RN – Program Manager

“I want to thank the commissioners for your proclamation. I also want to thank you for your generous support and for funding some of the programs that we run. Your support is making a difference in the lives of families in Douglas County. So, our nurses get to see babies when they're first born and help set families in Douglas County off on the right foot, and it's making a tremendous impact.”

 

Roseburg VA– Holly Hutchings – Nurse Recruiter

“Thank you for recognizing us nurses. And everyone in this room is impacted by a nurse or a veteran, and I am representing the VA. So, your support recognizing us nurses helps us continue recognizing and helping our veterans and caring for our veterans.”

 

Aviva Health – Jess Freeman, RN

“Nursing can be incredibly physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, and it is an absolute honor to walk alongside our community members. Whether that is acute or chronic conditions, we get to be there to support them in some of their best days and some of their worst days. So, thank you, Commissioners for taking the time to recognize and appreciate and publicize that this is a very heartfelt job that we are so lucky to get to do in this county.”

 

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division – Jodi Fassler, RN/Health Servies Admin

“If you want to know about a disease, you talk to a doctor. If you want to know about a disease and a person, you talk to a nurse. So, we really appreciate being recognized and us at the Douglas County Jail feel that we perform a very Valuable service and that we're caring for patients that often don't receive medical care at all. So, we have helped diagnose some patients and we have saved some lives because their illness has gone unrecognized. So, we really appreciate being recognized, because we feel that all nurses take the time to listen to people and care for that person.”

 

Douglas County has approximately 1,500 dedicated Nursing professionals as a part of our local workforce, as well as a robust and highly regarded Nursing Education Program at Umpqua Community College.  This proclamation is a reminder to our citizens to take the time to thank our nurses, and offer them our sincere gratitude, unyielding support and utmost respect to those whose contribution and sacrifice to our local workforce is paramount in sustaining a healthy community for all to live, work, and play.

 

Media Contact:  Kai Rodriguez | Public Affairs Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 440-4493 office | (541) 391-2092 cell | kai.rodriguez@douglascountyor.gov

Photo Credit: K.Rodriguez/Douglas County

 

 
 
 

Attached Media Files: 2026DCNurseAppreciationWeek.png, SKM_C654e26050610480_0001.jpg,

05-07-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For National Nurses Week (Photo) - 05/07/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Nurses Week

              (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman, issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe May 6-12, 2026, as "National Nurses Week" in Douglas County. The proclamation was presented by Chris Boice on behalf of the Board, who noted the proclamation also carried personal significance, stating, “My son Allen had just graduated nursing school this past Saturday.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

“This week is time to celebrate and recognize the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our nursing professionals. Professionally trained nurses hold a unique place in America’s healthcare system as a member of the largest healthcare profession, the nation’s nurses work in diverse settings and fields and are frontline providers of healthcare services.” stated Commissioner Kress.

 

 

This week the Commissioners celebrated the men and women of Douglas County that have chosen to serve others in the nursing profession. Professionally trained nurses hold a unique place in the American health care system. As members of the largest health care profession, the nation’s nurses work in diverse settings and fields and are frontline providers of health care services. While most nurses work in acute-care settings such as hospitals, nurses’ expertise and skills extend well beyond hospital walls. Millions of Americans turn to nurses for delivery of primary health care services, health care education. and health advice and counseling. Nursing continues to be an indispensable service, and nurses are the critical link in maintaining our entire health care system.

 

Commissioner Kress presented Nurse Appreciation Week proclamation certificates to nurses and administrators from CHI Mercy Medical Center, Aviva Health Care, Umpqua Health Alliance, UCAN’s Nurse Home Visiting Program, Roseburg VA Hospital, Umpqua Community College – Nursing Program and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division. Joining us today were: CHI Mercy: Holly Cook (Chief of Nursing) Aviva: Jess Freeman RN, Dani Christensen RN UCAN: Rachelle McDonald Rn, Elise Hansen RN, Ashley Pittam Hays RN; VA: Nikol Hansen, Holly Hutchings; UCC: Heidi Gallego, Leesa Sterner, Mary Barron, Emily Allen, Rose Diou; DSCO – Corrections Division: Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Lt. Clayton Ruble, Jodi Fassler RN and Tennille Redmond RN.

 

“I’m excited to have you guys here, like I said my son Allen had just graduated at George Fox University with his RN and is going to start looking for a job here. Thank you guys for what you guys do, we are excited for Allen’s future and grateful for the works you guys do.” commented Commissioner Boice.

 

The Commissioners invited a few of the participants to speak about the recognition and their work in nursing:

 

CHI Mercy Medical Center: Holly Cook, Chief of Nursing 

“I just want to say thank you, first off, for this proclamation and the recognition of nursing, I find that it is a team sport, healthcare specifically, and I'm so proud of the team of nursing and all of those that support nursing, and especially here in Douglas County, it is a privilege to be able to care for the family and friends that make up Douglas County.”

 

UCAN Home Nurse Program – Elise Hansen, RN – Program Manager

“I want to thank the commissioners for your proclamation. I also want to thank you for your generous support and for funding some of the programs that we run. Your support is making a difference in the lives of families in Douglas County. So, our nurses get to see babies when they're first born and help set families in Douglas County off on the right foot, and it's making a tremendous impact.”

 

Roseburg VA– Holly Hutchings – Nurse Recruiter

“Thank you for recognizing us nurses. And everyone in this room is impacted by a nurse or a veteran, and I am representing the VA. So, your support recognizing us nurses helps us continue recognizing and helping our veterans and caring for our veterans.”

 

Aviva Health – Jess Freeman, RN

“Nursing can be incredibly physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, and it is an absolute honor to walk alongside our community members. Whether that is acute or chronic conditions, we get to be there to support them in some of their best days and some of their worst days. So, thank you, Commissioners for taking the time to recognize and appreciate and publicize that this is a very heartfelt job that we are so lucky to get to do in this county.”

 

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division – Jodi Fassler, RN/Health Servies Admin

“If you want to know about a disease, you talk to a doctor. If you want to know about a disease and a person, you talk to a nurse. So, we really appreciate being recognized and us at the Douglas County Jail feel that we perform a very Valuable service and that we're caring for patients that often don't receive medical care at all. So, we have helped diagnose some patients and we have saved some lives because their illness has gone unrecognized. So, we really appreciate being recognized, because we feel that all nurses take the time to listen to people and care for that person.”

 

Douglas County has approximately 1,500 dedicated Nursing professionals as a part of our local workforce, as well as a robust and highly regarded Nursing Education Program at Umpqua Community College.  This proclamation is a reminder to our citizens to take the time to thank our nurses, and offer them our sincere gratitude, unyielding support and utmost respect to those whose contribution and sacrifice to our local workforce is paramount in sustaining a healthy community for all to live, work, and play.

 

Media Contact:  Kai Rodriguez | Public Affairs Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 440-4493 office | (541) 391-2092 cell | kai.rodriguez@douglascountyor.gov

Photo Credit: K.Rodriguez/Douglas County

 

 
 
 

Attached Media Files: 2026DCNurseAppreciationWeek.png, SKM_C654e26050610480_0001.jpg,