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Ryan Finlay

Abraham found a Song Sparrow hiding in the grass this morning. 

Photo by Abraham Finlay 

Ryan Finlay on Roseburg Tracker: "Abraham found a Song Sparrow hiding in the grass this morning. 

Photo by Abraham Finlay "

Moses Finlay

Josh Gaunt

Firefighters contained an estimated two-acre wildfire about 11 miles southeast of Tiller on Wednesday after the Douglas Forest Protective Association's camera detection center spotted a smoke column around noon, according to a DFPA news release.

Wildland crews from DFPA and the Umpqua National Forest's Tiller Ranger District responded jointly within a mutual aid response block. They found the fire burning in an inactive industrial slash unit with no threat to homes or structures. Firefighters stopped the fire's forward spread quickly, and a DFPA dozer helped establish containment lines around the full perimeter. Mop-up operations were expected to continue today, and DFPA said limited smoke may still be visible in the area.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Memorial Day Fire Safety Warning

The Shed Camp fire comes as DFPA is urging residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution over the Memorial Day weekend. Warmer temperatures and drying conditions have pushed fire danger higher across the Douglas District, and neighboring Oregon Department of Forestry districts in Josephine and Jackson counties have already entered fire season. DFPA said fire season in the Douglas District is expected to begin soon.

The agency issued the following safety guidance for anyone spending time outdoors this weekend:

Fully extinguish campfires until they are cold to the touch. Never park or drive over dry grass. Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. Keep water and tools nearby when using equipment outdoors. Check current fire restrictions before heading out. Inspect previously burned debris piles for remaining internal heat, which can cause reignition in warm and windy conditions.

DFPA also asked residents to stop debris burning for now and instead cover prepared piles with tarps or plastic sheeting for safer burning after fire season ends. Piles that were burned before fire season and not fully extinguished can reignite during the hotter, drier summer months, the agency warned. Covering piles with sides left partially open for airflow keeps the material dry and makes for cleaner, more efficient burns when fall rains return.

Debris burning should resume only after fire season restrictions are lifted and rainfall returns, according to DFPA. Residents should check current regulations and burn requirements before igniting any debris pile.

Firefighters contained an estimated two-acre wildfire about 11 miles southeast of Tiller on Wednesday after the Douglas Forest Protective Association's camera detection center spotted a smoke column around noon, according to a DFPA news release.Wildland crews from DFPA and the Umpqua National Forest's Tiller Ranger District responded jointly within a mutual aid response block. They found the fire burning in an inactive industrial slash unit with no threat to homes or structures. Firefighters stopped the fire's forward spread quickly, and a DFPA dozer helped establish containment lines around the full perimeter. Mop-up operations were expected to continue today, and DFPA said limited smoke may still be visible in the area.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Memorial Day Fire Safety WarningThe Shed Camp fire comes as DFPA is urging residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution over the Memorial Day weekend. Warmer temperatures and drying conditions have pushed fire danger higher across the Douglas District, and neighboring Oregon Department of Forestry districts in Josephine and Jackson counties have already entered fire season. DFPA said fire season in the Douglas District is expected to begin soon.The agency issued the following safety guidance for anyone spending time outdoors this weekend:Fully extinguish campfires until they are cold to the touch. Never park or drive over dry grass. Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. Keep water and tools nearby when using equipment outdoors. Check current fire restrictions before heading out. Inspect previously burned debris piles for remaining internal heat, which can cause reignition in warm and windy conditions.DFPA also asked residents to stop debris burning for now and instead cover prepared piles with tarps or plastic sheeting for safer burning after fire season ends. Piles that were burned before fire season and not fully extinguished can reignite during the hotter, drier summer months, the agency warned. Covering piles with sides left partially open for airflow keeps the material dry and makes for cleaner, more efficient burns when fall rains return.Debris burning should resume only after fire season restrictions are lifted and rainfall returns, according to DFPA. Residents should check current regulations and burn requirements before igniting any debris pile.

Elijah Finlay

Crews stopped a small fire southeast of Tiller as DFPA urges fire caution heading into Memorial Day weekend

Firefighters contained an estimated two-acre wildfire about 11 miles southeast of Tiller on Wednesday after the Douglas Forest Protective Association's camera detection center spotted a smoke column around noon, according to a DFPA news release.

Wildland crews from DFPA and the Umpqua National Forest's Tiller Ranger District responded jointly within a mutual aid response block. They found the fire burning in an inactive industrial slash unit with no threat to homes or structures. Firefighters stopped the fire's forward spread quickly, and a DFPA dozer helped establish containment lines around the full perimeter. Mop-up operations were expected to continue today, and DFPA said limited smoke may still be visible in the area.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Shed Camp fire comes as DFPA is urging residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution over the Memorial Day weekend. Warmer temperatures and drying conditions have pushed fire danger higher across the Douglas District, and neighboring Oregon Department of Forestry districts in Josephine and Jackson counties have already entered fire season. DFPA said fire season in the Douglas District is expected to begin soon.

The agency issued the following safety guidance for anyone spending time outdoors this weekend:

Fully extinguish campfires until they are cold to the touch. Never park or drive over dry grass. Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. Keep water and tools nearby when using equipment outdoors. Check current fire restrictions before heading out. Inspect previously burned debris piles for remaining internal heat, which can cause reignition in warm and windy conditions.

DFPA also asked residents to stop debris burning for now and instead cover prepared piles with tarps or plastic sheeting for safer burning after fire season ends. Piles that were burned before fire season and not fully extinguished can reignite during the hotter, drier summer months, the agency warned. Covering piles with sides left partially open for airflow keeps the material dry and makes for cleaner, more efficient burns when fall rains return.

Debris burning should resume only after fire season restrictions are lifted and rainfall returns, according to DFPA. Residents should check current regulations and burn requirements before igniting any debris pile.

Two-Acre Wildfire Near Tiller Contained as DFPA Urges Caution Ahead of Memorial Day

Music on the Half Shell has released the 2026 summer lineup, with eight acts set to perform on Tuesday evenings from June 23 through August 11 at the Half Shell (Nichols Band Shell) in Stewart Park. All shows run from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, as it has been since the concert series launched in 1992.

The schedule: 

	•	June 23: John Jorgenson (gypsy jazz, world music, bluegrass)

	•	June 30: Amelia Day (folk, rock, pop)

	•	July 7: Paul McDonald (rock, singer-songwriter)

	•	July 14: Jujuba (Nigerian Afrobeat, Juju music)

	•	July 21: Garrett T. Willie (blues, rock)

	•	July 28: Glitterfox (rock, new wave, Americana)

	•	Aug. 4: Jackie Venson (blues, electro-funk, rock)

	•	Aug. 11: MarchFourth (psychedelic punk rock marching band)

Several performers bring notable credentials. McDonald finished eighth on season ten of “American Idol.” Jujuba is a 10-piece ensemble based in Portland. Venson was selected for Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase in 2024. MarchFourth, closing the season, is a Portland marching band and circus troupe featuring a seven-part horn section, acrobats, stilt walkers and dancers.

Food trucks and vendors will be on site, and concertgoers are welcome to bring their own meals, including wine or beer.

Music on the Half Shell has released the 2026 summer lineup, with eight acts set to perform on Tuesday evenings from June 23 through August 11 at the Half Shell (Nichols Band Shell) in Stewart Park. All shows run from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, as it has been since the concert series launched in 1992.The schedule: 	•	June 23: John Jorgenson (gypsy jazz, world music, bluegrass)	•	June 30: Amelia Day (folk, rock, pop)	•	July 7: Paul McDonald (rock, singer-songwriter)	•	July 14: Jujuba (Nigerian Afrobeat, Juju music)	•	July 21: Garrett T. Willie (blues, rock)	•	July 28: Glitterfox (rock, new wave, Americana)	•	Aug. 4: Jackie Venson (blues, electro-funk, rock)	•	Aug. 11: MarchFourth (psychedelic punk rock marching band)Several performers bring notable credentials. McDonald finished eighth on season ten of “American Idol.” Jujuba is a 10-piece ensemble based in Portland. Venson was selected for Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase in 2024. MarchFourth, closing the season, is a Portland marching band and circus troupe featuring a seven-part horn section, acrobats, stilt walkers and dancers.Food trucks and vendors will be on site, and concertgoers are welcome to bring their own meals, including wine or beer.

Eight free Tuesday night concerts run from late June through mid-August

Music on the Half Shell has released the 2026 summer lineup, with eight acts set to perform on Tuesday evenings from June 23 through August 11 at the Half Shell (Nichols Band Shell) in Stewart Park. All shows run from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, as it has been since the concert series launched in 1992.

	•	June 23: John Jorgenson (gypsy jazz, world music, bluegrass)

	•	June 30: Amelia Day (folk, rock, pop)

	•	July 7: Paul McDonald (rock, singer-songwriter)

	•	July 14: Jujuba (Nigerian Afrobeat, Juju music)

	•	July 21: Garrett T. Willie (blues, rock)

	•	July 28: Glitterfox (rock, new wave, Americana)

	•	Aug. 4: Jackie Venson (blues, electro-funk, rock)

	•	Aug. 11: MarchFourth (psychedelic punk rock marching band)

Several performers bring notable credentials. McDonald finished eighth on season ten of “American Idol.” Jujuba is a 10-piece ensemble based in Portland. Venson was selected for Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase in 2024. MarchFourth, closing the season, is a Portland marching band and circus troupe featuring a seven-part horn section, acrobats, stilt walkers and dancers.

Food trucks and vendors will be on site, and concertgoers are welcome to bring their own meals, including wine or beer.

Music on the Half Shell Announces Lineup for 34th Season

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The pizza parlor where Abby’s Legendary Pizza got its start more than six decades ago is undergoing a renovation, with the full project expected to wrap up in early summer.

Abby’s closed its original Stephens Street location Sunday evening to begin the work and expects to reopen Wednesday evening for dinner. The complete renovation is expected to finish in early summer, according to a statement from the company.

The restaurant has operated at that spot since high school friends Abby Broughton and Bob “Skinny” Harrell, along with their wives Connie and Loretta, opened it in 1964. The refreshed space will feature updated finishes and design touches honoring the restaurant’s roots in Douglas County, its founders and the loyal customer base that has kept coming back for 62 years. The company also plans to bring back a longtime customer favorite menu item and install vintage pieces from its earliest days.

“We want this remodel to celebrate those memories while preparing this location for another 62 years of serving Douglas County,” company President Mike Hudspeth said. “This is a truly special place in our company’s history.”

During the brief closure, the Diamond Lake Boulevard location roughly two miles away is bringing on additional staff and widening its delivery area to pick up the slack.

The renovation comes during a period of growth for the family owned company. Earlier this month, Abby’s opened its 37th location, in Hillsboro. Many of the first customers through the doors at that new parlor shared memories of visiting the Stephens Street restaurant growing up.

Abby’s, which remains headquartered in Roseburg and employs more than 800 people across its locations, plans a three day community celebration once the project is finished. Customers who want to share their own Abby’s stories, photos or mementos can send them to social@abbys.com.

“This will always be a place where the community gathers, nonprofits host fundraisers and families enjoy legendary pizza with toppings to the edge,” Hudspeth said.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The pizza parlor where Abby’s Legendary Pizza got its start more than six decades ago is undergoing a renovation, with the full project expected to wrap up in early summer.Abby’s closed its original Stephens Street location Sunday evening to begin the work and expects to reopen Wednesday evening for dinner. The complete renovation is expected to finish in early summer, according to a statement from the company.The restaurant has operated at that spot since high school friends Abby Broughton and Bob “Skinny” Harrell, along with their wives Connie and Loretta, opened it in 1964. The refreshed space will feature updated finishes and design touches honoring the restaurant’s roots in Douglas County, its founders and the loyal customer base that has kept coming back for 62 years. The company also plans to bring back a longtime customer favorite menu item and install vintage pieces from its earliest days.“We want this remodel to celebrate those memories while preparing this location for another 62 years of serving Douglas County,” company President Mike Hudspeth said. “This is a truly special place in our company’s history.”During the brief closure, the Diamond Lake Boulevard location roughly two miles away is bringing on additional staff and widening its delivery area to pick up the slack.The renovation comes during a period of growth for the family owned company. Earlier this month, Abby’s opened its 37th location, in Hillsboro. Many of the first customers through the doors at that new parlor shared memories of visiting the Stephens Street restaurant growing up.Abby’s, which remains headquartered in Roseburg and employs more than 800 people across its locations, plans a three day community celebration once the project is finished. Customers who want to share their own Abby’s stories, photos or mementos can send them to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="mailto:social@abbys.com">social@abbys.com</a>.“This will always be a place where the community gathers, nonprofits host fundraisers and families enjoy legendary pizza with toppings to the edge,” Hudspeth said.

Kathy Guentner

The Stephens Street location where it all began is getting a refresh after 62 years

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The pizza parlor where Abby’s Legendary Pizza got its start more than six decades ago is undergoing a renovation, with the full project expected to wrap up in early summer.

Abby’s closed its original Stephens Street location Sunday evening to begin the work and expects to reopen Wednesday evening for dinner. The complete renovation is expected to finish in early summer, according to a statement from the company.

The restaurant has operated at that spot since high school friends Abby Broughton and Bob “Skinny” Harrell, along with their wives Connie and Loretta, opened it in 1964. The refreshed space will feature updated finishes and design touches honoring the restaurant’s roots in Douglas County, its founders and the loyal customer base that has kept coming back for 62 years. The company also plans to bring back a longtime customer favorite menu item and install vintage pieces from its earliest days.

“We want this remodel to celebrate those memories while preparing this location for another 62 years of serving Douglas County,” company President Mike Hudspeth said. “This is a truly special place in our company’s history.”

During the brief closure, the Diamond Lake Boulevard location roughly two miles away is bringing on additional staff and widening its delivery area to pick up the slack.

The renovation comes during a period of growth for the family owned company. Earlier this month, Abby’s opened its 37th location, in Hillsboro. Many of the first customers through the doors at that new parlor shared memories of visiting the Stephens Street restaurant growing up.

Abby’s, which remains headquartered in Roseburg and employs more than 800 people across its locations, plans a three day community celebration once the project is finished. Customers who want to share their own Abby’s stories, photos or mementos can send them to 

“This will always be a place where the community gathers, nonprofits host fundraisers and families enjoy legendary pizza with toppings to the edge,” Hudspeth said.

Abby’s Legendary Pizza Remodeling Its Original 1964 Roseburg Parlor

There was a great turnout this morning for the Diamond Lake Boulevard cleanup put on by Rusty Mentes - Country Financial! Volunteers picked up litter and trash all the way from the library out to Sunshine Park on the north side of the highway! Big thank you to all the volunteers, ODOT, Backside Brewing Co for supporting the after party and Rusty Mentes and his great crew for organizing this!

There was a great turnout this morning for the Diamond Lake Boulevard cleanup put on by Rusty Mentes - Country Financial! Volunteers picked up litter and trash all the way from the library out to Sunshine Park on the north side of the highway! Big thank you to all the volunteers, ODOT, Backside Brewing Co for supporting the after party and Rusty Mentes and his great crew for organizing this!

Volunteers Turn Out for Diamond Lake Boulevard Cleanup in Roseburg

Reminder: This Saturday, May 16 is the community cleanup along Diamond Lake Boulevard from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at 2776 NE Diamond Lake Blvd for assignments. Volunteers are welcome at Backside Brewery afterward. Give Rusty Mentes' office a call for questions. (541) 440-0473.

Reminder: This Saturday, May 16 is the community cleanup along Diamond Lake Boulevard from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at 2776 NE Diamond Lake Blvd for assignments. Volunteers are welcome at Backside Brewery afterward. Give Rusty Mentes' office a call for questions. (541) 440-0473.

Community Cleanup Along Diamond Lake Boulevard Set for Saturday May 16

All play equipment has been installed at Brown Park in southwest Roseburg as the $1.1 million renovation project enters its final stages, according to Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx.

A concrete contractor is expected to spend the remainder of this week setting forms and pouring concrete at the site near the corner of Harvard Avenue and Francis Street. Installation of ForeverLawn artificial turf surfacing is scheduled for next week. Herinckx said the city hopes to open the park by mid-June.

The project, funded in part by a $667,050 state grant and a $150,000 private donation, will more than double the size of one of Roseburg's oldest parks. The redesigned space features universally accessible play structures for children ages 2 to 12, including equipment specifically designed for kids with disabilities. A wheelchair-accessible roundabout, a roller slide safe for children with cochlear implants, and sensory panels are among the inclusive features.

The expansion was made possible after a local family sold .55 acres of adjacent property and Roseburg-area residents Kelley and David Trinchero donated $150,000 toward its purchase. Much of the construction labor has been performed by city parks and public works staff, according to a city statement.

The renovated park will also include a covered pavilion, ADA-compliant parking, a new sidewalk along Francis Street, and perimeter fencing.

All play equipment has been installed at Brown Park in southwest Roseburg as the $1.1 million renovation project enters its final stages, according to Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx.A concrete contractor is expected to spend the remainder of this week setting forms and pouring concrete at the site near the corner of Harvard Avenue and Francis Street. Installation of ForeverLawn artificial turf surfacing is scheduled for next week. Herinckx said the city hopes to open the park by mid-June.The project, funded in part by a $667,050 state grant and a $150,000 private donation, will more than double the size of one of Roseburg's oldest parks. The redesigned space features universally accessible play structures for children ages 2 to 12, including equipment specifically designed for kids with disabilities. A wheelchair-accessible roundabout, a roller slide safe for children with cochlear implants, and sensory panels are among the inclusive features.The expansion was made possible after a local family sold .55 acres of adjacent property and Roseburg-area residents Kelley and David Trinchero donated $150,000 toward its purchase. Much of the construction labor has been performed by city parks and public works staff, according to a city statement.The renovated park will also include a covered pavilion, ADA-compliant parking, a new sidewalk along Francis Street, and perimeter fencing.

City expects to open the accessible playground by mid-June

All play equipment has been installed at Brown Park in southwest Roseburg as the $1.1 million renovation project enters its final stages, according to Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx.

A concrete contractor is expected to spend the remainder of this week setting forms and pouring concrete at the site near the corner of Harvard Avenue and Francis Street. Installation of ForeverLawn artificial turf surfacing is scheduled for next week. Herinckx said the city hopes to open the park by mid-June.

The project, funded in part by a $667,050 state grant and a $150,000 private donation, will more than double the size of one of Roseburg's oldest parks. The redesigned space features universally accessible play structures for children ages 2 to 12, including equipment specifically designed for kids with disabilities. A wheelchair-accessible roundabout, a roller slide safe for children with cochlear implants, and sensory panels are among the inclusive features.

The expansion was made possible after a local family sold .55 acres of adjacent property and Roseburg-area residents Kelley and David Trinchero donated $150,000 toward its purchase. Much of the construction labor has been performed by city parks and public works staff, according to a city statement.

The renovated park will also include a covered pavilion, ADA-compliant parking, a new sidewalk along Francis Street, and perimeter fencing.

Related

Two-Acre Wildfire Near Tiller Contained as DFPA Urges Caution Ahead of Memorial Day

Music on the Half Shell Announces Lineup for 34th Season

Abby’s Legendary Pizza Remodeling Its Original 1964 Roseburg Parlor

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Two-Acre Wildfire Near Tiller Contained as DFPA Urges Caution Ahead of Memorial Day

Music on the Half Shell Announces Lineup for 34th Season

Abby’s Legendary Pizza Remodeling Its Original 1964 Roseburg Parlor

Volunteers Turn Out for Diamond Lake Boulevard Cleanup in Roseburg

Community Cleanup Along Diamond Lake Boulevard Set for Saturday May 16

Brown Park Renovation Nears Completion in Roseburg

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