09-11-26 Douglas County Solid Waste Hosting Free To The Public Household Electronics E-Cycle Event (Photo) - 09/11/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2026

Douglas County Solid Waste Hosting Free to the Public Household Electronics E-Cycle Event

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Solid Waste Department, a division of Douglas County Government, is teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles to host a free to the public household electronic e-cycling event in Roseburg on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The free to the public household electronic e-cycling event will take place at Douglas County’s Roseburg Transfer Station located at 165 West McLain Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.  The event is free and open to all Douglas County residents and small businesses.  Please note that there is a seven-device limit per person or small business at this event. 

E-CYCLING is the recycling of old electronics.  The following devices will be accepted at this event - computers, TVs, printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, gaming devices, networking devices, AV equipment, power tools, cords + chargers, Christmas lights, miscellaneous computer parts and more.  They ask that you leave the following items at home - loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, glass-containing items (e.g. microwaves), light bulbs, and lighting ballasts.  Please dispose of these in a proper manner. 

E-Waste is a serious problem.  Electronic waste, or e-waste, is any electronic product that has reached the final phase of its life cycle and cannot be used anymore. The world produces 50 million tons of electronic waste a year, becoming the world’s most quickly growing waste source.  Sadly, no more than 20% of e-waste is properly recycled, with the other 80% being dumped in landfills or being unproperly recycled.  If it is not properly recycled, e-waste can have a negative impact on our environment by releasing toxins, heavy metals, and pollution into the air, soil and water.  It is also one of the leading causes of landfill fires.  Questions, contact: Douglas County Solid Waste Department at (541) 440-4485 or for more details on e-cycling visit: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ecycles/pages/consumers.aspx. E-you there on October 10!

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

09-10-26 Douglas County Celebrates Completion Of Major Rehabilitation At Charles V. Stanton County Park And Campground (Photo) - 09/10/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2026

Douglas County Celebrates Completion of Major Rehabilitation at Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Set for September 29 in Canyonville

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County is celebrating the completion of significant rehabilitation improvements at Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground in Canyonville, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 pm.  The public is invited to join the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Parks Department for the celebration at 1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, Oregon 97417.

The multi-year and multi-phase rehabilitation project represents a substantial investment in the future of one of Douglas County's valued recreational destinations. Through a combination of state and federal grant funding, County Commissioner support, County investment, professional contractors, and strong community support, Stanton Park has undergone extensive improvements designed to enhance the experience for campers, families, and visitors for years to come.

Douglas County Commissioner and Parks Liaison Chris Boice said the project represents an important investment in the community and the future of County parks.  “Charles V. Stanton County Park is a special place in Douglas County, and these improvements will help ensure that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible, from our grant partners and contractors to our Parks staff and the community that has supported this effort.”

A Major Investment in Stanton Park: The rehabilitation has been completed through multiple phases, supported primarily by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Phase I – County Opportunity Grant Program:  Douglas County received a $242,500 County Opportunity Grant in 2023, supporting $485,000 Phase I improvements in 2024/2025.  The project included improvements to the park's playground and day-use facilities, including the addition of a zipline play feature, resurfacing the playground with durable rubber tiles, construction of a new restroom building serving the playground and pavilion, improvements to the sidewalk leading to the pavilion, and rehabilitation of the parking area serving the playground and pavilion. The County Opportunity Grant Program is a state-funded program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to help Oregon counties develop, improve and maintain local parks and camping facilities.

Phase II – Land and Water Conservation Fund: Douglas County received a $975,885.50 LWCF grant in 2022, supporting a $2.2 million Phase II project that began in fall 2024.  Phase II focused on the upper campground, including additional full-hookup campsites; replacement of aging underground utilities; larger RV sites to better accommodate today's recreational vehicles; and a new restroom and shower building.

Phase III – Land and Water Conservation Fund: A $580,000 LWCF grant awarded in 2023 is supporting the $1.3 million Phase III rehabilitation project, focused on the lower campground and additional recreational amenities.  Phase III improvements included additional full-hookup campsites; replacement of underground utilities; larger RV sites; a river access trail; a new picnic shelter; and benches along the river providing visitors with opportunities for quiet enjoyment and scenic views.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund, established by Congress in 1964, provides funding to protect natural areas, water resources and cultural resources while expanding public opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Preserving a Stanton Park Icon: As part of the Stanton Park rehabilitation, Douglas County also partnered with local business Eveland Sandblasting and Paint to restore the park's iconic helicopter play structure. The helicopter, along with similar historic displays at other Douglas County parks, has been part of generations of childhood memories and represents an important piece of the County's recreational history.  The restoration was undertaken to help ensure the helicopter could continue to be enjoyed safely while preserving its historic character and charm. Eveland Sandblasting and Paint stepped forward to assist the Douglas County Parks Department because of the company's connection to the community and appreciation for the significance of these long-standing park features.  The Stanton Park helicopter restoration is a fitting addition to the larger rehabilitation project, helping ensure that while the park's infrastructure is modernized, the history and character that make Charles V. Stanton County Park special remain intact.

“This is exactly the kind of community partnership that makes Douglas County special,” said Commissioner Chris Boice. “These displays are more than playground equipment. They are part of the memories of generations of Douglas County families, and we are grateful to have local businesses like Eveland Sandblasting and Paint help us preserve them for the next generation.”

Partnership and Community Support: The successful rehabilitation of Stanton Park reflects the importance of partnerships in preserving and improving public recreational facilities. Grant funding has provided the foundation for the improvements, while Douglas County has worked with project contractors, construction professionals, park staff and community supporters to bring the vision for the park to reality.

The improvements are intended not only to modernize the campground's infrastructure, but also to ensure that Charles V. Stanton County Park remains a welcoming destination for families, RV travelers, campers and residents seeking opportunities to enjoy the South Umpqua River and surrounding natural environment.

Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall added “This rehabilitation has transformed Stanton Park while preserving what makes it special. The improved campground facilities, expanded recreational opportunities, and new river amenities will provide visitors with an even better experience. We are excited to celebrate the completion of this important project with the community.”

Ribbon Cutting Celebration:  Douglas County invites residents, community members, park users and project partners to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  The event will recognize the completion of the rehabilitation project and the many partners whose contributions helped make the improvements possible.  Please join Douglas County in celebrating the renewed Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground and the continued investment in Douglas County's parks and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

1:00 p.m.

1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, OR 97417

The Douglas County Parks Department, a division of Douglas County Government, was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system to be developed in the state of Oregon. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades and throughout the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua, the Douglas County Park system encompasses 68 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42-day use parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground, or boat ramp near you, visit the Douglas County Parks Department’s webpage at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks

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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

09-03-26 Cooper Creek County Park Boat Dock Improvements Completed; Facilities Reopen Friday (Photo) - 09/03/26

A Joint Release from Douglas County Parks, Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

Cooper Creek County Park Boat Dock Improvements Completed; Facilities Reopen Friday

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Parks, in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW), are pleased to announce the completion of the Cooper Creek County Park Boat Dock Replacement Project.  The west boat ramp, dock and parking lot will reopen to the public on Friday, September 4, 2026, just in time for the Labor Day weekend.

The project included the replacement of the park’s aging East and West boat docks, parking lot paving and related accessibility improvements.  The upgrades were designed to improve public safety, accessibility and the overall recreational experience for boaters and visitors to Cooper Creek County Park.  Construction began in June with improvements to the East Boat Ramp and continued in July with the closure of the West Boat Ramp to accommodate construction activities. During the project, Douglas County Parks worked closely with its project partners and contractors to maintain public boating access by keeping at least one launch facility available throughout the construction process.  With the reopening of the West Boat Ramp, both the East and West boat ramps and docks will once again be open and available for public use.

“We are excited to have this important project completed and to welcome the public back to the West Boat Ramp in time for Labor Day weekend,” said Douglas County Parks Director, Mark Wall. “These improvements will provide safer, more accessible and better-quality facilities for our community and visitors who enjoy Cooper Creek Reservoir. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while this work was underway.”

Douglas County extends its appreciation to Topper Industries I, LLC, which completed the dock replacement work, and JRT Construction, LLC, which completed the paving improvements.  The project was completed on time and under budget.  The County also thanks the Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the numerous funding partners who helped make these improvements possible.  Project funding was provided through OSMB Boating Facility Grant using funds paid by motorized boaters, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sport Fish Restoration funds administered through ODFW, the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby, the Sutherlin Rotary Club and matching Douglas County Parks revenue funds.

The reopening comes just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend, providing visitors with full access to the improved boating facilities at the 166-acre Cooper Creek Reservoir.  Douglas County Parks reminds visitors to use caution as they return to the newly improved facilities and to follow all posted signs and park rules.

Cooper Creek County Park is located approximately three miles southeast of Sutherlin and provides recreational access to Cooper Creek Reservoir. Douglas County operates and maintains the facilities at Cooper Creek Reservoir through a long-standing inter-governmental agreement with the Sutherlin Water Control District.  The Douglas County Parks Department was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system in Oregon. Today, the Park system encompasses 70 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42 day-use parks. 

For more information about Douglas County Parks, visit Douglas County Parks.

For more information about the OSMB visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/pages/index.aspx.

For more information about ODFW visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/

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Media Contacts:

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

Ashley Massey | Public Information Officer | Business Services Section | Oregon State Marine Board | Office: (503) 378-8587 | Email: ashley.massey@boat.oregon.gov

Meghan Dugan | Public Information Officer | Marine Program & West Region | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife | Office: (541) 464-2179 | Email: Meghan.C.DUGAN@odfw.oregon.gov.

Attached Photos: K. Rodriguez/Douglas County.

09-02-2026 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For National Preparedness Month (Photo) - 09/03/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Preparedness Month

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation at the Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of September 2026 as National Preparedness Month.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “We know that preparedness is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of individuals, families, businesses, and local government to ensure that our communities are ready to respond to and recover from emergencies of all kinds.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment. 

“I appreciate you all being here. What has always amazed me when we experience one of these disasters in Douglas County is that nobody ever says no. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Douglas County Parks Department, the Fairgrounds, or anyone in this room - it’s always a yes. That spirit of coming together and helping one another is what makes Douglas County so special.” – Commissioner Chris Boice

“I love that the Douglas County Commissioners do this proclamation.  Not every city or county recognizes Preparedness Month and I think it is important.  I love that we have so many community partners in the room today.  It is another great opportunity to connect when we are not actively working in an emergency.  My departments informal motto is, “learn to be the help, until help arrives.”  Also, that disaster response is a team sport - so thank you for recognizing all of our community and team members,” - Emily Ring, Douglas County Emergency Manager. 

Today, the Commissioners celebrated National Preparedness Month by recognizing Douglas County’s commitment to building a safer, more resilient community. From emergency response planning to public safety education, Douglas County has taken proactive steps to ensure residents are prepared for whatever challenges may come. Today we  highlighted the people, programs, and partnerships that work together to make preparedness a priority all year long in our communities.  Commissioner Boice presented National Preparedness Month proclamation certificates to Douglas County Emergency Manager, Emily Ring; Douglas County Assistant Emergency Manager, Cale King; Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin; Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell; Douglas County Building Official, Phil McAfee; Douglas County Parks and Forestry Director, Mark Wall; Douglas County Chief Financial Officer, Dan Wilson, Douglas County Planning Director, Joshua Shaklee; Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Dave VanSlyke; Salvation Army Captains, Richard & Edith Mabie; Glide Revitalization, Jeana Beam; Cow Creek Emergency Manager, Paul Crase; Cow Creek Fire Management, Chief Monte Bryan; Cow Creek Fire Management, Kyle Reed; Douglas Public Health Network, Vanessa Becker; City of Roseburg Fire Marshal Cheryl Flick; City of Roseburg Deputy Fire Marshall Ben Simons; City of Canyonville Mayor Christine Morgan; City of Canyonville City Councilor Steve Morgan; Oregon State Police, Lt. Jim Andrews; Oregon State Police, Sgt. Brian Jewell; Oregon State Police, Sgt. Rod Brock; Oregon State Police, Sgt. Tina Nibblett; Douglas Forest Protective Association, Pat Skrip; North Douglas Fire & EMT, Chief Brian Burke; North Douglas Fire & EMT, Deputy Chief Travis Terry; Reedsport Volunteer Fire Department, Chief Charles Dukovich; Kellogg Volunteer Fire Department, Robin Loznak; CHI Mercy Medical Center, Emergency Management Program Manager, Kellen McKinney; Thrive Umpqua Organizations Coordinator Jeff Twibell, Peace at Home, Project Manager Thomas McGregor; Greater Douglas United Way, Annette Rummel; Greater Douglas Untied Way, Deb Young; Greater Douglas United Way COAD Lead Joel King; Greater Douglas United Way Resource Development Director, Madonna Escoto; Umpqua Valley Disabilities Network Matt Droscher; AHEC SW Director, Tawnie Goetz; and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Communications Director, Wendi Patterson.

The Commissioners would also like to acknowledge and thank all of the community partners, cities, agencies and volunteers who dedicate their time to making sure our communities are prepared for the next emergency.   Several agencies, volunteer organizations, and community groups were then invited to speak about their roles in promoting preparedness and supporting emergency response efforts in our community.

“Thank you, Commissioners.  Emily is a hard act to follow. Really, she is!  From Cow Creek’s perspective we are proud of this community, proud to be part of it, and thankful that we have so many partners.  It is heartwarming to see a lot of friends and familiar faces here that I have had the opportunity to work with in the last 30 years. Everybody has a piece in this, it’s truly not just a community effort, it is the community members as well.  Preparedness starts at home.  We always stand ready for the next emergency, and we appreciate your support in that,” - Chief Monte Bryan, Cow Creek Fire Management. 

“I would like to add my thanks for recognizing this proclamation today.  We have had a long history as you spoke about of being resilient and going through many disasters.  My role today is representing Public Health, and I want to call out that is not first and certainly will not be the last time that the Commissioners have really stepped up.  In the past few years, DPHN has had a great partnership with Douglas County Senior Services through a federal grant that helped up provide go-kits and emergency planning for those 60 and older in our rural communities,” - Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network. 

“Like everyone else said, thank you Commissioners.  It is great to see everyone in the room.  It is crazy how many times we have all been in a room together just in the last few years.  Glide REV tends to be the group that comes in as the disaster starts to offer support and then we are there to pick up the pieces afterwards.  With tremendous support from the County, all the different agencies and private donations we try to put both the community and individuals back to close to where they were before the disaster.  Thank you for everyone in the room and for the Commissioners for all that you do,” - Jeana Beam, Glide Revitalization Executive Director

“Thank you very much for the recognition that you give to all of these groups.  I want to echo what Monte said that the working together of organizations is huge – because we are all after the same goals.  Thank you for your support of our little town,” - Christina Morgan, Mayor Canyonville. 

“First of all, I want to thank you for the proclamation.  I think that the common theme we have all heard this morning is partnership.  That is evident by the groups that are in the room – we have state, we have county, we have local municipal, and we have private sector.  This is what makes emergency preparedness is the partnerships.  Long before those emergencies happen, those partnerships have to be developed and maintained.  I know that this group of people in Douglas County has done a phenomenal job of doing just that.  Building those relationships prior to the emergency allows the response to be stronger.  That is also in part thanks to your leadership.  So, thank you Commissioners for your part in emergency management and preparedness as well.  Preparedness is also a community based effort where we want the community – individuals, families & businesses to be prepared to withstand whatever emergency or disaster might arise,” - Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell. 

“I serve at Greater Douglas United Way as the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) Coordinator and almost everybody in this room is part of the 166 people that are part of the COAD for Douglas County.  I want to bring a message from Oregon Emergency Management about a class that they have been offering for about two years called, “Be Two Weeks Ready”.  Essentially it helps you fill that gap for when you don’t know when help can arrive.  This class helps you prepare to survive for times when you might not have power, water, food, or access to help for up to 14 days.  That’s preparedness!  When you are that prepared, you are ready!  We offer these two week ready classes as well as CPR classes for the community at United Way and both are free,” - Joel King, United Way - COAD Coordinator. 

“I want to reiterate thank you for the emphasis that you do place on preparedness.  It is something that I have appreciated for the many years that I have been in Douglas County in the different organizations that I have been with.  The collaboration that I have experienced in stepping into my position at Mercy has just been wonderful.  Whether its working with Emily at the County or Cheryl at Roseburg Fire through the exercises that we are able to put on together – I really appreciate everyone coming together and really utilizing our collective efforts,” - Kellen McKinney, CHI Mercy Medical Center, Emergency Management Program Manager. 

“Fundamental principles for all of us is preparedness.  I really appreciate all of the collaboration with all of the people in this room – from the COAD to those who are planning, participating, and preparing for Disaster Preparedness Fair scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  Which is just around the corner.  It will be a wonderful opportunity for people to get information and figure out what resources are available.  This is also a call to be prepared to answer the call for service, because we know that our neighbors will need help.  Thank you, Commissioners, for continuing to drive this message home to every member of our county,” - Wendi Patterson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Communications Director. 

National Preparedness Month has been observed since 2004 and aims to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.  The month of September is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared.  The Commissioners’ proclamation this week is a reminder for our residents and businesses to be proactive and develop their own emergency preparedness plan, while working together toward creating a more prepared, safer, and more resilient community.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascoumtyor.gov.  Proclamation & Photo Collage Attached. Photos K. Rodriguez/Douglas County.

08-31-26 Notice Of Holiday Closure - Labor Day (Photo) - 08/31/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2026

***NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE***

Observance of Labor Day Holiday - Monday, September 7, 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, 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 Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees continue working on special, routine, or emergency projects, including members of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Parks Department, and Salmon Harbor Marina.  For more about Douglas County Government visit douglascountyor.gov/.  Please note a few other announcements for the Labor Day Holiday:

• The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Roseburg, as well as the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open to visitors on Monday, September 7, 2026.   
• All Douglas County Parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will be open and accessible to the public during the Labor Day holiday.  For more information about Douglas County operated parks, call (541) 957-7001 or visit https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks. 
• Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will continue to be open and accessible to the public during the Labor Day Holiday.  For information about Salmon Harbor call (541) 271-3407 or visit douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina. 
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, 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 dispatch for a non-emergency, call the DCSO’s non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471. 

Labor Day began with a parade in New York City on September 5, 1882.  Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.  The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first Labor Day bill to become law was passed by the State of Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September each year a national holiday.

If you're planning a family gathering, camping trip or celebration over the Labor Day Holiday weekend, we encourage you to take the necessary precautions to travel and celebrate safely.  Please visit www.tripcheck.com for road and travel information, National Weather Service for weather advisories www.weather.gov/, or Air Quality Index at www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/ for the latest updates.  Your Douglas County Commissioners and everyone with Douglas County government wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy Labor Day holiday.

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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

08-21-26 Douglas County Museum Celebrates 1883 O&C Rail Car Restoration With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Open House (Photo) - 08/25/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2026

Douglas County Museum Celebrates 1883 O&C Rail Car Restoration with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Open House

(Roseburg, Ore.) After 16 years of painstaking restoration, the Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman along with staff at the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Douglas County Museum Foundation are preparing to unveil the restoration of a remarkable piece of Douglas County railroad history: an 1883 Oregon & California (O&C) Railroad rail car.

The Museum will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Douglas County Museum located at 123 Museum Drive in Roseburg to celebrate the completion of the restoration and officially open the restored rail car exhibit to the public.  Following the ceremony, the Museum will host a free open house from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving visitors an opportunity to tour the restored rail car and learn more about its fascinating history. For the open house the Douglas County Museum is offering free admission for the day.    

“This 1883 O&C railcar is more than an historic artifact—it is a piece of Douglas County’s story. It carried passengers through our communities, including stops at the Dillard Depot, and represents an important time when the railroad and timber industry were helping connect Southern Oregon to the rest of the state and beyond. It took 16 years of dedication, craftsmanship and community support to restore this railcar, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who played a part in bringing it back to life. I encourage everyone to come see this remarkable piece of history for themselves and experience the story it has to tell.” — Tom Kress, Douglas County Commissioner and Museum Liaison.

A Piece of Douglas County Railroad History

Built in 1883, the rail car traveled the O&C Railroad route between San Francisco and Portland, carrying passengers throughout the region. The car also served Douglas County, including stops at the Dillard Depot, connecting local communities to the broader railroad network.  In 1914, the car was converted into a combine car, with approximately half of the car dedicated to passenger travel and the other half used for mail service. It continued in service until 1925, when it was retired from passenger and mail operations.  The O&C Railroad then continued to use the car as a maintenance away car for another 12 years. In the 1940s, the historic rail car was donated to the City of Glendale, where it remained for decades.

From Glendale to the Douglas County Museum

The City of Glendale, through its Community Action Group, began efforts to restore the historic rail car in 2010. Those efforts ultimately led to the car being donated to the Douglas County Museum in 2012. On June 21, 2013, the rail car was moved to the Museum, marking the beginning of an extensive restoration project that would span the next 13 years. The extensive restoration was led by Dale Greenley, Dave Van Slyke, James Aune and Gary Peske, whose dedication and expertise helped return the historic rail car to a condition worthy of public display.  We would also like to recognize a few local businesses that were instrumental with the project: Lone Rock Timber, Addcox Heating Center and Star Fire Lumber.  The restoration ultimately represented an investment of approximately $100,000, funded through the Douglas County Museum Foundation and private donors.

“This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together to preserve its history,” said James Davis, Douglas County Museum Director. “The restoration team, our local business partners, the Museum Foundation, Board of Commissioners, and private donors all played an important role in bringing this remarkable piece of Oregon railroad history back to life. We are excited to finally share it with the public.”

A Window into Oregon's Past

The restored O&C rail car provides visitors with a tangible connection to an era when railroads were essential to the growth and development of Oregon communities. For Douglas County, the car represents the people who traveled the O&C line, the communities served by the railroad and the important role transportation played in the region's timber and economic history.  More than a century after it first began carrying passengers, the 1883 rail car will once again welcome visitors—this time as a historic exhibit at the Douglas County Museum.

“I had no idea what I was getting into when I agreed to work on this project 16 years ago. As a woodworker, the railcar restoration presented a unique challenge and a wonderful opportunity to help restore a piece of our local history. It has been an honor to work on this project, and it has truly been a labor of love.” -  Dale Greenley, Local Historian, Douglas County Museum Volunteer, and Member of the Douglas County Museum Foundation

Ribbon-Cutting & Open House

The public is invited to celebrate the completion of the restoration project and experience the historic rail car firsthand.  Following the ceremony visitors will have the opportunity to step aboard and tour the restored rail car during the open house.  The Douglas County Museum invites the community to join in celebrating 16 years of dedication, craftsmanship and community support in preserving this extraordinary piece of Douglas County's railroad heritage.

WHAT:                               Ribbon Cutting – Restored 1883 O&C Railroad Rail Car Exhibit

WHEN:                               Saturday, September 26, 2026

RIBBON CUTTING:           10:00 am

FREE OPEN HOUSE:          10:00 am – 5:00 pm

WHERE:                             Douglas County Museum of Natural & Cultural History

ADDRESS:                         123 Museum Drive, Roseburg, Oregon

ADMISSION:                      Free and open to the public

Douglas County Museum - Preserving Our Past. Connecting Our Future.

For more than 50 years, the Douglas County Museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s rich cultural and natural history. Through engaging exhibits, the museum connects visitors with the industries and communities that helped shape Douglas County, from timber harvesting and farming to transportation and mining.  Located at 123 Museum Drive, Roseburg, Oregon (conveniently off I-5 Exit 123, adjacent to the Douglas County Fairgrounds), the museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Lavola Bakken Research Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Admission Prices: Free for members and children ages 0-4, $2.00 for students (ages 5-17), $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and veterans. Visitors can also explore the Museum Mercantile, the museum’s gift shop, offering a fantastic selection of books on Douglas County’s history, Oregon-themed gifts, educational toys, and unique souvenirs.  For more information, to plan your visit, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, click here or please call the Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History at (541) 957-7007.  The Douglas County Museum system is a division of Douglas County Government.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Museum staff & volunteers, and Douglas County Museum Foundation members invite the public to join them in celebrating the restoration of the 1883 O&C Railcar. Guests are encouraged to step aboard this remarkable piece of local history, explore its connection to Oregon’s railroad heritage, and experience a unique glimpse into the past.

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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