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Rare Lark Sparrow Near Depoe Bay

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Abraham Finlay

Another cool rarity I was able to go see this last week on the Oregon Coast was this Lark Sparrow! Lark Sparrows are primarily found in Eastern Oregon so they aren’t very common over here.

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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.

Brown Park Renovation Nears Completion in Roseburg

Brix Grill and Chill in Roseburg will open its seasonal rooftop lounge on Friday, May 15!

The grand opening begins at 4 p.m., with rooftop hours running from 4 to 9 p.m. The lounge side is restricted to guests 21 and older, with no minors permitted.

Once open, the rooftop will operate Thursday through Saturday each week. The restaurant said guests can expect signature cocktails, a full food menu, and live music throughout the season.

Brix Grill and Chill in Roseburg will open its seasonal rooftop lounge on Friday, May 15!The grand opening begins at 4 p.m., with rooftop hours running from 4 to 9 p.m. The lounge side is restricted to guests 21 and older, with no minors permitted.Once open, the rooftop will operate Thursday through Saturday each week. The restaurant said guests can expect signature cocktails, a full food menu, and live music throughout the season.

Laurie Johnson

Restaurant's outdoor lounge returns for the summer season

Brix Grill and Chill in Roseburg will open its seasonal rooftop lounge on Friday, May 15!

The grand opening begins at 4 p.m., with rooftop hours running from 4 to 9 p.m. The lounge side is restricted to guests 21 and older, with no minors permitted.

Once open, the rooftop will operate Thursday through Saturday each week. The restaurant said guests can expect signature cocktails, a full food menu, and live music throughout the season.

Brix Grill and Chill to Open Seasonal Rooftop This Friday

DFPA & Glendale Fire are actively engaged in an aggressive initial attack on an estimated 7–8 acre slash and timber fire near McCollough Creek Rd, northwest of Glendale.

Current DFPA Resources on scene include:

 • 5 engines

• 2 dozers

• 1 water tender

• Overhead command

• Glendale Fire assisting with additional personnel & equipment

At this time, there is no threat to homes or structures.

The cause is under active investigation.

 Please be mindful of increased firefighter traffic in the area.

An official press release will be issued Monday.

via DFPA

DFPA &amp; Glendale Fire are actively engaged in an aggressive initial attack on an estimated 7–8 acre slash and timber fire near McCollough Creek Rd, northwest of Glendale.Current DFPA Resources on scene include: • 5 engines• 2 dozers• 1 water tender• Overhead command• Glendale Fire assisting with additional personnel &amp; equipmentAt this time, there is no threat to homes or structures.The cause is under active investigation. Please be mindful of increased firefighter traffic in the area.An official press release will be issued Monday.via DFPA

DFPA & Glendale Fire are actively engaged in an aggressive initial attack on an estimated 7–8 acre slash and timber fire near McCollough Creek Rd, northwest of Glendale.

• Glendale Fire assisting with additional personnel & equipment

At this time, there is no threat to homes or structures.

 Please be mindful of increased firefighter traffic in the area.

An official press release will be issued Monday.

No Structures Threatened as Crews Fight Lunsbury Fire Near Glendale

The City of Roseburg will host four free outdoor movie nights at Stewart Park's Half Shell on consecutive Friday evenings in June, according to a city announcement released Wednesday.

The series kicks off June 5 with Zootopia 2. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 8 p.m. each Friday, with the featured PG-rated film starting at dusk. All four screenings are free and open to the public.

The full schedule:





June 5: Zootopia 2



June 12: GOAT



June 19: Hoppers



June 26: Frozen Sing-Along

Concessions will be available for purchase, and attendees may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, tobacco, and pets are not allowed. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The city noted that all movies and entertainment are subject to change and weather dependent.

For more information, visit www.roseburgor.gov.

The City of Roseburg will host four free outdoor movie nights at Stewart Park's Half Shell on consecutive Friday evenings in June, according to a city announcement released Wednesday.The series kicks off June 5 with Zootopia 2. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 8 p.m. each Friday, with the featured PG-rated film starting at dusk. All four screenings are free and open to the public.The full schedule:<ul class="!mt-4 !mb-6"><li class="!-my-2">June 5: Zootopia 2</li><li class="!-my-2">June 12: GOAT</li><li class="!-my-2">June 19: Hoppers</li><li class="!-my-2">June 26: Frozen Sing-Along</li></ul>Concessions will be available for purchase, and attendees may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, tobacco, and pets are not allowed. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.The city noted that all movies and entertainment are subject to change and weather dependent.For more information, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="https://www.roseburgor.gov">www.roseburgor.gov</a>.

The City of Roseburg will host four free outdoor movie nights at Stewart Park's Half Shell on consecutive Friday evenings in June, according to a city announcement released Wednesday.

The series kicks off June 5 with Zootopia 2. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 8 p.m. each Friday, with the featured PG-rated film starting at dusk. All four screenings are free and open to the public.

Concessions will be available for purchase, and attendees may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, tobacco, and pets are not allowed. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The city noted that all movies and entertainment are subject to change and weather dependent.

Movies in the Park Returns to Stewart Park Halfshell for Summer 2026

The snow up at Crater Lake National Park is almost completely gone. The average snowpack for this point in the season is around seven feet. For perspective, at the beginning of April last year Crater Lake had almost 13 feet of snow, which is 150% of the median. The state officially free from drought for the first time since 2017.

 Currently, Douglas County is in severe drought territory with no rain in sight and temperatures for the next 10 days looking to be in the mid to upper 70s every day.  This is setting up for very concerning fire conditions heading into summer.

The snow up at Crater Lake National Park is almost completely gone. The average snowpack for this point in the season is around seven feet. For perspective, at the beginning of April last year Crater Lake had almost 13 feet of snow, which is 150% of the median. The state officially free from drought for the first time since 2017. Currently, Douglas County is in severe drought territory with no rain in sight and temperatures for the next 10 days looking to be in the mid to upper 70s every day. This is setting up for very concerning fire conditions heading into summer.

The snow up at Crater Lake National Park is almost completely gone. The average snowpack for this point in the season is around seven feet. For perspective, at the beginning of April last year Crater Lake had almost 13 feet of snow, which is 150% of the median. The state officially free from drought for the first time since 2017.

 Currently, Douglas County is in severe drought territory with no rain in sight and temperatures for the next 10 days looking to be in the mid to upper 70s every day.  This is setting up for very concerning fire conditions heading into summer.

Crater Lake Snowpack Almost Gone, 7 Feet Below Average

On April 19, 2026, Sergeant Dingman submitted the following Letter of Commendation recognizing Officers Vanderzanden and Rose for their exceptional courage, initiative, and professionalism during a life-saving vehicle accident and river rescue that occurred on April 18, 2026. Their decisive actions and commitment to protecting others directly contributed to the safe rescue of all occupants involved in the incident.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Officers Vanderzanden and Rose, 

This letter of commendation is in recognition of your actions on April 18, 2026, during a critical incident involving a vehicle that had left the roadway and overturned into a river, with children reported to be screaming from inside the vehicle. 

Although the incident occurred outside of city limits, both of you independently requested to respond due to the urgency of the call. You arrived prior to my arrival and, despite initial confusion regarding the exact location, quickly located the vehicle. Without hesitation, you made your way down a steep embankment and through dense brush to reach a vehicle that was upside down and partially submerged in the water. 

Officer Vanderzanden removed his external vest and duty belt and entered the water to assist. He removed a one-year-old child from the mother's arms, who was clinging to the vehicle, and handed the child to Officer Rose, who coordinated with responding personnel to move the child up the embankment to an awaiting ambulance. This process was repeated with a second child, who was also safely removed. 

You then worked together to provide a life jacket to the driver. As she attempted to climb out using a rope, she was unable to fully make it up the embankment, at which time Officer Rose assisted in pulling her to safety. 

As a direct result of your actions, all occupants were safely rescued and did not sustain any major injuries. 

Throughout the incident, you maintained a calm and controlled demeanor while managing a highly dynamic and emotionally charged situation. Your ability to communicate effectively with the victims and other first responders helped bring order to a chaotic scene and contributed to a successful rescue. 

Following the incident, I received praise from a Douglas County Sheriff's Office supervisor and fire personnel, all of whom recognized your efforts and professionalism. 

Your initiative, teamwork, and willingness to place yourselves in a hazardous environment to protect others reflect greatly upon yourselves and the Roseburg Police Department and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession. 

Thank you for your dedication to the Roseburg Police Department and the public we serve. 

- Sergeant Ryan Dingman

Via  Roseburg Police.

On April 19, 2026, Sergeant Dingman submitted the following Letter of Commendation recognizing Officers Vanderzanden and Rose for their exceptional courage, initiative, and professionalism during a life-saving vehicle accident and river rescue that occurred on April 18, 2026. Their decisive actions and commitment to protecting others directly contributed to the safe rescue of all occupants involved in the incident.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Officers Vanderzanden and Rose, This letter of commendation is in recognition of your actions on April 18, 2026, during a critical incident involving a vehicle that had left the roadway and overturned into a river, with children reported to be screaming from inside the vehicle. Although the incident occurred outside of city limits, both of you independently requested to respond due to the urgency of the call. You arrived prior to my arrival and, despite initial confusion regarding the exact location, quickly located the vehicle. Without hesitation, you made your way down a steep embankment and through dense brush to reach a vehicle that was upside down and partially submerged in the water. Officer Vanderzanden removed his external vest and duty belt and entered the water to assist. He removed a one-year-old child from the mother's arms, who was clinging to the vehicle, and handed the child to Officer Rose, who coordinated with responding personnel to move the child up the embankment to an awaiting ambulance. This process was repeated with a second child, who was also safely removed. You then worked together to provide a life jacket to the driver. As she attempted to climb out using a rope, she was unable to fully make it up the embankment, at which time Officer Rose assisted in pulling her to safety. As a direct result of your actions, all occupants were safely rescued and did not sustain any major injuries. Throughout the incident, you maintained a calm and controlled demeanor while managing a highly dynamic and emotionally charged situation. Your ability to communicate effectively with the victims and other first responders helped bring order to a chaotic scene and contributed to a successful rescue. Following the incident, I received praise from a Douglas County Sheriff's Office supervisor and fire personnel, all of whom recognized your efforts and professionalism. Your initiative, teamwork, and willingness to place yourselves in a hazardous environment to protect others reflect greatly upon yourselves and the Roseburg Police Department and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession. Thank you for your dedication to the Roseburg Police Department and the public we serve. - Sergeant Ryan DingmanVia Roseburg Police.

Tricia P

Two officers pulled a family from an overturned, submerged vehicle

On April 19, 2026, Sergeant Dingman submitted the following Letter of Commendation recognizing Officers Vanderzanden and Rose for their exceptional courage, initiative, and professionalism during a life-saving vehicle accident and river rescue that occurred on April 18, 2026. Their decisive actions and commitment to protecting others directly contributed to the safe rescue of all occupants involved in the incident.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This letter of commendation is in recognition of your actions on April 18, 2026, during a critical incident involving a vehicle that had left the roadway and overturned into a river, with children reported to be screaming from inside the vehicle. 

Although the incident occurred outside of city limits, both of you independently requested to respond due to the urgency of the call. You arrived prior to my arrival and, despite initial confusion regarding the exact location, quickly located the vehicle. Without hesitation, you made your way down a steep embankment and through dense brush to reach a vehicle that was upside down and partially submerged in the water. 

Officer Vanderzanden removed his external vest and duty belt and entered the water to assist. He removed a one-year-old child from the mother's arms, who was clinging to the vehicle, and handed the child to Officer Rose, who coordinated with responding personnel to move the child up the embankment to an awaiting ambulance. This process was repeated with a second child, who was also safely removed. 

You then worked together to provide a life jacket to the driver. As she attempted to climb out using a rope, she was unable to fully make it up the embankment, at which time Officer Rose assisted in pulling her to safety. 

As a direct result of your actions, all occupants were safely rescued and did not sustain any major injuries. 

Throughout the incident, you maintained a calm and controlled demeanor while managing a highly dynamic and emotionally charged situation. Your ability to communicate effectively with the victims and other first responders helped bring order to a chaotic scene and contributed to a successful rescue. 

Following the incident, I received praise from a Douglas County Sheriff's Office supervisor and fire personnel, all of whom recognized your efforts and professionalism. 

Your initiative, teamwork, and willingness to place yourselves in a hazardous environment to protect others reflect greatly upon yourselves and the Roseburg Police Department and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession. 

Thank you for your dedication to the Roseburg Police Department and the public we serve. 

Rare Lark Sparrow Near Depoe Bay

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