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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

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

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

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>

Hannah Finlay

John Evans

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

Kathy Guentner

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
——————————————-
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.

Abraham Finlay

Roseburg's New Tennis and Pickleball Facility Set to Open in March

For anyone looking for work, or if you know someone looking, the Ford Family Foundation is is hiring an Administrative Associate in Roseburg!

https://www.roseburgtracker.com/jobs/administrative-associate-699cb120ae7a7620b8cda941

Thank you for sharing this. Shared with a friend who has been looking for a new career!

Carter Clark

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County District Attorney, Rick Wesenberg is releasing the following statement regarding the recent criminal case involving two instructional aides from Fremont Middle School in Roseburg.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the Douglas County Grand Jury returned a no true bill in the matter involving 60-year-old Brian Joseph Marsters and 23-year-old Erich Michael Hoque, two instructional aides employed by the Roseburg School District. A no true bill indicates that the Grand Jury determined that there was not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges against either individual.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jodee Jackson presented the case to the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury reviewed surveillance video of the incidents and heard sworn testimony from two instructional aides who were present in the classroom at the time, the school principal, the deputy who investigated the incidents, and the parents of the injured students.

The incident in question resulted in injuries to two students, including one broken arm and a minor laceration that did not require stitches. The injuries occurred in a heavily padded room where the students were playing around large cylindrical mats. Activities included throwing balls and frisbees, wrestling, and other physical games involving both classmates and the instructional aides.

The injuries took place while the students were positioned behind the cylindrical mats. Although the instructional aides who were the subject of the criminal investigation were observed pushing the mats while interacting with the students shortly before the injuries occurred, there is not enough evidence to show that the two instructional aides did anything meaning to intentionally harm the students. The injured students and their families may have the option to pursue civil remedies if they elect to do so.

The investigation involving Nathan Terrance Williams, a 35-year-old teacher at Fremont Middle School employed by the Roseburg School District, is ongoing. Williams has been charged with official misconduct and harassment. The matter will be presented to the Grand Jury in the near future, and the case remains pending.

Via Office of the District Attorney of Douglas County

Grand Jury Clears Two Aides in Roseburg Student Injury Case

Moses built some more features on the new live dashboard on the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby website! There is now live season fish charts showing this year's run compared to last year as well as lots of other data. You can check it out at https://live.umpquafish.com/

Great job Moses Finlay!

Sherryl Bailey

Karen Finlay

Brad Lambert

Marie Gambill

Susan Piekarski

Christie Glen-KnutsonLET

Update: located! thanks everyone! 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person identified as 22-year-old Hannah Elizabeth Olsen of Canyonville. Olsen also goes by the names “Quinn” or “Xavier.”

Olsen was last seen on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m., at her residence in the area of NE Canyon Drive in Canyonville. She is believed to have left the residence on foot later that evening.

Olsen is described as a white adult female, 5’6” tall, weighing 140 lbs, with dark blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last known to be wearing purple-framed glasses, a dark blue and grey zip-up hooded sweatshirt, a pink t-shirt, and blue sweatpants. She was seen carrying a small black backpack-style purse and a custom white-and-blue wolf-print blanket with the name “Hannah” on it.

Family members report Olsen is currently experiencing a mental health crisis and requires routine medication to manage medical conditions.

Anyone with information regarding Olsen’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471 and reference case number 26-0538.

Via DCSO