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ROSEBURG, Ore. — The city of Roseburg officially opened its rebuilt tennis and pickleball facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a $2.5 million project that replaced aging courts dating to the 1950s and 1960s.

The new complex, located in Stewart Park, features eight tennis courts and ten pickleball courts. It replaces eleven courts originally built in 1959 and 1970 that had deteriorated over more than five decades of use. The facility is the only public outdoor court complex in the Roseburg area.

Funding came from three sources: a $750,000 grant from Oregon State Parks, roughly $500,000 from the city, and $1.25 million raised by the community through the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center, a local nonprofit that has operated for more than 50 years.

Eric Ball, president of the UVTC, said the project traces back to a 2018 master plan developed after the group assessed the poor condition of the existing courts. That plan sat dormant for five years until a member identified the state parks grant opportunity in 2023. The organization applied in April of that year and received the award that November. Construction went out to bid in March 2025, and JRT Construction, based in Oakland, Oregon, began work the following June. The project took approximately nine months to complete.

Ball credited a long list of donors for pushing the community fundraising past the million-dollar mark. Among the larger contributors were the John and Gene Loosely Foundation, the Ford Family Foundation, Umpqua Health Alliance, Ranco Systems, Lone Rock Timber, North River Boats, and several individual donors. Ball also noted that local pickleball tournaments organized by community members generated significant revenue for the project.

The upgrades extend beyond the playing surfaces. The complex now includes LED lighting for evening play, security cameras, a coded gate-lock entry system, ADA-accessible design, and concrete spectator seating positioned between the tennis and pickleball sections.

Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich presided over the ceremony and emphasized the role of local contractors and community investment in bringing the project to completion.

City Manager Nikki Messenger said the project offers a model for future park improvements in Roseburg. She noted that the city used tourism-related funds for its portion of the financing, a decision she described as a first for a project of this scale. The reasoning, she said, was that the UVTC's track record of hosting tournaments would generate hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail spending sufficient to justify the investment.

Messenger also said the city is developing a new master plan for Stewart Park and considering additional improvements elsewhere in its park system. She encouraged residents to participate in that planning process.

Ball framed the project in generational terms, noting that children who grew up playing on the original courts, himself included, now have a facility built for the next several decades of youth athletics. Local youth tennis players turned out in force for the ribbon cutting, and high school teams have already begun practicing on the new courts this week.

The courts are open to the public. For inquiries and access information, residents can contact the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center at (541) 673-3429 or visit www.umpquavalleytennis.com. A reservation system for the outdoor courts is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, and a separate grand opening celebration is planned for later this year. Additional details will be posted as they become available.

The Umpqua Valley Tennis Center is located at 1201 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg, OR 97471. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 2 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The city of Roseburg officially opened its rebuilt tennis and pickleball facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a $2.5 million project that replaced aging courts dating to the 1950s and 1960s.The new complex, located in Stewart Park, features eight tennis courts and ten pickleball courts. It replaces eleven courts originally built in 1959 and 1970 that had deteriorated over more than five decades of use. The facility is the only public outdoor court complex in the Roseburg area.Funding came from three sources: a $750,000 grant from Oregon State Parks, roughly $500,000 from the city, and $1.25 million raised by the community through the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center, a local nonprofit that has operated for more than 50 years.Eric Ball, president of the UVTC, said the project traces back to a 2018 master plan developed after the group assessed the poor condition of the existing courts. That plan sat dormant for five years until a member identified the state parks grant opportunity in 2023. The organization applied in April of that year and received the award that November. Construction went out to bid in March 2025, and JRT Construction, based in Oakland, Oregon, began work the following June. The project took approximately nine months to complete.Ball credited a long list of donors for pushing the community fundraising past the million-dollar mark. Among the larger contributors were the John and Gene Loosely Foundation, the Ford Family Foundation, Umpqua Health Alliance, Ranco Systems, Lone Rock Timber, North River Boats, and several individual donors. Ball also noted that local pickleball tournaments organized by community members generated significant revenue for the project.The upgrades extend beyond the playing surfaces. The complex now includes LED lighting for evening play, security cameras, a coded gate-lock entry system, ADA-accessible design, and concrete spectator seating positioned between the tennis and pickleball sections.Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich presided over the ceremony and emphasized the role of local contractors and community investment in bringing the project to completion.City Manager Nikki Messenger said the project offers a model for future park improvements in Roseburg. She noted that the city used tourism-related funds for its portion of the financing, a decision she described as a first for a project of this scale. The reasoning, she said, was that the UVTC's track record of hosting tournaments would generate hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail spending sufficient to justify the investment.Messenger also said the city is developing a new master plan for Stewart Park and considering additional improvements elsewhere in its park system. She encouraged residents to participate in that planning process.Ball framed the project in generational terms, noting that children who grew up playing on the original courts, himself included, now have a facility built for the next several decades of youth athletics. Local youth tennis players turned out in force for the ribbon cutting, and high school teams have already begun practicing on the new courts this week.The courts are open to the public. For inquiries and access information, residents can contact the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center at (541) 673-3429 or visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="http://www.umpquavalleytennis.com">www.umpquavalleytennis.com</a>. A reservation system for the outdoor courts is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, and a separate grand opening celebration is planned for later this year. Additional details will be posted as they become available.The Umpqua Valley Tennis Center is located at 1201 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg, OR 97471. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 2 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ryan Finlay

Moses Finlay

Esther Finlay

Elijah Finlay

Steffanie Moore

Ky Bendele

Kathy Guentner

Izzy Ca

Roseburg’s rebuilt outdoor Stewart Park complex is now open with eight tennis courts and 10 pickleball courts.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The city of Roseburg officially opened its rebuilt tennis and pickleball facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a $2.5 million project that replaced aging courts dating to the 1950s and 1960s.

The new complex, located in Stewart Park, features eight tennis courts and ten pickleball courts. It replaces eleven courts originally built in 1959 and 1970 that had deteriorated over more than five decades of use. The facility is the only public outdoor court complex in the Roseburg area.

Funding came from three sources: a $750,000 grant from Oregon State Parks, roughly $500,000 from the city, and $1.25 million raised by the community through the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center, a local nonprofit that has operated for more than 50 years.

Eric Ball, president of the UVTC, said the project traces back to a 2018 master plan developed after the group assessed the poor condition of the existing courts. That plan sat dormant for five years until a member identified the state parks grant opportunity in 2023. The organization applied in April of that year and received the award that November. Construction went out to bid in March 2025, and JRT Construction, based in Oakland, Oregon, began work the following June. The project took approximately nine months to complete.

Ball credited a long list of donors for pushing the community fundraising past the million-dollar mark. Among the larger contributors were the John and Gene Loosely Foundation, the Ford Family Foundation, Umpqua Health Alliance, Ranco Systems, Lone Rock Timber, North River Boats, and several individual donors. Ball also noted that local pickleball tournaments organized by community members generated significant revenue for the project.

The upgrades extend beyond the playing surfaces. The complex now includes LED lighting for evening play, security cameras, a coded gate-lock entry system, ADA-accessible design, and concrete spectator seating positioned between the tennis and pickleball sections.

Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich presided over the ceremony and emphasized the role of local contractors and community investment in bringing the project to completion.

City Manager Nikki Messenger said the project offers a model for future park improvements in Roseburg. She noted that the city used tourism-related funds for its portion of the financing, a decision she described as a first for a project of this scale. The reasoning, she said, was that the UVTC's track record of hosting tournaments would generate hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail spending sufficient to justify the investment.

Messenger also said the city is developing a new master plan for Stewart Park and considering additional improvements elsewhere in its park system. She encouraged residents to participate in that planning process.

Ball framed the project in generational terms, noting that children who grew up playing on the original courts, himself included, now have a facility built for the next several decades of youth athletics. Local youth tennis players turned out in force for the ribbon cutting, and high school teams have already begun practicing on the new courts this week.

The courts are open to the public. For inquiries and access information, residents can contact the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center at (541) 673-3429 or visit 

. A reservation system for the outdoor courts is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, and a separate grand opening celebration is planned for later this year. Additional details will be posted as they become available.

The Umpqua Valley Tennis Center is located at 1201 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg, OR 97471. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 2 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roseburg Cuts Ribbon on New Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Facility

Roseburg got up to 82° today a new record for March 18.

Hannah Finlay

John Payne Lindsey, 79, of Roseburg, Oregon, was unexpectedly called home to heaven on Dec. 12, 2025, surrounded by his family. John was born March 19, 1946, in El Centro, California, to Claude and Loris (Payne) Lindsey. 

John was raised in the Imperial Valley of California, and graduated from Holtville Union High School in Holtville, California, before moving on to trade school to become a licensed hairdresser. John married his late wife, Linda (Holmes) Lindsey, on Feb. 2, 1969, in Winterhaven, Arizona, after just six short weeks of knowing each other. They were married for just shy of 40 years before her passing. John and Linda made their home in Santa Maria, California, until moving to Oregon, in 1975, eventually settling in the Roseburg area where they raised their three daughters Jennifer, Christina and Karen. 

John worked as a hairdresser for 49 years, sharing his talent and humor with countless clients who became friends over the years; many of whom received their very first haircut from him. John enjoyed bible study, baking, gardening, long drives, creating bonsai, carving, listening to music and a good Hallmark movie.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda (Holmes) Lindsey; granddaughter Sydney Johannis; and his parents Claude and Loris (Payne) Lindsey. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Lindsey, Christina Lindsey-Freed (Bryan), and Karen Johannis (Steven); granddaughter Eloise Johannis; brother Christopher Lindsey; sister Patricia Reed (David); and many nieces, nephews and in-laws close to his heart.

John’s love, laughter, and twinkle in his eye will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on March 19, 2026, at the Winston Community Center in Winston, Oregon, and all are welcome to join in remembering John. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of your choice.

John Payne Lindsey, 79, of Roseburg, Oregon, was unexpectedly called home to heaven on Dec. 12, 2025, surrounded by his family. John was born March 19, 1946, in El Centro, California, to Claude and Loris (Payne) Lindsey.&nbsp;John was raised in the Imperial Valley of California, and graduated from&nbsp;Holtville Union High School in Holtville, California,&nbsp;before moving on to trade school to become a licensed hairdresser. John married his late wife, Linda (Holmes) Lindsey, on Feb. 2, 1969, in Winterhaven, Arizona, after just six short weeks of knowing each other. They were married for just shy of 40 years before her passing. John and Linda made their home in Santa Maria, California, until moving to Oregon, in 1975, eventually settling in the Roseburg area where they raised their three daughters Jennifer, Christina and Karen.&nbsp;John worked as a hairdresser for 49 years, sharing his talent and humor with countless clients who became friends over the years; many of whom received their very first haircut from him. John enjoyed bible study, baking, gardening, long drives, creating bonsai, carving, listening to music and a good Hallmark movie.He was preceded in death by his wife Linda (Holmes) Lindsey; granddaughter Sydney Johannis; and his parents Claude and Loris (Payne) Lindsey. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Lindsey, Christina Lindsey-Freed (Bryan), and Karen Johannis (Steven); granddaughter Eloise Johannis; brother Christopher Lindsey; sister Patricia Reed (David); and many nieces, nephews and in-laws close to his heart.John’s love, laughter, and twinkle in his eye will be deeply missed by all who knew him.A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;on&nbsp;March 19, 2026,&nbsp;at the Winston Community Center in Winston, Oregon, and all are welcome to join in remembering John. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of your choice.

John Payne Lindsey, 79, of Roseburg, Oregon, was unexpectedly called home to heaven on Dec. 12, 2025, surrounded by his family. John was born March 19, 1946, in El Centro, California, to Claude and Loris (Payne) Lindsey. 

John was raised in the Imperial Valley of California, and graduated from Holtville Union High School in Holtville, California, before moving on to trade school to become a licensed hairdresser. John married his late wife, Linda (Holmes) Lindsey, on Feb. 2, 1969, in Winterhaven, Arizona, after just six short weeks of knowing each other. They were married for just shy of 40 years before her passing. John and Linda made their home in Santa Maria, California, until moving to Oregon, in 1975, eventually settling in the Roseburg area where they raised their three daughters Jennifer, Christina and Karen. 

John worked as a hairdresser for 49 years, sharing his talent and humor with countless clients who became friends over the years; many of whom received their very first haircut from him. John enjoyed bible study, baking, gardening, long drives, creating bonsai, carving, listening to music and a good Hallmark movie.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda (Holmes) Lindsey; granddaughter Sydney Johannis; and his parents Claude and Loris (Payne) Lindsey. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Lindsey, Christina Lindsey-Freed (Bryan), and Karen Johannis (Steven); granddaughter Eloise Johannis; brother Christopher Lindsey; sister Patricia Reed (David); and many nieces, nephews and in-laws close to his heart.

John’s love, laughter, and twinkle in his eye will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on March 19, 2026, at the Winston Community Center in Winston, Oregon, and all are welcome to join in remembering John. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of your choice.

In Memory of John Lindsey

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jackson James Stoller, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jackson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.

Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jackson's body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.

Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:





Murder in the First Degree



Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.

Via Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jackson James Stoller, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jackson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jackson's body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:<ul class="!mt-4 !mb-6"><li class="!-my-2">Murder in the First Degree</li><li class="!-my-2">Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree</li></ul>The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.Via Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

 – A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jackson James Stoller, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jackson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.

Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jackson's body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.

Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.

Roseburg Man Charged With Murder of 11-Month-Old Son

Today the Director at the United States Counterterrorism Center resigned under protest and wrote this letter explaining to the president his reasons. I highly encourage all of you to read it.  ￼￼

(From Joseph Kent
Director of National Intelligence
National Counterterrorism Center)

President Trump,

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.

In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasam Solamani and by defeating ISIS.

Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran. This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women. We cannot make this mistake again.

As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.

I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards.

It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.

Joseph Kent
Director, National Counterterrorism Center

Micah Schwepler

Joy Garrelts

Winston, OR — K9 Nike, a Belgian Malinois who has served in law enforcement for more than eight years, will retire from the Winston Police Department on March 1. Born in the Netherlands in 2016, Nike was trained in the Dutch police dog sport of KNPV before serving with the Roseburg Police Department and transferring to Winston in 2022. Over his career, he was deployed approximately 110 times and recorded 65 captures, recovering evidence including drugs, guns, and knives. After retirement, Nike will become an ambassador for the Friends of the Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs. Ownership will transfer to his handler, Officer Cordell, and Nike will live at home with Cordell's family. A community retirement gathering will be held on Friday, March 6, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Winston Community Center, 440 SE Grape Avenue.

Winston, OR — K9 Nike, a Belgian Malinois who has served in law enforcement for more than eight years, will retire from the Winston Police Department on March 1. Born in the Netherlands in 2016, Nike was trained in the Dutch police dog sport of KNPV before serving with the Roseburg Police Department and transferring to Winston in 2022. Over his career, he was deployed approximately 110 times and recorded 65 captures, recovering evidence including drugs, guns, and knives. After retirement, Nike will become an ambassador for the Friends of the Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs. Ownership will transfer to his handler, Officer Cordell, and Nike will live at home with Cordell's family. A community retirement gathering will be held on Friday, March 6, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Winston Community Center, 440 SE Grape Avenue.

Gina Stiffler

John Evans

Winston Police Dog Retires After Eight Years of service.

K9 Nike to Retire From Winston Police Department

The winter steelhead run on the North Umpqua River is off to a strong year, already exceeding last season's full total with roughly two months still remaining.

As of March 2, a total of 6,951 winter steelhead had passed over Winchester Dam. That surpasses the entire 2024/2025 run of 6,221 fish. The current run continues through April 30.

Watch live here: 

https://live.umpquafish.com/

or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWreIhLdNag

The winter steelhead run on the North Umpqua River is off to a strong year, already exceeding last season's full total with roughly two months still remaining.As of March 2, a total of 6,951 winter steelhead had passed over Winchester Dam. That surpasses the entire 2024/2025 run of 6,221 fish. The current run continues through April 30.Watch live here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="https://live.umpquafish.com/">https://live.umpquafish.com/</a>or <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWreIhLdNag">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWreIhLdNag</a>

Nearly 7,000 fish counted at Winchester Dam with two months left in the season

The winter steelhead run on the North Umpqua River is off to a strong year, already exceeding last season's full total with roughly two months still remaining.

As of March 2, a total of 6,951 winter steelhead had passed over Winchester Dam. That surpasses the entire 2024/2025 run of 6,221 fish. The current run continues through April 30.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWreIhLdNag

Winter Steelhead Run on the North Umpqua Surpasses Last Year's Total

After all of Oregon was finally drought free for the first time in 7 years in 2025, a mild winter has us in pretty rough shape going into spring. Ticks and yellow jackets will likely be worse this spring/summer and river levels will be very low by mid summer. Crater Lake has 37 inches of snow, 59 inches below normal. Typical snowpack up at Crater Lake for today is 96 inches.

March 2025



March 2026

After all of Oregon was finally drought free for the first time in 7 years in 2025, a mild winter has us in pretty rough shape going into spring. Ticks and yellow jackets will likely be worse this spring/summer and river levels will be very low by mid summer. Crater Lake has 37 inches of snow, 59 inches below normal. Typical snowpack up at Crater Lake for today is 96 inches.<h3 class="!font-semibold tracking-tight">March 2025</h3><img class="rounded-lg max-w-full h-auto my-4" src="https://www.jointrackercdn.com/img/w:1500/h:1500/q:75/f:jpg/rt:fit/plain/s3://join-tracker-prod/images/5b0fbf39-8367-409a-905d-88ea54b559b6"><h3 class="!font-semibold tracking-tight">March 2026</h3><img class="rounded-lg max-w-full h-auto my-4" src="https://www.jointrackercdn.com/img/w:1500/h:1500/q:75/f:jpg/rt:fit/plain/s3://join-tracker-prod/images/9b776a70-bdba-4af4-8f89-b06c7f56b52f">

LORD, please show us mercy this summer, in Jesus name. AMEN

A mild winter has left Oregon with reduced snowpack heading into spring, raising concerns about river levels and insect activity later this year.

After all of Oregon was finally drought free for the first time in 7 years in 2025, a mild winter has us in pretty rough shape going into spring. Ticks and yellow jackets will likely be worse this spring/summer and river levels will be very low by mid summer. Crater Lake has 37 inches of snow, 59 inches below normal. Typical snowpack up at Crater Lake for today is 96 inches.

Oregon Faces Challenges After Mild Winter

ROSEBURG, Ore. – A man is presumed drowned following an incident in the South Umpqua River on Friday.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, at approximately 7:23 a.m., Douglas County 911 dispatchers received a report of a man stranded in the middle of the South Umpqua River yelling for help.

The Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple other agencies responded to the area and located the man in the river near Portland Avenue. Rescue boats from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched.

Initial responders attempted to coordinate a rescue, which was only accessible by boat due to the swift current. As boats were responding, the victim lost his grip and was swept downstream. Deputies attempted to throw a rescue rope to the man, but the rescue attempt was unsuccessful. The victim eventually went under the water and did not resurface.  

Recovery attempts continued for several more hours unsuccessfully. Additional search efforts will continue in the days ahead.

Through the investigation, deputies learned the man had attempted to cross the river in a raft, using a stick to move propel himself across the river. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.


Via DCSO.

Man Presumed Drowned in South Umpqua River

The Olsrud family, which has owned and operated Sherm's Markets since 1967, is planning to sell the company, including its four Southern Oregon grocery stores and warehouse.

The chain was founded by Sherm and Wanda Olsrud, who opened their first store, Sherm's Thunderbird Market, in West Medford. It expanded to Klamath Falls in 1974 and added a Food 4 Less location in Medford in 1985. In April 2000, the company purchased the struggling Food World in Roseburg, keeping much of the original staff and converting it to a 24-hour warehouse-style operation.

The decision to sell follows the passing of both founders, Sherman in 2019 and Wanda, who died in late December at the age of 100. Their eldest son Steve, who has led the company in recent years, has been working on a succession plan.

It is important to note that a sale of the company does not necessarily mean store closures. The future of individual locations, including the Roseburg store, will depend on who acquires the business and what plans they have going forward.

The Olsrud family has been a major supporter of communities across Southern Oregon for decades. In Douglas County, the company has donated to the YMCA, Music on the Half Shell, CASA, United Community Action Network, Wildlife Safari, and other local organizations. The family is also well known for donating tens of thousands of pounds of food to regional food banks each year and gave $12 million to the Asante Foundation in 2022 for the Olsrud Women's and Children's Hospital.

The company employs more than 600 people across its locations, and is known for the loyalty and longevity of its staff.

Photo by Abraham Finlay
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A message from Bob Ames, General Manager:

“Message to our customers.

Sherm’s would like to confirm that our stores are up for sale.  Our goal is to find that right partner that will keep the stores operating just as they have for many years.  Serving the community and taking good care of our 500 plus employees.  Steve Olsrud, who has run the company for almost 30 years, is 78 years old and has chosen to work on this succession plan to try and accomplish this.  Steve’s desire is to keep the company operating in the same manner it has been operating for many years.

We plan on this company being around for many years.

We love this community and appreciate how very good you have been to us.  The generations of families who have done business with us have just been amazing and is very much appreciated.

Per Steve Olsrud it is business as usual.

Go Sherm’s

Sincerely,

Bob Ames
General Manager
Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets, Inc.”

lisa hunter

Tricia P

Suzan Estrada

Mike Colby

Raine Walker

Olsrud Family to Sell Sherm's Markets and Grocery Stores

Roseburg will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, for a new $2.5 million outdoor tennis and pickleball facility in Stewart Park next to the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center.

The facility includes eight renovated tennis courts, 10 dedicated pickleball courts, new fencing, lighting, seating, an entryway and a security system. The previous courts were more than 50 years old.

Funding came from a $750,000 state grant, $523,000 in city funds and $1.1 million in community funds raised by the nonprofit Umpqua Valley Tennis Center.

Court fees are $2 for adults. Players 18 and under play free. A month-to-month outdoor-only membership is available at $25 for adults and $45 for households.