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Winds Shift California Wildfire Smoke Out of Douglas County 

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Ryan Finlay

This morning the NWS office in Medford shared good news regarding wildfire smoke from the Northern California fires. 

Expected near surface smoke from the #LavaFire and #TennantFire today through Thu...

This morning the NWS office in Medford shared good news regarding wildfire smoke from the Northern California fires. 

Expected near surface smoke from the #LavaFire and #TennantFire today through Thursday.

Moses Finlay

Hannah Finlay

Rusty Mentes with Country Financial is organizing a cleanup along Diamond Lake Boulevard on Saturday, May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at his office at 2776 NE Diamond Lake Blvd to get assignments, and everyone heads to Backside Brewery afterward.

Rusty Mentes with Country Financial is organizing a cleanup along Diamond Lake Boulevard on Saturday, May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at his office at 2776 NE Diamond Lake Blvd to get assignments, and everyone heads to Backside Brewery afterward.

A group of volunteers in bright orange vests gather under a green and white tent. Some volunteers are receiving instructions from a man in a white hat, while others stand in a line. A pile of green-handled litter grabbers sits on the ground.

Rusty with Country Financial Leads Community Cleanup Effort

Community Cleanup on Diamond Lake Boulevard Set for Saturday May 16

Aviva Health has appointed Patrick Hull as its interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, the organization's board of directors announced.

Hull brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role. He most recently served as executive director and CEO of VA Roseburg Health Care.

The organization said its clinics, programs and services continue to operate normally. No information was provided about the circumstances of the leadership change or the timeline for a permanent appointment.

Aviva Health has appointed Patrick Hull as its interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, the organization's board of directors announced.Hull brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role. He most recently served as executive director and CEO of VA Roseburg Health Care.The organization said its clinics, programs and services continue to operate normally. No information was provided about the circumstances of the leadership change or the timeline for a permanent appointment.

Elijah Finlay

Former VA healthcare executive takes over with three decades of experience

Aviva Health has appointed Patrick Hull as its interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, the organization's board of directors announced.

Hull brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role. He most recently served as executive director and CEO of VA Roseburg Health Care.

The organization said its clinics, programs and services continue to operate normally. No information was provided about the circumstances of the leadership change or the timeline for a permanent appointment.

Aviva Health Names Patrick Hull as Interim CEO

Firefighters across Douglas County responded to three separate fires on Thursday, April 9, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA). The incidents — near Umpqua, Roseburg, and Myrtle Creek — highlight what DFPA officials say are drier-than-normal conditions raising fire danger earlier in the season.

Tyee Road Fire — Umpqua

At approximately 1:30 p.m., firefighters from Kellogg Rural Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire near the 8000 block of Tyee Road in Umpqua. Upon arrival, they found an estimated two-acre fire burning uphill through steep terrain. DFPA engines arrived on scene at 2:13 p.m. and assumed incident command. The confirmed 1.8-acre fire was fully trailed, plumbed, and mopped up before being returned to the landowners.

Baby Bear Fire — Roseburg

At approximately 2:23 p.m., DFPA and private landowner resources responded to an estimated 15- to 20-acre industrial operator fire near Bear Creek Road in Roseburg. Crews found the fire mostly contained within the active operation, with no spread into adjacent timber stands. Additional resources were requested and provided by the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA).

Cool temperatures and precipitation aided suppression efforts. Crews working Thursday completed fire line around approximately 60 percent of the perimeter before securing for the evening. Crews returned Friday to continue progress toward full containment before transitioning the fire back to the landowner.

Morgan Creek Fire — Myrtle Creek

At approximately 3:21 p.m., DFPA crews responded to a single lightning-struck tree near the intersection of Morgan Creek and Gazley Road in Myrtle Creek. A fire measuring one-tenth of an acre was found and quickly extinguished and contained.

DFPA Urges Caution Amid Drought Conditions

DFPA issued a safety message alongside the fire reports, warning that southwest Oregon is currently experiencing drought conditions that are resulting in drier brush earlier in the season than normal. These factors significantly increase the potential for fire spread, even during spring months.

The agency reminded residents to check local regulations and ensure burning is allowed before igniting any fires. Key safety guidelines include:





Burning of logging slash is allowed by permit only.



Burn only in safe weather conditions — avoid windy or dry days.



Create a clear space around burn piles, free of flammable materials.



Keep water and tools on-site and ready for immediate use.



Never leave a fire unattended — stay with it until it is completely out.



Drown, stir, and feel — ensure ashes are cold to the touch before leaving.



Even small burns can escape quickly under dry conditions. Taking a few extra steps now can prevent a wildfire.

For more information, contact DFPA Public Information Officer Rachael Pope at 541-672-6507 ext. 120 or visit www.dfpa.net.

Firefighters across Douglas County responded to three separate fires on Thursday, April 9, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA). The incidents — near Umpqua, Roseburg, and Myrtle Creek — highlight what DFPA officials say are drier-than-normal conditions raising fire danger earlier in the season.<h2 class="!font-semibold tracking-tight">Tyee Road Fire — Umpqua</h2>At approximately 1:30 p.m., firefighters from Kellogg Rural Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire near the 8000 block of Tyee Road in Umpqua. Upon arrival, they found an estimated two-acre fire burning uphill through steep terrain. DFPA engines arrived on scene at 2:13 p.m. and assumed incident command. The confirmed 1.8-acre fire was fully trailed, plumbed, and mopped up before being returned to the landowners.<h2 class="!font-semibold tracking-tight">Baby Bear Fire — Roseburg</h2>At approximately 2:23 p.m., DFPA and private landowner resources responded to an estimated 15- to 20-acre industrial operator fire near Bear Creek Road in Roseburg. Crews found the fire mostly contained within the active operation, with no spread into adjacent timber stands. Additional resources were requested and provided by the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA).Cool temperatures and precipitation aided suppression efforts. Crews working Thursday completed fire line around approximately 60 percent of the perimeter before securing for the evening. Crews returned Friday to continue progress toward full containment before transitioning the fire back to the landowner.<h2 class="!font-semibold tracking-tight">Morgan Creek Fire — Myrtle Creek</h2>At approximately 3:21 p.m., DFPA crews responded to a single lightning-struck tree near the intersection of Morgan Creek and Gazley Road in Myrtle Creek. A fire measuring one-tenth of an acre was found and quickly extinguished and contained.<h2 class="!font-semibold tracking-tight">DFPA Urges Caution Amid Drought Conditions</h2>DFPA issued a safety message alongside the fire reports, warning that southwest Oregon is currently experiencing drought conditions that are resulting in drier brush earlier in the season than normal. These factors significantly increase the potential for fire spread, even during spring months.The agency reminded residents to check local regulations and ensure burning is allowed before igniting any fires. Key safety guidelines include:<ul class="!mt-4 !mb-6"><li class="!-my-2">Burning of logging slash is allowed by permit only.</li><li class="!-my-2">Burn only in safe weather conditions — avoid windy or dry days.</li><li class="!-my-2">Create a clear space around burn piles, free of flammable materials.</li><li class="!-my-2">Keep water and tools on-site and ready for immediate use.</li><li class="!-my-2">Never leave a fire unattended — stay with it until it is completely out.</li><li class="!-my-2">Drown, stir, and feel — ensure ashes are cold to the touch before leaving.</li></ul><blockquote class="!border-l-4 !border-gray-300 !pl-4 !italic !text-gray-700">Even small burns can escape quickly under dry conditions. Taking a few extra steps now can prevent a wildfire.</blockquote>For more information, contact DFPA Public Information Officer Rachael Pope at 541-672-6507 ext. 120 or visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="http://www.dfpa.net">www.dfpa.net</a>.

Earl M. McCormack

Esther Finlay

Kathy Guentner

DFPA responds to blazes near Roseburg, Umpqua, and Myrtle Creek

Firefighters across Douglas County responded to three separate fires on Thursday, April 9, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA). The incidents — near Umpqua, Roseburg, and Myrtle Creek — highlight what DFPA officials say are drier-than-normal conditions raising fire danger earlier in the season.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., firefighters from Kellogg Rural Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire near the 8000 block of Tyee Road in Umpqua. Upon arrival, they found an estimated two-acre fire burning uphill through steep terrain. DFPA engines arrived on scene at 2:13 p.m. and assumed incident command. The confirmed 1.8-acre fire was fully trailed, plumbed, and mopped up before being returned to the landowners.

At approximately 2:23 p.m., DFPA and private landowner resources responded to an estimated 15- to 20-acre industrial operator fire near Bear Creek Road in Roseburg. Crews found the fire mostly contained within the active operation, with no spread into adjacent timber stands. Additional resources were requested and provided by the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA).

Cool temperatures and precipitation aided suppression efforts. Crews working Thursday completed fire line around approximately 60 percent of the perimeter before securing for the evening. Crews returned Friday to continue progress toward full containment before transitioning the fire back to the landowner.

At approximately 3:21 p.m., DFPA crews responded to a single lightning-struck tree near the intersection of Morgan Creek and Gazley Road in Myrtle Creek. A fire measuring one-tenth of an acre was found and quickly extinguished and contained.

DFPA Urges Caution Amid Drought Conditions

DFPA issued a safety message alongside the fire reports, warning that southwest Oregon is currently experiencing 

 that are resulting in drier brush earlier in the season than normal. These factors significantly increase the potential for fire spread, even during spring months.

The agency reminded residents to check local regulations and ensure burning is allowed before igniting any fires. Key safety guidelines include:

For more information, contact DFPA Public Information Officer Rachael Pope at 541-672-6507 ext. 120 or visit 

Three Fires Reported Across Douglas County on Thursday

Douglas County residents and small businesses can dispose of unwanted electronics for free at the Roseburg Transfer Station on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, organized by the Douglas County Solid Waste Department in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles, will accept a wide range of household electronics at 165 West McLain Avenue. Accepted items include computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, video game systems, power tools, and dozens of other devices. Those planning to bring more than seven items should contact St. Vincent de Paul in advance at (541) 513-4288.

Several categories of items will not be accepted: loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, glass-containing items such as microwaves, light bulbs, and lighting ballasts. Organizers reserve the right to turn away anything deemed hazardous, unsafe, or unsanitary.

According to the press release, the world generates roughly 50 million tons of electronic waste annually, with only about 20 percent recycled properly. Improperly handled e-waste can leach heavy metals and toxins into soil and water and is a leading cause of landfill fires.

Questions can be directed to Daven Stetson at St. Vincent de Paul at (541) 513-4288 or daven.stetson@svdp.us.

Douglas County residents and small businesses can dispose of unwanted electronics for free at the Roseburg Transfer Station on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The event, organized by the Douglas County Solid Waste Department in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles, will accept a wide range of household electronics at 165 West McLain Avenue. Accepted items include computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, video game systems, power tools, and dozens of other devices. Those planning to bring more than seven items should contact St. Vincent de Paul in advance at (541) 513-4288.Several categories of items will not be accepted: loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, glass-containing items such as microwaves, light bulbs, and lighting ballasts. Organizers reserve the right to turn away anything deemed hazardous, unsafe, or unsanitary.According to the press release, the world generates roughly 50 million tons of electronic waste annually, with only about 20 percent recycled properly. Improperly handled e-waste can leach heavy metals and toxins into soil and water and is a leading cause of landfill fires.Questions can be directed to Daven Stetson at St. Vincent de Paul at (541) 513-4288 or <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="mailto:daven.stetson@svdp.us">daven.stetson@svdp.us</a>.

Tricia P

Douglas County residents can drop off old devices at no cost on April 25

Douglas County residents and small businesses can dispose of unwanted electronics for free at the Roseburg Transfer Station on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, organized by the Douglas County Solid Waste Department in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles, will accept a wide range of household electronics at 165 West McLain Avenue. Accepted items include computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, video game systems, power tools, and dozens of other devices. Those planning to bring more than seven items should contact St. Vincent de Paul in advance at (541) 513-4288.

Several categories of items will not be accepted: loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, glass-containing items such as microwaves, light bulbs, and lighting ballasts. Organizers reserve the right to turn away anything deemed hazardous, unsafe, or unsanitary.

According to the press release, the world generates roughly 50 million tons of electronic waste annually, with only about 20 percent recycled properly. Improperly handled e-waste can leach heavy metals and toxins into soil and water and is a leading cause of landfill fires.

Questions can be directed to Daven Stetson at St. Vincent de Paul at (541) 513-4288 or 

Free Electronics Recycling Event Set for Roseburg in April

Roseburg Disposal has started distributing more than 10,000 wheeled recycling carts to customers this month, with curbside collection starting the week of May 4.

The new carts replace the previous system and feature attached lids designed to keep contents dry. Each delivery includes a recycling guide and a collection calendar. Recycling pickup will occur every other week on customers' regular collection days.

Funding for the rollout came through Oregon's Extended Producer Responsibility program for packaging and paper. Circular Action Alliance Oregon, the nonprofit organization administering the program, provided nearly $2 million to Roseburg Disposal for the new carts, collection containers and two new recycling trucks, according to a company statement.

Oregon is the first state to implement an EPR law for packaging and paper, a framework that shifts recycling infrastructure costs partly onto the producers of packaging materials. The law, rooted in Oregon's 2021 Recycling Modernization Act, is intended to expand recycling access and help the state meet its recycling targets.

Roseburg Disposal owner Dori John urged customers to review the included recycling guide and place items "empty, dry, and loose" in the new carts to keep materials clean and collections on schedule.

Customers should watch for cart deliveries throughout April and can begin setting carts out for pickup starting the week of May 4.

Roseburg Disposal has started distributing more than 10,000 wheeled recycling carts to customers this month, with curbside collection starting the week of May 4.The new carts replace the previous system and feature attached lids designed to keep contents dry. Each delivery includes a recycling guide and a collection calendar. Recycling pickup will occur every other week on customers' regular collection days.Funding for the rollout came through Oregon's Extended Producer Responsibility program for packaging and paper. Circular Action Alliance Oregon, the nonprofit organization administering the program, provided nearly $2 million to Roseburg Disposal for the new carts, collection containers and two new recycling trucks, according to a company statement.Oregon is the first state to implement an EPR law for packaging and paper, a framework that shifts recycling infrastructure costs partly onto the producers of packaging materials. The law, rooted in Oregon's 2021 Recycling Modernization Act, is intended to expand recycling access and help the state meet its recycling targets.Roseburg Disposal owner Dori John urged customers to review the included recycling guide and place items "empty, dry, and loose" in the new carts to keep materials clean and collections on schedule.Customers should watch for cart deliveries throughout April and can begin setting carts out for pickup starting the week of May 4.

About time!  Excited we are getting this.

Sophia Gardin

Updated carts and recycling guidance arriving for local customers

Roseburg Disposal has started distributing more than 10,000 wheeled recycling carts to customers this month, with curbside collection starting the week of May 4.

The new carts replace the previous system and feature attached lids designed to keep contents dry. Each delivery includes a recycling guide and a collection calendar. Recycling pickup will occur every other week on customers' regular collection days.

Funding for the rollout came through Oregon's Extended Producer Responsibility program for packaging and paper. Circular Action Alliance Oregon, the nonprofit organization administering the program, provided nearly $2 million to Roseburg Disposal for the new carts, collection containers and two new recycling trucks, according to a company statement.

Oregon is the first state to implement an EPR law for packaging and paper, a framework that shifts recycling infrastructure costs partly onto the producers of packaging materials. The law, rooted in Oregon's 2021 Recycling Modernization Act, is intended to expand recycling access and help the state meet its recycling targets.

Roseburg Disposal owner Dori John urged customers to review the included recycling guide and place items "empty, dry, and loose" in the new carts to keep materials clean and collections on schedule.

Customers should watch for cart deliveries throughout April and can begin setting carts out for pickup starting the week of May 4.

Roseburg Disposal Rolling Out 10,000 New Recycling Carts Starting in April

The new shade structure and drinking fountain have been installed at the Roseburg Skate Park next to the Duck Pond! This was a project I started working on several years ago, so it's really cool to see it come to completion. Nikki Messenger, (Roseburg City Manager) and I met several years ago at the skate park and talked with several kids about possible improvements to the park. A drinking fountain and shade structure were among the suggestions. 

So we worked with our Envision Roseburg group and got plans drawn up by Emily Brandt of IE Engineering. Then when Umpqua Health Alliance had a grant opportunity we worked with Thrive Umpqua to obtain a grant which was received by the City of Roseburg. Big thank you to Umpqua Health Alliance, Envision Roseburg Group, Liz Hill and Emily Brandt, Thrive Umpqua, Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx  and the City of Roseburg Parks Department for getting these installed! Also, big shoutout to Romtec out of Glide for building the shade structure! The drinking fountain is out in front of the skate park along the path that walkers/joggers use, and it has a water bottle filling station as well as a dog bowl feature at the bottom of the unit.

The new shade structure and drinking fountain have been installed at the Roseburg Skate Park next to the Duck Pond! This was a project I started working on several years ago, so it's really cool to see it come to completion. Nikki Messenger, (Roseburg City Manager) and I met several years ago at the skate park and talked with several kids about possible improvements to the park. A drinking fountain and shade structure were among the suggestions. So we worked with our Envision Roseburg group and got plans drawn up by Emily Brandt of IE Engineering. Then when Umpqua Health Alliance had a grant opportunity we worked with Thrive Umpqua to obtain a grant which was received by the City of Roseburg. Big thank you to Umpqua Health Alliance, Envision Roseburg Group, Liz Hill and Emily Brandt, Thrive Umpqua, Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx and the City of Roseburg Parks Department for getting these installed! Also, big shoutout to Romtec out of Glide for building the shade structure! The drinking fountain is out in front of the skate park along the path that walkers/joggers use, and it has a water bottle filling station as well as a dog bowl feature at the bottom of the unit.

Hopefully people will appreciate it enough not to vandalize it.

lisa hunter

Pamela J McEwen

RuthAnn Stanley

The new shade structure and drinking fountain have been installed at the Roseburg Skate Park next to the Duck Pond! This was a project I started working on several years ago, so it's really cool to see it come to completion. Nikki Messenger, (Roseburg City Manager) and I met several years ago at the skate park and talked with several kids about possible improvements to the park. A drinking fountain and shade structure were among the suggestions. 

So we worked with our Envision Roseburg group and got plans drawn up by Emily Brandt of IE Engineering. Then when Umpqua Health Alliance had a grant opportunity we worked with Thrive Umpqua to obtain a grant which was received by the City of Roseburg. Big thank you to Umpqua Health Alliance, Envision Roseburg Group, Liz Hill and Emily Brandt, Thrive Umpqua, Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx  and the City of Roseburg Parks Department for getting these installed! Also, big shoutout to Romtec out of Glide for building the shade structure! The drinking fountain is out in front of the skate park along the path that walkers/joggers use, and it has a water bottle filling station as well as a dog bowl feature at the bottom of the unit.

Winds Shift California Wildfire Smoke Out of Douglas County

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Aviva Health Names Patrick Hull as Interim CEO

Three Fires Reported Across Douglas County on Thursday

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Community Cleanup on Diamond Lake Boulevard Set for Saturday May 16

Aviva Health Names Patrick Hull as Interim CEO

Three Fires Reported Across Douglas County on Thursday

Free Electronics Recycling Event Set for Roseburg in April

Roseburg Disposal Rolling Out 10,000 New Recycling Carts Starting in April

New Shade Structure and Drinking Fountain Installed at Roseburg Skate Park

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