06-22-26 NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE - Observance Of American Independence Day Holiday (Photo) - 06/22/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2026

***NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE***

Observance of American Independence Day Holiday

Friday, July 3, 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, and most External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the American Independence Day Holiday.

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working on special, routine or emergency projects such as our Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Parks Department, Museums, and Salmon Harbor Marina.    

Please note these opening and closure exceptions for the Holiday Weekend:

• The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Roseburg will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, and open on Saturday, July 4, 2026.  The Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open for visitors on both Friday, July 3, 2026, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, for normal business hours. For more information visit umpquavalleymuseums.org/.
• Douglas County Solid Waste Department: All Douglas County operated transfer sites that are typically open on Fridays, as well as the Roseburg landfill will be OPEN on Friday, July 3, 2026.  However, all locations will be closed on Saturday, July 4, 2026.  As a reminder, the Douglas County Solid Waste Department Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.  They will resume services on the next regularly scheduled day.  For more information visit douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste.  
• Douglas County Senior Services Department: Douglas County Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites and Douglas County Meals on Wheels programs will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.  Meals on Wheels delivery customers are asked to request additional meals on their Thursday, July 2, 2026, deliveries to help hold them over until the next regularly scheduled meal delivery.  Senior Dining Site and Meals on Wheels programs will resume service on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.  For more information call Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677.
• Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex: While the Douglas County Fairgrounds Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, the Douglas County Dirtrack, managed by Roseburg Race Promotions, will feature Race #5 in their weekly series for ISCS Civil War Sprints, Dwarf Cars, OSCRA Sport Compacts and Hardtops, as well as a Fireworks Spectacular Show following the racing action on Friday, July 3, 2026.   
• Douglas County Parks Department: All County operated Parks, Campgrounds, and Boat Ramps will be open and accessible to the public during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  As a reminder, the Douglas County Parks Department Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.  For reservation information for Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks. 
• Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will be open and accessible to the public.  For harbor or reservation information at Salmon Harbor, please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  As a reminder, the Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Friday, July 3, 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 the Douglas County 911 Dispatch Center for a non-emergency, please call (541) 440-4471. 

            This year America celebrates our 250^th Fourth of July, also known as American Independence Day.  It has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century with the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. 

The Commissioners would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun 4^th of July Holiday Weekend.  They encourage citizens to safely and responsibly participate in Independence Day celebrations that honor our great nation, celebrate our freedoms, and demonstrate patriotism for the land that we love.  Happy 250^th Birthday, America!

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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

06-16-26 Meeting Notice - Douglas County LPSCC Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee (Photo) - 06/16/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 16, 2026

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, June 23, 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, June 23, 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.

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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

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

06-11-26 Boat Dock Replacement Project Begins At Cooper Creek County Park (Photo) - 06/11/26

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 11, 2026

Boat Dock Replacement Project Begins at Cooper Creek County Park

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Parks Department, in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) announce upcoming temporary staggered closures of the East and West Boat Docks, Ramps and associated parking areas at Cooper Creek County Park to accommodate a much-anticipated marine infrastructure improvement project. The project includes replacement of both boat docks and parking lot paving designed to improve public access, safety, and recreational boating opportunities.

The East Boat Ramp, Dock and Parking Lot, located on the east end of the reservoir off Cooper Creek Road, will be closed beginning June 17, 2026, for construction activities, including boarding dock replacement, parking lot resurfacing, and related site accessibility improvements.  During construction, the East Boat Ramp area will be fully closed to the public, and no vehicle, pedestrian, or boating access will be available. Contractors anticipate completing work and reopening the facility by June 22, 2026; however, construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Throughout this phase of the project, the West Boat Ramp will remain open and available for public boat launching and recreational use.

The West Boat Ramp, Dock and Parking Lot, located off Edgewater Drive adjacent to the front entrance of the park and the dam, will close beginning July 5, 2026, to allow for similar improvements, including Boarding dock replacement, parking lot resurfacing, and related site accessibility improvements. The site will be fully closed to the public during construction, with no vehicle, pedestrian, or boating access available. The Contractor anticipates completing work and reopening the facility on or before September 4, 2026; although weather conditions may affect the project timeline. During this phase, visitors will be directed to use the East Boat Ramp for boating access and recreational activities.

The project will modernize both launch facilities by replacing aging boat docks and upgrading adjacent parking areas. These upgrades are intended to enhance public safety, increase accessibility, and provide an improved recreational experience for boaters and park visitors.  Through a request for bids process, Topper Industries I, LLC, was awarded the dock replacement contract, and local contractor JRT Construction, LLC, was awarded the paving contract. 

Project funding is being provided through OSMB 2025-2027 Cycle One and Cycle Two Facility Grant award #1743 ($561,736), federal pass thru U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sport Fish Restoration funds via Sub-Award Grant #293-25 from ODFW ($485,209), Douglas Timber Operators ($3,500), Sutherlin Rotary Club ($1,000), and $403,150 in matching Douglas County Park revenue funds.  The OSMB grant funding program uses revenue generated from motorized boater fees and taxes to support the development and improvement of boating facilities statewide.  The ODFW grant is from the Sport Fish Restoration federal program with revenue generated from user excise taxes on fishing gear and boat fuel that is passed through to states to support recreational boating access projects.

Douglas County appreciates the public's patience and cooperation during construction as these important and exciting improvements are completed.  Again, at least one ramp/dock will remain open during the construction process. Please use extra caution and follow construction, detour, and warning signs posted at the park.  The project is expected to be completed by Labor Day Weekend 2026. 

Cooper Creek County Park is located approximately three miles southeast of Sutherlin and provides recreational access to the 166-acre Cooper Creek Reservoir.  The Douglas County Parks Department was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system in Oregon. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades and throughout the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua, the Park system now encompasses 70 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42-day use parks.  For more information about Douglas County Parks visit https://www.douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.  

The OSMB was established in 1959 by the Oregon Legislature in response to the federal Boating Safety Act of 1958.  It is Oregon’s recreational boating agency, dedicated to promoting safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible boating throughout the state. The agency provides boating education and safety programs, manages boating access and facility grants, registers and titles boats, and works with local governments and partners to improve and maintain public boating facilities. For more information about the OSMB visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/pages/index.aspx.

ODFW is the state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s fish and wildlife resources and the habitats upon which they depend. Guided by its mission to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, ODFW manages wildlife populations, fisheries, hatcheries, wildlife areas, and public access opportunities across the state. The agency works collaboratively with local communities, landowners, tribes, conservation organizations, and government partners to promote science-based stewardship, habitat restoration, outdoor recreation, and sustainable resource management throughout Oregon. For more information about ODFW visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/ or email Holly Huchko at holly.a.huchko@odfw.oregon.gov. 

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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.

06-11-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Women Veterans Day (Photo) - 06/11/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Women Veterans Day

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation yesterday, June 10, 2026, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe Friday, June 12, 2026, as Women Veterans Day.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Chris Boice, on behalf of the Board.  During the presentation he acknowledged that, “Douglas County salutes and honors the service of all women who have courageously and honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.”  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

            “Today, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of the millions of women who have served our nation in times of war and peace. Their contributions have strengthened our military, protected our freedoms, and paved the way for future generations of women in uniform.  As we gather to celebrate National Women's Veterans Day, we also recognize the unique challenges women veterans have faced throughout history and continue to face today. Their stories of service, resilience, leadership, and patriotism deserve to be remembered, shared, and celebrated.  Please join me in honoring the remarkable women who have answered the call to serve our country and whose legacy continues to inspire us all,” stated Commissioner Kress.    

Women Veterans Day is celebrated on June 12 each year across that nation, and Douglas County was honored to be the first county in Oregon to celebrate the newly established Oregon holiday recognizing Women Veterans on June 12, 2019.  Since the American Revolution, women have proudly served and supported our nation’s military.  With the inception of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, women formally began serving in the United States Armed Forces.  June 12 marks a significant date in history.  This day commemorates the 78^th Anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman and acknowledged the great contributions made by women in the military and finally granted them the right to serve as permanent, full and regular members of the United States Armed Forces and Reserves.  During World War I, about 35,000 women officially served as nurses and support staff. In World War II, 140,000 women served in the U.S. Army and the Women's Army Corps performing critical jobs such as military intelligence, cryptography, and parachute rigging.  Today, there are nearly 2.1 million women veterans living in the United States that have proudly served in United States Armed Forces.  Douglas County proudly serves as home to over 1,600 Women Veterans, and recognizes the fact that Women Veterans are fastest growing segment of the veteran population in the United States. 

Cecila McMullen, Army National Guard Veteran and President of the Local American Women Veterans Association thanked the Commissioners and provided a few quotes about the reason for honoring our Women Veterans.

“There is no difference in gender here in the military or police corps.  We are all doing each other’s jobs.  The same jobs – there is no difference!”  Sergeant First Class Leigh Ann Hester, US Army Military Police Soldier and Silver Star and Medal of Honor recipient. 

“If I don’t do it, who will? At some point somebody has to step up to pave the way for everyone to move forward.” – Captain Vernice Armour, US Marine Corps, Combat Pilot. 

Commissioner Boice presented Women Veterans Day proclamation certificates to attending Women Veterans - Ceclia McMullen, Tammy Turner, Sharon Conkey Johnston, and Dawnetta Loomis.  They also thanked and recognized many local Veteran Service organizations that support, assist, and advocate for our women veterans and their families, including – Jim Little (Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee, Douglas County Veteran’s Forum and Vietnam Veterans of America), Dorina Kirkes (Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America), Michaela Spence Bugnone (Roseburg VA Health Care System – Women Veterans Program), Elena Lininger (Source One Serenity), American Women Veterans Association, Douglas County Veterans Service Office, Cow Creek Veteran Service Office, American Legion Post 16 & 123 & Auxiliary, Wings of Love, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2468 & 9745 & Auxiliary and Umpqua Community College Veterans Group.

“I had a great experience in the military.  I attribute the military to developing my core values, my foundation, my leadership skills, and to helping me get my current role at the Cancer Center as the Executive Director.  I have met a lot of amazing women veterans along the way.  I am proud to say that Douglas County is an amazing county that really recognizes and honors veterans in our community. And that is not something that is found everywhere.”  - Tammy Turner, US Air Force Veteran.

            Dawnetta Loomis, US Army Veteran of 24 years spoke about her time in the US Armed Forces.  Loomis served in three combat operations including Desert Storm and was deployed overseas several times.  She wanted to dispel the myth that military personnel do not go to war and that they are often at the forefront of battles.  She stated that those experiences have helped her to grow and see life in a different way.  “I am originally from Pennsylvania, but I married a wonderful man who brought me here to Roseburg.  This is my home.  I am blessed to be here and be in a community that recognizes veterans.”

This proclamation is a reminder to our citizens to take the time to honor the women who have fearlessly and faithfully served our nation and to thank them and their families for their dedication, service, sacrifice and outstanding contributions on behalf of a grateful nation.  Thank you for your service!

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

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County.

06-04-26 Statement From DA & Commissioner Boice About Wallace Hearing (Photo) - 06/08/26

A Joint Release from Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 4, 2026

Statement from Douglas County District Attorney and Douglas County

Commissioner Boice Regarding Denial of Parole for Dustin Wallace 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Yesterday, the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision denied parole for convicted murder and child rapist Dustin Wallace following a lengthy and emotional hearing concerning the 2010 rape and murder of five-year-old Sahara Dwight. During the hearing, Wallace himself acknowledged that he was not ready to return to society, and the Board ultimately determined that parole was not appropriate at this time.  The Board also determined that he would not be eligible for another hearing for ten years, the max allowed by statute.

Wallace was convicted in 2012 for the heinous murder and rape of 5-year-old Saraha Dwight in Roseburg, Oregon.  He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  However, in 2021, then Governor Kate Brown chose to commute the sentences of several convicted murders and other violent offenders under Senate Bill 1008, making them eligible for parole.  Wallace’s case was one of those that was commuted. 

The Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice attended the hearing along with Representative Virgle Osborne, Senator Christine Drazen, and Senator David Brock-Smith.  They support the Board's decision and commend the courage of Sahara Dwight's family and loved ones who have continued to advocate for justice throughout this difficult and unnecessary process.  

“No decision can restore what was taken from Sahara's family or erase the profound grief this tragedy has caused. The brutal murder of this innocent child remains one of the most heartbreaking and impactful crimes in Douglas County's history. Today's decision acknowledges the gravity of that crime and reinforces the importance of protecting our community. While we are grateful that public safety was carefully considered, Sahara's family should never have been forced to relive this painful chapter through the parole process,” stated Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg.

We are grateful to the victims' advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and community members who have remained committed to ensuring that the voice of the victim was heard throughout this process.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sahara's family. Their strength, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to honoring her memory continue to inspire our community.

“Douglas County will always stand with victims and their families. We remain committed to protecting public safety, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability within Oregon's criminal justice system,” stated Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice.

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

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/.

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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