12-12-25 Commissioners Recognize Zimmer And Keith For Recent Awards (Photo) - 12/12/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2025

Commissioners Recognize Zimmer and Keith for Recent Awards

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice had the opportunity to recognize Jim Zimmer, Department Director at Douglas County’s Salmon Harbor Division and Ciera Keith, Director at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, for their respective accolades.

            “Whenever we have staff here at the County that go above and beyond and receive accolades outside their normal performance, we like to recognize their efforts.” – Commissioner Chris Boice 

Commissioner Chris Boice, liaison Commissioner for Douglas County’s Salmon Harbor Department recognized Jim Zimmer and staff at Douglas County’s Salmon Harbor Division for our – Winchester Bay RV Resort being named one of RV Life’s “Best of the Best” Campgrounds for 2025, placing Douglas Countys Winchester Bay RV Resort in the top 25% of more than 20,000 campgrounds across North America. This honor is based entirely on verified guest reviews, making it a true reflection of visitor satisfaction. 

In the award letter, Dawn Watanabe, Director of Campground Success, RV LIFE stated, “After reading the glowing stories shared by RV LIFE members, it's clear that Winchester Bay RV Resort is a truly special place that consistently delivers outstanding experiences and earns remarkable satisfaction from the RV LIFE community. For this reason, Winchester Bay RV Resort has been recognized as one of RV LIFE's "Best of the Best" for 2025! To qualify for this honor, campgrounds must have received multiple new reviews within the past year, ensuring that recognition reflects current experiences. From there, they look not only at overall ratings, but also at the level of engagement the park inspires. In short, a higher volume of reviews, ratings, and feedback, paired with exceptional guest satisfaction, boosted Winchester Bay RV Resort’s overall score and earned a well-deserved place among the top 25% of campgrounds!  When guests talk about Winchester Bay RV Resort’s campground, they consistently praise your immaculate facilities; waterfront views; and exceptional staff service.”

            “For Douglas County, this recognition is a significant achievement—it showcases the quality of our facilities, the dedication of our staff, and the unique coastal experience we provide. It positions Winchester Bay RV Resort not only as a premier destination for RV travelers nationwide, but also as a source of pride for our community  This award is a win for all of Winchester Bay and Douglas County. Visitors who stay at the RV Resort don’t just enjoy our waterfront—they support local restaurants, shops, and attractions, bringing positive economic impact to the whole community.” – Jim Zimmer, Department Director Salmon Harbor Marina – Winchester Bay RV Resort

            RV Life is one of the largest RV travel platforms in North America, serving millions of RVers with trip planning tools, RV‑safe GPS navigation, and a comprehensive database of campground reviews. Their Best of the Best award highlights the top 25% of parks based solely on guest feedback. Being honored by RV Life means Winchester Bay RV Resort is recognized nationally as one of the most highly rated RV destinations in the country.

Commissioner Tom Kress, liaison Commissioner for the Douglas County Fairgrounds honored Ciera Keith for recently graduating from the Institute of Fair Management during the 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado in December 2025.  Established in 2007, the Institute of Fair Management provides industry professionals and volunteers with comprehensive training across the core competencies essential to producing today’s agricultural fairs. The program includes coursework in management, risk management, marketing, programming, operations, and year-round facility usage.

“This is just one of the many positive things that comes up on a regular basis that let’s everyone know that Ciera was a great choice for Fair Manager.” Commissioner Tom Kress

            “Ciera Keith was among 56 individuals who met all of the Institute of Fair Management requirements to move to graduate status. Currently, the Institute has 272 enrollees, all at various stages within their Institute experience,” said Amy Listle, IFMG, CFE, IAFE Education Manager.

            “Through the support of our former Fair Director Dan, the Fair Board and the Commissioners, over the last two years I completed 36 classes.  Those included webinars, online and in-person classes, conferences and summits with industry professionals.   It has been an invaluable experience being able to take these classes.  I look forward to taking what I have learned over the last few years and applying to continually improving our facility.  I could not do this without my staff.  They are incredible and they work hard, tirelessly every single day for every single event we have.”  - Ciera Keith, IMFG Douglas County Fair Manager. 

            The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) The IAFE, based in Springfield, MO, is a voluntary nonprofit organization that supports agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions at the state, provincial, regional, and county levels. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, as well as non-agricultural expositions and festivals. Additionally, the organization collaborates with associations, corporations, and individuals who provide products and services to its members, all to enhance fairs, shows, expositions, and related fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com.

###

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

Assets Attached.  Photo: K.Tate/Douglas County

Photos:

Commissioner Chris Boice presents Jim Zimmer with the RV Life, “Best of the Best” Award

Commissioner Tom Kress presents Ciera Keith with her diploma from IAFE

12-12-25 NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE - Christmas Day And New Year’s Day - 12/12/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2025

***NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE***

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Transfer Stations, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Douglas County Museums and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as well as Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Holidays. As always, even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working. 

• The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and designated department officials will remain engaged and available to respond to any local emergencies, regardless of the holiday.
• Douglas County Senior Services Bistro Sixty Dining Sites (Dine-In Meal Service) and Meals on Wheels Programs in Glendale, Glide, Yoncalla, Reedsport, Sutherlin, Riddle and Winston will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1.  Our Senior Dining sites will resume their dine-in service on Friday, December 26, and Friday, January 2 respectively.  Patrons needing meals for Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1 are asked to call Douglas County Seniors Services at (541) 440-3677 to request an extra meal during their Tuesday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 30 dine-in service or Meals on Wheels delivery.
• The Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open for visitors on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for normal business hours.
• Douglas County Parks. All Douglas County operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public on Christmas and New Year’s Day.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks. 
• Salmon Harbor Marina docks, boat ramps, camping sites and the Winchester Bay RV Resort will be open and accessible to the public during this time.  For more information please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina. 
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) lobby entrance will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1, 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 non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471. 

Additionally, some County Departments might have limited hours or be lightly staffed during the holiday season.  Please call ahead of your visit on that day to see if the Department has staff available to assist you with your needs.  You can call (541) 672-3311 for general inquiries and Department extensions.  You can also log onto our website at https://douglascountyor.gov/ to access the direct phone numbers for each County Department.   

            Commissioner Freeman, Kress, and Boice understand how very important it is to spend Christmas and New Year’s with family and friends, so they hope you will join us in celebrating the holidays safely, in making healthy choices, being kind to one another, and always check road conditions before you travel.  Your Douglas County Commissioners and everyone with Douglas County Government wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

###

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

12-12-25 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council (Photo) - 12/12/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2025

*** MEETING NOTICE***

Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council

Monday, December 15, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are pleased to inform the public that the next meeting of the Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council will take place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

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

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

###

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

12-10-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation In Honor Of National Guard Day (Photo) - 12/10/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation in Honor of National Guard Day

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe National Guard Day, in celebration of the National Guard‘s upcoming 389^th Birthday on December 13, 2025. Commissioners were honored to recognize the men and women who bravely serve our communities and nation in the Army National Guard.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “The U.S. National Guard is the oldest military organization in America, and its members respond to state and national emergencies, military conflicts and natural disasters, and conduct search and rescue operations. The U.S. Army National Guard is a reserve force of men and women who trace their roots back to Colonial America.  Founded in 1636 as a citizen force, today the National Guard is a ready reserve group of 450,000 men and women voluntarily serving in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.  The Oregon Army National Guard traces its heritage and tradition of citizen-service back to July 5, 1843, when the Oregon provisional government passed the first militia law that organized citizens for defense, and eventually evolved in the formation of the Oregon National Guard in 1903.” A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

In addition to deployments all over the world during war and conflict times, in recent years, the utilization of the National Guard has been unprecedented with members of the Oregon National Guard providing critical support to the state's COVID-19 response, assisting civilian law enforcement during periods of civil unrest, as well as assisting state and local governments during hazardous weather and wildfire response operations.  Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates and a Douglas County challenge coin to attending Oregon Army National Guard members from Roseburg’s Charlie Company, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment: SFC Kyle Criss, ORARNG, SS6 Wayne Niedert ORARNG, PV2 Milo Rees ORARNG, as well as National Guard Family Readiness Group Coordinator Carol Hunt (Wings of Love).   

“I am new to this community.  Thank you, Commissioners, for the recognition.  I am already seeing so much support from the county, city, and everyone and it means a lot to the soldiers.  Just remember that members of our local National Guard company are your neighbors, teachers, and coworkers and they live and work in your communities.  Charlie Company is preparing to come home from deployment from Egypt in January and they will be coming back to a drilling status with us here in Oregon.” – SFC Kyle Criss, Readiness NCO, Oregon Army National Guard.

“I am very proud to be chosen to be as the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Coordinator for our local Charlie Company.  I get to work with the children and families of the deployed and undeployed soldiers.  I also wanted to mention the tremendous support we receive from VFW #2468, who adopted Charlie Company a few years ago.  It is my pleasure to serve these soldiers and their families.”  - Carol Hunt, Charlie Company FRG & Wings of Love

            The proclamation presented today is a reminder that the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the courageous men and women who have and currently serve our nation in all divisions of our United States Armed Forces, including our reserves.  Today and every day, we especially encourage citizens to honor and support the men and women proudly serving our communities in the Army National Guard.

“On behalf of the Board, Thank You!  Please hear us say that we absolutely appreciate the sacrifice you do for our community and our country.” – Commissioner Tim Freeman. 

###

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

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

12-08-25 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee (Photo) - 12/08/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2025

** Meeting Notice **

Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are pleased to inform the public that the next Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 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 view the meeting.  To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. 

For additional information please contact the Douglas County Veterans Service Office by calling (541) 440-4219 or email at veterans@douglascountyor.gov.   The meeting agenda is attached and can be found on the Douglas County government website at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

###

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

12-03-25 Douglas County Receives National Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting (Photo) - 12/03/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2025

37 YEARS AND COUNTING…
Douglas County Receives National Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice had the opportunity today to recognize our Chief Financial Officer, Dan Wilson and the Douglas County Management and Finance Department for winning the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ending June 30, 2024. A copy of the report can be found on the Douglas County, Oregon website at: https://douglascountyor.gov/620/ACFR

According to GFOA, “The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.” The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to Douglas County Government earlier this year. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have designated Dan and his dedicated team as the ones responsible for preparing the annual comprehensive financial report. This year marks the 37th year in a row that Douglas County’s Management and Finance Department has achieved this recognition.

“Everything we accomplish is rooted in the collaborative work of a team committed to excellence and accuracy,” said Commissioner Tim Freeman. “This is a significant achievement—the highest honor in government accounting, and one that not every county attains. Dan and his dedicated team play a crucial role in maintaining, balancing, and executing Douglas County’s financial accounting and reporting. We deeply appreciate their exceptional work in carrying out this important responsibility and congratulate them on receiving this distinguished honor,” stated Commissioner Tim Freeman.
The ACFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the ACFR.

“This award opportunity is tied to our annual audit, which is just one of the many audits we undergo each year. This particular audit includes three components: 1) Overall accounting; 2) Internal Controls—evaluating the adequacy of our systems that provide checks and balances to ensure financial integrity 3) A Specialized Municipal Audit—covering public investing, public contracting, and revenues. Our financial activities are continually audited, and the employees in my department don’t simply meet the minimum standards. As this award demonstrates, we consistently go above and beyond,” commented Dan Wilson, Douglas County Chief Financial Officer and Management & Finance Department Director.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The association's more than 28,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions. GFOA's mission is to advance excellence in public finance. GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for their members and the communities they serve. For more information about GFOA, visit https://www.gfoa.org/.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountupr.gov
Award Letter, Certificate, and Photo Attached. Photo: T.Howell/Douglas County
Photo: Commissioner Tim Freeman presents Dan Wilson with the 2025 GFOA Award.

12-03-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Wreaths Across America Day (Photo) - 12/03/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Wreaths Across America Day

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe Wreaths Across America Day, in celebration of the Annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event taking place on Saturday, December 13, 2025.  The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “REMEMBER the Fallen, HONOR Those Who Serve and TEACH Our Children the Value of Freedom” with the laying of remembrance Christmas wreaths on veterans’ graves on the second or third Saturday of December each year.  The Commissioners are honored to support the National Wreaths Across America event, especially the efforts of our local community in placing wreaths on veterans’ graves at the Roseburg National Cemetery. 

“Wreaths Across America has been a joy for me to be able to participate in and something I look forward to every year.  It has grown into a community effort, which is great.  And it is something we all take an immense amount of pride in doing.  It’s an honor for me to have the opportunity to start with the reading of our Wreaths Across America proclamation. All of the people that helped last year were absolutely instrumental in making the event operate smoothly.  And every one of them that we have called to help this year said yes, again. We could not have been able to accomplish our goals without the community support that we have here in Douglas County!” – Commissioner Boice

The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged, “we recognize that the mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember, Honor, Teach.  “REMEMBER the fallen. HONOR those who serve. TEACH the next generation the value of freedom”.  The 2025 Wreaths Across America theme is LIVE WITH PURPOSE.  This year’s local ceremony honors the legacy of United States Air Force Veteran, John Pierson, whose passion project to ensure every veteran’s grave at our Roseburg National Cemetery receives a wreath every December ignited a local movement. In his memory, the 2025 local event has been officially named the John Pierson Memorial Wreaths Across America Event”  Following the reading of the proclamation a video from the national Wreaths Across America nonprofit organization was played.  The video explains why the wreath is a symbol of honor, respect and victory. Visit the following link to watch the video: What is a Veteran's Wreath? | Wreaths Across America Veterans' Wreaths.  Additionally, a copy of the proclamation presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

Commissioner Boice acknowledged the generous support of our local sponsors who have made the purchasing and laying of our 7,000 wreaths an annual tradition and legacy project in Roseburg.  He then presented the attending title sponsors with a photo book from the 2024 Douglas County Wreaths Across America Event and a specially designed Douglas County Wreaths Across America coin.  WAA Sponsors attending: Toby Luther, Lone Rock Resources; Denny Austin, Roseburg School District; Garrett Hanna, Timber Country Coca-Cola; Jamie Stweart, Roseburg Disposal; Tammy Turner (US Air Force veteran); Ben Cooper, Romtec; Mark Tsuchiya, Sarah Holborow, and Daleen Thomas, AVIVA Health; and Sarah Pytalski, Ford Family Foundation.  He then presented proclamation certificates to Douglas County WAA location coordinators, himself and Shelley Johnson (Roseburg Sea Cadets); Dougals County WAA Committee - Commissioner Chris Boice, Shelley Johnson, Kellie Trenkle, Tamara Howell, Dan Loomis, and Eric Bagwell; Douglas County WAA event participants: Vietnam Veterans of America – Umpqua Valley Chapter #805, Heidi Wood, Ron Dukes, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Roger Boucock, Dan Loomis, and Commissioner Tim Freeman. After the certificate presentation, a special 2024 commemorative headstone honoring John Pierson was presented to his brother, Rex Pierson. 

            The proclamation presented today is a reminder that the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the courageous men and women who have and currently serve our nation in all branches of our United States Armed Forces, including our reserves.  Today and every day, we especially encourage citizens to support veterans and the local Wreaths Across America effort to honor our veterans. For more information about Wreaths Across America, log onto the Wreaths Across America 's website here.

“I have had the honor to attend almost every one of the Wreaths laying events here in Roseburg over the years.  As Commissioner Boice mentioned, they are meaningful.  One of the most important things with Wreaths Across America is the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach - by remembering the fallen, honoring those who served and teaching the next generation the value of freedom.  I think it’s also important for us to remember the veterans who are with us still and the sacrifices they have made. It’s important to honor veterans every single day and to teach the next generation to find and seek out those veterans that are still with us to learn from them, listen to their stories, and gain knowledge from them.” – Commissioner Freeman

            The John Pierson Memorial Wreaths Across America Event will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Roseburg National Cemetery starting at 1:00 pm.  We encourage you to join us in honoring our veterans.  Sign up to volunteer or purchase a wreath for the 2026 ceremony at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17097.

###

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 

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Tate/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

11-28-25 Notice Of Virtual Meeting - DC LPSCC - Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee (Photo) - 11/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2025

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’s (LPSCC) – Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:30 am via a virtual conference format.

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

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

###

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

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

11-20-25 Douglas County Senior Services Joins Meals On Wheels America And Subaru Of America In Sharing The Love This Holiday Season (Photo) - 11/20/25

Douglas County Senior Services Joins Meals on Wheels America

and Subaru of America in Sharing the Love this Holiday Season

18th Annual Subaru Share the Love Event helps deliver nutritious meals and compassion to Douglas County seniors

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are pleased to support our Douglas County Senior Services Department as they participate in the annual grant program offered by the Subaru Share the Love Event.  As a member of Meals on Wheels America, Douglas County Senior Services operates seven senior dining and delivery meal sites in Douglas County that serve over 80,000 meals a year.  Meals on Wheels is one of the four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the Share the Love grant campaign.  For any new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at one of the more than 640 Subaru retailers from Thursday, November 20, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026, Subaru will donate a minimum of $300 to the customer's choice of participating charities. Participating Meals on Wheels America members, like Douglas County Senior Services, will receive a share of the donations raised by Subaru in our state.  Retailers can also select up to two local charities to receive an additional $50 per vehicle sold or leased. Moreover, many Subaru retailers will also contribute $5 for each routine service visit during the promotional period.

“Meals on Wheels America is proud to partner with Subaru of America for the 18th consecutive year to enable more seniors to live with independence and dignity,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “We’re enormously grateful to Subaru and its retailers for their long-standing commitment to Meals on Wheels and the millions of seniors who depend on it for nourishment and companionship.”

Subaru of America (SOA) is the largest automotive donor to Meals on Wheels America. Meals on Wheels America provide leadership to local, community-based programs dedicated to fighting hunger and isolation among our nation’s homebound seniors. Through our partnership with Meals on Wheels during the Share the Love Event, Subaru and our retailers have helped deliver nearly 5 million meals and friendly visits to vulnerable seniors across America.  Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. This year’s Subaru Share the Love event is on track to bring that total to over $350 million, proving there’s no limit to the amount of love we can all share.

“As we kick off this holiday season, we’re especially honored to give back to the causes we value deeply. Through our annual Share the Love Event, Subaru and our retailers across the country shine a light on the generosity and care that define the support of our communities. Inspired by what matters to our customers and our retailers, we’re proud of the meaningful impact this event creates. ” - Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc
 

By purchasing or leasing a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event and selecting Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice, you can help deliver nutritious meals and other important services to seniors right here in Douglas County. To learn more, visit: www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove or www.subaru.com/share.  For more information about programs for seniors in Douglas County visit Douglas County Senior Services at https://douglascountyor.gov/452/Senior-Services.   Get a great vehicle and support a great cause!

11-20-25 Notice Of Holiday Closure - Thanksgiving Day Holiday - Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Photo) - 11/20/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2025

***Notice Of Holiday Closure***

Thanksgiving Day Holiday - Thursday, November 27, 2025

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Transfer Stations, Fairgrounds Complex, Douglas County Museum and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.  As always, even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working. 

• The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and designated department officials will remain engaged and available to respond to any local emergencies, regardless of the holiday.
• Douglas County Senior Services Bistro Sixty Dining Sites (Dine-In Meal Service) and Meals on Wheels Programs in Glendale, Glide, Yoncalla, Reedsport, Sutherlin, Riddle and Winston will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.  Our Senior Dining sites will resume their dine-in service on Friday, November 28, 2025.  Patrons needing meals for Thursday, November 27 are asked to call Douglas County Seniors Services at (541) 440-3677 to request an extra meal during their Tuesday, November 25 dine-in service or Meals on Wheels delivery.
• The Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open for visitors on Thursday, November 27, 2025, for normal business hours.
• Douglas County Parks. All Douglas County operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public on Thanksgiving Day.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks. 
• Salmon Harbor Marina docks, boat ramps, camping sites and the Winchester Bay RV Resort will be open and accessible to the public during this time.  For more information please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  The Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) lobby entrance will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025, our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the DCSO non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471. 

In addition, some County Departments may have limited hours or will be lightly staffed on Friday, November 28, 2025.  Please call ahead of your visit on that day to see if the Department has staff available to assist you with your needs.  You can call (541) 672-3311 for general inquiries and Department extensions.  You can also log onto our website at https://douglascountyor.gov/ to access the direct phone numbers for each County Department.   

            The Commissioners and staff here at Douglas County government would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  We know that many of you will be planning family gatherings or traveling this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and we encourage you to take the necessary precautions to celebrate and travel safely.  Also, don’t forget to mark your calendars and join us for the 42^nd Annual Douglas County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Douglas County Courthouse. 

###

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

https://www.douglascountyor.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=326 

11-19-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Rural Health Day - 11/19/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Rural Health Day

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe National Rural Health Day, which is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of November.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that “In Douglas County we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of rural Douglas County citizens, and we want to celebrate our rural health care providers who work tirelessly to meet their needs.”  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

This year’s National Rural Health Day will be on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and recognizes the contributions of rural communities and highlights the challenges and successes of rural healthcare. The day aims to raise awareness of issues like healthcare access, provider shortages, and health disparities in rural areas, while also promoting the resilience and spirit of rural America. 

“I have had the pleasure to work a little bit in the Health Care Administrative area, specifically around public health policy. But also, I have the honor to serve on several local medical boards and organizations represented here today.  I am in awe of the incredible work that you all do in a very difficult environment.  We are very spread out in rural Oregon and in Douglas County, and it is often a challenge to get people to move here to provide these services.  The systems that are set up in Salem and in Washington, DC for health care generally are centered around more urban areas and they don't understand the unique challenges of rural America and rural Oregon.” - Board Chair, Commissioner Tim Freeman. 

Commissioner Freeman presented Rural Health Day proclamation certificates to various organizations in our community that promote healthy living and provide health care services in our rural communities.  They included: Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) - Teresa Mutschler, Kendra Murray & Paul Leonard; Central Douglas Fire & Rescue – Chief Rob Bullock; North Douglas County Fire & EMS – Chief Brian Burke, Sr.; ADAPT Integrated Healthcare – Stephen Baron, Skyler Meyer, Jerry O’Sullivan, Grey Garris; Thrive Umpqua - Lance Colley; Evergreen Family Medicine & Urgent Care – Kim Tyree & Natasha Anderson; Lower Umpqua Hospital District – Kaley Sweet; and CHI – Mercy Medical Center – Russ Wooley.  After the certificates were presented, representatives from several of the organizations were invited to the podium to talk about the work they do in promoting and responding to rural health issues in Douglas County. 

“First, I wanted to thank the Commissioners for the opportunity to come together and for recognizing rural health day.  I think everyone in this room recognizes the challenges of providing health care in rural communities - and feel that we could not do the work we do without the partnerships and the support of our communities. So again, thank you for this and, for bringing us together this morning.” - Teresa Mutschler, Executive Director, Douglas Public Health Network. 

“North Douglas County Fire & EMS covers approximately 720 square miles.  It's a big area.  It's a privilege to serve my community. I enjoy it every day. Our main focus for rural health is on prevention and getting community action such as more self-resilience. We are almost 30 minutes from the nearest hospital.  Through the support of working with the county and our partner agencies we see outstanding results. I come from a little city of Chicago, Illinois. And, to see what this community can do in a rural area is pretty impressive.   What we have here impresses me immensely, and I am proud to be part of it.  Thank you, Commissioners, for today's recognition.” – Chief Brian Burke, Sr., North Douglas County Fire & EMS. 

“I am the new CEO for Adapt, and I have only been here for a few weeks.  I want to thank you Commissioners for the recognition of Rural Health Day. I believe you (Commissioner Freeman) said it best that if someone doesn't work in rural health, they don't understand the complexities and challenges that the rural environment brings to us.  I see from all the various agencies and organizations that are here, it takes a village.  With those partnerships, we (Adapt) are excited to continue the role we play in our rural communities.  It's great that everyone pulls together and gets the job done.  We will continue to do that in the future.” – Stephen Baron, CEO Adapt Integrated Health Care. 

The proclamation presented today is a reminder and encouragement for our citizens to honor and support our rural health care providers, practitioners, organizations and support staff, and work together to bring about a stronger, healthier rural Douglas County. #ruralhealthday #celebratingthepowerofrural

###

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist,

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

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photo © K.Tate/Douglas County.  Individual photos available upon request.

11-19-25-Commissioners-Issue-Proclamation-for-Rural-Health-Day

11-19-25 Meeting Notice - Noxious Weed Advisory Board - 11/19/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2025

*** MEETING NOTICE***

Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting

November 20, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next Douglas County Noxious Weed Advisory Board meeting will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, 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.   

###

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  

1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL
2. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. DOUGLAS SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, MAGGIE BEGOUN
4. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE, BRADLEY STOKES
5. AGRA AG DRONE SOLUTIONS, LLC, PETER VAN ESS
6. DR. SHELBY FILLEY, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
7. ELECTION OF BOARD CHAIRMAN
8. NEW BUSINESS

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.