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Douglas County’s Country Music

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🤠 WIN TICKETS TO THE ULTIMATE COUNTRY PARTY! 🎸 Y'all ready for some boot-scootin' fun? Best Country 103 is teaming up with Seven Feathers Casino Resort to give away tickets to see the incredible Country LIVE tribute band hit the stage! Come and enjoy the music of some of your favorite country greats as Country LIVE performs massive hits from Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan. Get ready to experience the unmatched energy and showmanship of this premier country music experience! SHOW DETAILS: 📅 Doors Open: 7:00 PM 🔞 Age Restriction: Must be 21 or older 📍 Location: Seven Feathers Casino Resort HOW TO WIN: 1. LIKE this post ❤️ 2. TAG your favorite concert buddy in the comments below 👇 3. TUNE IN to Best Country 103 all week long starting Tuesday September 8th to 11th for your cue to call and win! Don't miss out—enter now and get ready for an unforgettable night of live country music. Good luck, y'all! 🍻✨
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 18, 2026

🤠 WIN TICKETS TO THE ULTIMATE COUNTRY PARTY! 🎸 Y'all ready for some boot-scootin' fun? Best Country 103 is teaming up with Seven Feathers Casino Resort to give away tickets to see the incredible Country LIVE tribute band hit the stage! Come and enjoy the music of some of your favorite country greats as Country LIVE performs massive hits from Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan. Get ready to experience the unmatched energy and showmanship of this premier country music experience! SHOW DETAILS: 📅 Doors Open: 7:00 PM 🔞 Age Restriction: Must be 21 or older 📍 Location: Seven Feathers Casino Resort HOW TO WIN: 1. LIKE this post ❤️ 2. TAG your favorite concert buddy in the comments below 👇 3. TUNE IN to Best Country 103 all week long starting Tuesday September 8th to 11th for your cue to call and win! Don't miss out—enter now and get ready for an unforgettable night of live country music. Good luck, y'all! 🍻✨

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Head on down to Good Vibrations Audio Video and find out what deals they can hook you up with!!! Proud Sponsors of Kenny's Country Spotlight.
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 18, 2026

Head on down to Good Vibrations Audio Video and find out what deals they can hook you up with!!! Proud Sponsors of Kenny's Country Spotlight.

🎸 I WISH THAT WAS ME... but instead, it could be YOU! 🍻 We are down to our FINAL PAIR of tickets to see Riley Green on his Cowboy As It Gets Tour 2026 at Cascades Amphitheater on September 17! If you want to catch Riley, Randy Houser, Kashus Culpepper, and Hannah McFarland live, you better get that phone in your hand and listen up! Tune in to Moon & Grubes on Best Country 103 during the morning show, keep your ears open for the cue to call, and dial 541-440-9103! We'll be choosing our lucky winner on Tuesday, September 1st—so don't miss your last shot at a ticket! 🤠🎶 #BestCountry103 #KRSB #RileyGreen #CowboyAsItGetsTour #MoonAndGrubes #CountryMusic
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 18, 2026

🎸 I WISH THAT WAS ME... but instead, it could be YOU! 🍻 We are down to our FINAL PAIR of tickets to see Riley Green on his Cowboy As It Gets Tour 2026 at Cascades Amphitheater on September 17! If you want to catch Riley, Randy Houser, Kashus Culpepper, and Hannah McFarland live, you better get that phone in your hand and listen up! Tune in to Moon & Grubes on Best Country 103 during the morning show, keep your ears open for the cue to call, and dial 541-440-9103! We'll be choosing our lucky winner on Tuesday, September 1st—so don't miss your last shot at a ticket! 🤠🎶 #BestCountry103 #KRSB #RileyGreen #CowboyAsItGetsTour #MoonAndGrubes #CountryMusic

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Ready for the journey of a lifetime? 🇮🇪✨ Join Kyle Bailey and Brooke Communications, in partnership with Travel Leaders Fly Away Travel and Collette, for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through the Emerald Isle from March 19–28, 2027! Travel alongside friends from our local community with everything taken care of, including transportation right from Roseburg and roundtrip airfare from Eugene. 📢 WANT TO LEARN MORE? JOIN US TONIGHT! Have questions about the trip? Come meet with Kyle Bailey of News Radio 1240 KQEN, Brooke Communications, Fly Away Travel, and Collette TODAY from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lotus Media Group Building (the old News-Review building at 345 NE Winchester St). We'll go over all the details, itinerary highlights, and answer any questions you have! From the vibrant streets of Dublin and the legendary Blarney Stone to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and an exclusive overnight stay at the magnificent Cabra Castle, this fully escorted tour combines rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm Irish hospitality. ☘️ Trip Highlights Include: *10 Days of professionally guided sightseeing and cultural experiences *13 Meals Included: 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners, featuring a traditional Irish night with entertainment and a farewell dinner at the castle *Incredible Stops: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, and Kingscourt *Seamless Travel: Transportation from Roseburg and roundtrip airfare from Eugene Priced from just $4,999 per person. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you've been dreaming of returning, come see us tonight or reserve your spot today to start planning your ultimate Irish getaway!
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 18, 2026

Ready for the journey of a lifetime? 🇮🇪✨ Join Kyle Bailey and Brooke Communications, in partnership with Travel Leaders Fly Away Travel and Collette, for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through the Emerald Isle from March 19–28, 2027! Travel alongside friends from our local community with everything taken care of, including transportation right from Roseburg and roundtrip airfare from Eugene. 📢 WANT TO LEARN MORE? JOIN US TONIGHT! Have questions about the trip? Come meet with Kyle Bailey of News Radio 1240 KQEN, Brooke Communications, Fly Away Travel, and Collette TODAY from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lotus Media Group Building (the old News-Review building at 345 NE Winchester St). We'll go over all the details, itinerary highlights, and answer any questions you have! From the vibrant streets of Dublin and the legendary Blarney Stone to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and an exclusive overnight stay at the magnificent Cabra Castle, this fully escorted tour combines rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm Irish hospitality. ☘️ Trip Highlights Include: *10 Days of professionally guided sightseeing and cultural experiences *13 Meals Included: 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners, featuring a traditional Irish night with entertainment and a farewell dinner at the castle *Incredible Stops: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, and Kingscourt *Seamless Travel: Transportation from Roseburg and roundtrip airfare from Eugene Priced from just $4,999 per person. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you've been dreaming of returning, come see us tonight or reserve your spot today to start planning your ultimate Irish getaway!

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🏁 WIN TICKETS TO The Douglas County Dirtrack! 🏁 Best Country 103 and 1490 The Score are giving away daily tickets to the HPP Non-Wing Nationals! Enter Now winners chosen daily from August 17th – 21st at 541RADIO.COM https://541radio.com/2026/08/10/dirt-track-contest-2/ Tickets are valid for August 21st or 22nd. 🏎️ Race Details Classes: Non-Wing Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods Schedule: 5:00 PM Drivers Meeting | 6:00 PM Hot Laps | 7:00 PM Racing Location: Douglas County Dirtrack - 3/10 mile action, concessions, and racing under the lights! Enter now, see you at the Dirt Track and let’s go racing!
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 17, 2026

🏁 WIN TICKETS TO The Douglas County Dirtrack! 🏁 Best Country 103 and 1490 The Score are giving away daily tickets to the HPP Non-Wing Nationals! Enter Now winners chosen daily from August 17th – 21st at 541RADIO.COM https://541radio.com/2026/08/10/dirt-track-contest-2/ Tickets are valid for August 21st or 22nd. 🏎️ Race Details Classes: Non-Wing Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods Schedule: 5:00 PM Drivers Meeting | 6:00 PM Hot Laps | 7:00 PM Racing Location: Douglas County Dirtrack - 3/10 mile action, concessions, and racing under the lights! Enter now, see you at the Dirt Track and let’s go racing!

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🎶 Mignola Mondays are back on Best Country 103! 🤠🌳 Ready for a brand-new weekly question to test your local smarts and hook you up with an awesome prize? Let's dive right into August in the Umpqua Valley! This week’s question: When visiting a premier local nursery and plant provider like Mignola Farms out on Roberts Creek Road, what is a key benefit of choosing locally-acclimated perennials, trees, and shrubs grown for Pacific Northwest conditions? A) They require zero water or maintenance ever again once planted. B) They are specifically selected to thrive in our region's unique local soil and climate microclimates. C) They only bloom during the dead of winter. D) They completely repel all local wildlife permanently. 💡 Think you know the answer? Drop your guess at 541Radio.com. One correct answer randomly drawn will win a $30 gift certificate to Mignola Farms to help you grab your next favorite tree, shrub, or seasonal annual! https://541radio.com/2025/12/30/fact-or-fertilizer/ Get those answers in, support local, and keep it locked to Best Country 103! 👇
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 17, 2026

🎶 Mignola Mondays are back on Best Country 103! 🤠🌳 Ready for a brand-new weekly question to test your local smarts and hook you up with an awesome prize? Let's dive right into August in the Umpqua Valley! This week’s question: When visiting a premier local nursery and plant provider like Mignola Farms out on Roberts Creek Road, what is a key benefit of choosing locally-acclimated perennials, trees, and shrubs grown for Pacific Northwest conditions? A) They require zero water or maintenance ever again once planted. B) They are specifically selected to thrive in our region's unique local soil and climate microclimates. C) They only bloom during the dead of winter. D) They completely repel all local wildlife permanently. 💡 Think you know the answer? Drop your guess at 541Radio.com. One correct answer randomly drawn will win a $30 gift certificate to Mignola Farms to help you grab your next favorite tree, shrub, or seasonal annual! https://541radio.com/2025/12/30/fact-or-fertilizer/ Get those answers in, support local, and keep it locked to Best Country 103! 👇

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🚜 Barnyard Brain Teaser Giveaway on Best Country 103! 🤠 Test your local ag knowledge for a chance to WIN a $50 gift card every Friday with Douglas County Farmers Co-op and Best Country 103! This Week’s Question: Besides feed, what’s one department or product category you’ll find at the @Douglas County Farmer's Co-op? A) Apparel & Footwear (work clothes, boots, and hats from brands like Carhartt and Ariat) B) Smartphone repair services (screen replacements and data recovery for iPhones) C) Gourmet sushi bar (fresh tuna rolls and specialty sashimi platters) D) Luxury yacht accessories (teak deck fittings and custom sail covers) 👉 Submit your answer at: https://541radio.com/2026/08/03/barnyard-brain-teaser/ 📻 Listen to Moon & Grubes in the Mornings every Friday to hear the winners!
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 17, 2026

🚜 Barnyard Brain Teaser Giveaway on Best Country 103! 🤠 Test your local ag knowledge for a chance to WIN a $50 gift card every Friday with Douglas County Farmers Co-op and Best Country 103! This Week’s Question: Besides feed, what’s one department or product category you’ll find at the @Douglas County Farmer's Co-op? A) Apparel & Footwear (work clothes, boots, and hats from brands like Carhartt and Ariat) B) Smartphone repair services (screen replacements and data recovery for iPhones) C) Gourmet sushi bar (fresh tuna rolls and specialty sashimi platters) D) Luxury yacht accessories (teak deck fittings and custom sail covers) 👉 Submit your answer at: https://541radio.com/2026/08/03/barnyard-brain-teaser/ 📻 Listen to Moon & Grubes in the Mornings every Friday to hear the winners!

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Listen to the full clip at https://bestcountryfm.com/cooter-died/
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 14, 2026

Listen to the full clip at https://bestcountryfm.com/cooter-died/

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Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 14, 2026

What Are You Notorious For Losing?

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Who wants that last pair of tickets to Riley Green?! Tune in Tuesday, September 1st and you could be heading to the show!
Best Country 103
Best Country 103️ August 13, 2026

Who wants that last pair of tickets to Riley Green?! Tune in Tuesday, September 1st and you could be heading to the show!

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7 Comments

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Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association responded to a report of a natural cover fire on Sunday afternoon. DFPA Public Information Officer Rachael Pope said the fire was located near the Coos Bay Wagon Road and Burnt Mountain Road crossing, approximately 8.3 miles northwest of Tenmile. Pope said on arrival, firefighters located a large stump fire with slow spread into nearby slash between the gravel road and timberline area along Burnt Mountain Road. Ground crews quickly knocked down the forward spread, completed mop up of the area, and transitioned to patrol status. Pope said DFPA’s fixed-wing air attack and contracted Type 2 helicopter were utilized to scan the surrounding area for additional fire starts. No additional fires were located. The fire was contained at 1/100th of an acre. No homes or structures were threatened by the fire. DFPA was assisted by Lookingglass Rural Fire District and Tenmile Rural Fire District. For fire season information from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association responded to a report of a natural cover...

This weekend, Umpqua wine country comes alive with Celtic culture and entertainment for the 2026 Douglas County Celtic Society (DCCS) Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering. Held from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at Melrose Vineyards, it is a traditional Scottish festival centered around the country's music, craftsmanship and traditions, ranging from competitive feats of strength to dancing to musicianship. Among the biggest highlights to catch across both days is athletic events, with this year's highland games serving as the base of the Scottish Heavy Athletics Championship for Oregon. According to event organizer Karissa Beals, the championship will feature heavy athletics activities such as weight-for-distance, weight-for-height and the sheaf toss, where competitors pitchfork a stuffed straw bale and hurl it as high as possible. Beyond the championship, Beals said audience members can register for amateur athletics if they arrive at around 8 a.m. on Saturday. Live entertainment will also take place across the vineyard grounds, including live music throughout the day. Performing groups include the bagpipe and drum group Eugene Highlanders, among the oldest performing in the Pacific Northwest, and the traditional Celtic ensemble Argyle Shamrocks. This year will also go beyond Scotland with traditional Irish dance performances from the Eugene-based Blackthorn Academy of Irish Dance. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

This weekend, Umpqua wine country comes alive with Celtic culture and entertainment for the 2026...

SUTHERLIN — The Umpqua Community College women’s soccer team set team history last year and are hoping to keep up the trend. “Last year was a huge milestone for us, we broke a lot of school records and even though we’re still a newer program, it’s still awesome,” head coach Annika Arroyo said. “We had some single awards, team awards and we made it to the quarterfinals of the NWAC, which is the farthest we’ve gone in team history.” Arroyo, returning for her fifth year at the helm, said the team, especially the sophomore squad, is ready to use that momentum to make it further this year with goals of playing in the final four. “We have eight returners and 11 new girls, but some of these new girls are on the older side and have experience from other places,” Arroyo said. “They have really good energy and they have really good spirit, in comparison of all the past years, and I really like that about them, they’re are always positive.” For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

SUTHERLIN — The Umpqua Community College women’s soccer team set team history last year and...

Umpqua Watersheds is hosting the 15th annual Umpqua Brew Fest on Saturday, August 22nd. It will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Southeast Main Street in downtown Roseburg, behind Old Soul Pizza. The event celebrates clean water, craft beer and sustainable living in southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Patrons can taste craft beers from local and other Oregon brewers. Musical performances on the Umpqua Outback Stage include: *Coleen and Co. from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. *Rovers and Dragons from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and *TOB – That Other Band, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission to the 21 years old and over Brew Fest is $15. Identification is required. Admission includes a tasting glass and five tasting tickets. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available, and designated drivers are encouraged to join in the celebration. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to support the community. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Umpqua Watersheds is hosting the 15th annual Umpqua Brew Fest on Saturday, August 22nd.

It...

Thrive Umpqua is among the organizations hosting a free back-to-school event for families this Saturday, August 22nd. The second annual Back-to-School Bash will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year the celebration moves to a brand-new home at Umpqua Community College. A release from Thrive Umpqua said behind the fun is a shared purpose: helping every student walk into the new year ready to succeed. Research consistently links a strong start to the school year with better attendance and stronger academic outcomes — and small barriers can stand in the way. By clearing those hurdles, building students' confidence, and connecting families to the support and resources they need. The event will offer free school supplies, raffle prizes including bikes, scooters, laptops, shoe vouchers and gift cards while supplies last. Students can also receive free haircuts. There will be a free lunch catered by Jackson Street Provisions and Smokin’ Fridays, plus cold treats from Umpqua Dairy ice cream and UCC Athletics Shave Ice. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Thrive Umpqua is among the organizations hosting a free back-to-school event for families this Saturday,...

The Roseburg Public Library announced it will host Bee Amazed! presented by the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18th. A city of Roseburg release said youth from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to catch the buzz and be delighted by the wonderful world of Oregon bees as there are more than 500 kinds. Kids can discover mason bees, cuckoo bees, mining bees, longhorn bees and, of course, honeybees. The event offers hands-on science fun and buzz-worthy activities about bugs and bees while exploring these mighty mini-beasts of nature. The free program will be held at the library on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard, as part of their Summer Reading Program. The event is made possible by a grant from the Douglas County Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

The Roseburg Public Library announced it will host Bee Amazed! presented by the University of...

Tickets are still on sale for Paws for a Cause, a benefit for Saving Grace Humane Society. It will take place on Friday, August 28th at 5:00 p.m. at Melrose Vineyards. This year’s theme is “Wizard of Paws: There’s No Place Like Home” and invites guests to follow the yellow brick road to Melrose Vineyards on Melqua Road. Guests will enjoy delicious foods, local wine and beer, live and silent auctions and stories from Saving Grace staff. Tickets are $100 per person or $800 for a table of eight. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Tickets are still on sale for Paws for a Cause, a benefit for Saving Grace...

Covering coastal Douglas County: A Reedsport woman died and a child was injured in a vehicle versus pedestrian collision on Wednesday afternoon. A Reedsport Police Department report said just after 4:00 p.m. officers responded to the accident at the intersection of Highway 101 and 19th Street. Upon arrival, officers found multiple citizens rendering aid to the 34-year-old and her two-year-old son who had both been struck by a vehicle. Despite the efforts of all involved, the woman did not survive her injuries. The child was transported to Lower Umpqua Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries before being reunited with his father. The incident is still being investigated by Reedsport Police Department with assistance from the Oregon State Police and Coos Bay Police Department. No further information will be released until the investigation is complete. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Covering coastal Douglas County:

A Reedsport woman died and a child was injured in a...

It's been more than 20 years since Roseburg celebrated its last Obon Festival, an event centered around bringing Japanese traditions and culture to Douglas County. This weekend, that hiatus comes to a close. 12:30–8 p.m. Saturday, the Roseburg Obon Festival is making a comeback at Stewart Park, complete with traditional live music, dancing, craft activities, vendors and more. What is Obon? In Japan, Obon is a Buddhist festival dedicated to honoring ancestors. Traditionally held in the summer, it's a time for families to clean gravesites, perform traditional dances and light lanterns to guide ancestral spirits home. Established in 1997 by the Roseburg Sister Cities (RSC) program, The Roseburg Obon Festival takes the event as a way to educate Douglas County on Japanese culture and traditions. After the passing of RSC founder Harold Winfield in 2000, the event went on hiatus for over 20 years. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

It's been more than 20 years since Roseburg celebrated its last Obon Festival, an event...

Currently, there is no active food pantry in Canyonville, leaving city residents in need of affordable nutrition with little options for local resources. Now, The FISH of Roseburg is taking the first steps towards a solution. On August 20, the pantry will open its first South county pop-up at the Canyonville City Offices, located at 250 N Main St., from 4–6 p.m. The pantry will then operate at the same time and location every third Thursday of the month. According to The Fish of Roseburg Executive Director Jenn Reida, it will offer items such as cereal, peanut butter, canned soups and chili, shelf-stable milks and even bread and produce. Reida said the idea to expand into Canyonville came from a high number of residents requesting DoorDash deliveries past the pantry's range of operation. Rather than make them come to Roseburg for their food, Reida wanted to bring it to them. From there, Reida said funding support from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Three Rivers Foundation helped to make that wish a reality. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Currently, there is no active food pantry in Canyonville, leaving city residents in need of...

In just under two years, Phoenix Barraza went from silent to confident. Alysha Barraza, Phoenix’s mother, says dog training, grooming and showing has helped him come out of his shell. He began by helping his grandmother, Laurie Moore, training and grooming her dogs at only two years old, and has shown a great knack for it. “Phoenix is four, he’ll be five October of this year then he will be old enough to enter, you know, the full competition,” Barraza said. “But he’s been a pre pee wee ambassador, and had been recognized for that and for trying to bring the younger age into the sport.” Moore and Phoenix are members in quite a few Oregon-based dog groups, including the Southern Oregon Terrier Club and Portland Miniature Schnauzer Club. The junior level of competition is for children ages 9-12, intermediate for 12-15 and senior is 15-18, according to the American Kennel Club website. The pee wee level is at some shows for ages 5-9, so Phoenix will be able to compete starting in November. He’s been working the past few years as an ambassador to draw in those youngest ages to the dog shows, hoping to introduce more and more younger folks into the competition. In July 2024 when Phoenix first attended the Coos Kennel Club, he showed in a group of four pre pee wee competitors; in 2025 there were eight and this year there were 15 competitors in the age category. “It’s really weird because everybody says he has a talent beyond his age, even the handlers’ kids,” Barraza said. “The handlers are shaking their head, going, “Man, he’s more interested in it and more advanced than, you know, a lot of them that are going every single weekend.” For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

In just under two years, Phoenix Barraza went from silent to confident.

Alysha Barraza, Phoenix’s...

The Roseburg Public Library invites the community to an evening with Mitzi Asai Loftus, author of “From Thorns to Blossoms: A Japanese American Family in War and Peace,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 3rd. A city of Roseburg release said Mitsuko “Mitzi” Asai was not yet 10 years old in the spring of 1942 when President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 sent 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry – about two-thirds of them U.S. citizens – from their homes on the West Coast to inland prison camps. They included Mitzi and most of her family, who operated a fruit orchard in Hood River. The Asais spent much of World War II in the camps while two of the older sons served in the Pacific in the U.S. Army. Three years later, when the camps began to close, the family returned to Hood River to find an altered community. Shop owners refused to serve neighbors they had known for decades; racism and hostility were open and largely unchecked. Humiliation and shame drove teenaged Mitzi to reject her Japanese heritage, including her birth name. More than a decade later, her life took another turn when a Fulbright grant sent her to teach in Japan, where she reconnected with her roots. The release said in “From Thorns to Blossoms” Asai Loftus recounts her rich and varied life, from a childhood surrounded by barbed wire and hatred to a successful career as a high school English teacher and college instructor in English as a Second Language. Copies of “From Thorns to Blossoms,” will be available for $25. The book also is available for checkout in physical format at the library and as a digital book on Libby. The event is free and will be held in person only at the library on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

The Roseburg Public Library invites the community to an evening with Mitzi Asai Loftus, author...

Mop up continues on the Castle Fire, which is now 80 percent contained and remains at 3,613 acres. 426 personnel are working at the fire, which is located 23 miles northeast of Tiller. The Southern Area Grey Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire. Firefighters work to eliminate any heat sources that are encountered. Interior pockets of unburned fuel may produce isolated torching and visible smoke columns. Chipping, rehab work, and hazard tree identification and falling will be conducted. The fire is being managed for full suppression. An upper-level trough will set up overhead Wednesday into Thursday, setting up increased marine influence from the west. Temperatures will hover right around normal for this time of year. A significant marine push in the morning will bring higher humidity to the area, with greatly increased valley recoveries. Afternoon winds will remain enhanced throughout this time. Light-terrain-driven winds in the overnight and early mornings will give way to breezy upslope/valley winds in the afternoons, with breezy northwest winds over the ridges. The Umpqua National Forest expanded closure area continues to be in effect. All National Forest System lands, roads and trails are closed to the public within the closure area. This includes several recreation areas. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Mop up continues on the Castle Fire, which is now 80 percent contained and remains...

For 38 summers, the Sutherlin Blackberry Festival has brought out the town's car culture, crafts and competitive spirit. Now, the annual gathering is readying for another year of events. Festival highlights The festival runs across the upcoming weekend from Friday morning to Saturday evening. Across those three days, guests will attend a car show, sporting competitions, races, cook-offs, live music performances and more in and around the main gathering point of Central Park. It's a lot of variety for a single town event, with organizing beginning in January to get everything set in time for the festival. But according to festival chairman Duane Waller, that everything-but-the-kitchen-sink aspect is what makes it special. "It's not just a car show. It's not just a bunch of craft booths. It's a bunch of stuff," Waller said. "Doing one event like this is a lot of work, but we put all of this stuff together and pull it off on a three day weekend, which is amazing to see." For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

For 38 summers, the Sutherlin Blackberry Festival has brought out the town's car culture, crafts...

On Tuesday, Matt Kowal announced his candidacy for the Ward 3 seat on the Roseburg City Council in the November 3rd general election. Kowal said, “I am excited to run for Roseburg City Council and look forward to building strong relationships with everyone who helps our community thrive, including residents, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations”. Kowal said, “By bringing people together, we can and will make a meaningful difference”. Kowal said his campaign will focus on collaboration, responsible decision-making and partnerships that strengthen Roseburg’s economic and social well-being. Kowal is senior vice president and commercial team leader at Oregon Pacific Bank’s Roseburg branch. His campaign release said that with more than 25 years of banking experience, he has an extensive background in financial strategy, risk management and organizational leadership. Kowal said his work helping local businesses grow has given him insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Roseburg employers, families and entrepreneurs. Kowal serves as chair of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors, and on the boards of the Roseburg High School Foundation, Umpqua Economic Development Partnership, and Aviva Health. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

On Tuesday, Matt Kowal announced his candidacy for the Ward 3 seat on the Roseburg...

A bumper crop of grass hay in Douglas County is benefitting ranchers and livestock who have been severely impacted by wildfires in Southeastern Oregon’s Harney County. A recent volunteer and donation effort resulted in an estimated 100 tons of grass hay being hauled over the Cascade Mountains to Burns where it was distributed to cattle, sheep and horses whose grazing grounds have been burned. Cases of bottled water and sacks of feed were also donated. Money donations were accepted to help with fuel costs although some of the drivers turned down that offer, resulting in $3,400 being left in Burns to be used as needed. “It’s pretty incredible what the people from Douglas County have done for us,” said Nicole Adamson, president of the Harney County Cattlewomen’s Association. “Our livestock just needed the food.” Seven fires that started in late July and have burned through August in Harney County have destroyed hay stacks, barns, grazing grounds and cow camp cabins. It’s anticipated some cattle will be found dead and others severely injured by the fire and smoke. Drew Fairbairn, an Umpqua area rancher, pitched the donation idea on Facebook and within a few days, the donations and transportation were organized for the trip east. “I remember the Texas-Oklahoma fire a couple years ago and seeing a convoy to help those ranchers,” Fairbairn said. “There was nothing I could do then to help, but when these fires happened here, God tugged at my heart to respond. “I had a good hay year and I know others did too so I put it out on Facebook and the whole community here came out of the woodwork to help,” he added. “Once the ball got rolling, there was lots of help.” A total of about 50 ranches, businesses and individuals stepped up to support the Douglas County effort. Within a few days of the Facebook post, 17 truck-and-trailer rigs made the trip to Burns on Aug. 1. For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

A bumper crop of grass hay in Douglas County is benefitting ranchers and livestock who...

Umpqua Community College (UCC) is looking into a new way to curb Douglas County's shortage of childcare resources by potentially utilizing its former Woolley Center building, located off of West Harvard Avenue next to Fir Grove Park, for daycare services. The idea took its next step forward in Monday's Roseburg City Council, when the council passed a motion to approve a text amendment to the city's municipal code during a first reading. It would allow daycare facilities to operate in Public Reserve (PR) zoned property. The former Woolley Center building stands on PR property. UCC President and CEO Rachel Pokrandt said the idea for day care use came after the Woolley Center moved to downtown Roseburg, now located at 729 SE Jackson St., leaving the old building vacant and needing new use. She said the college identified the space as a potential location to increase childcare options. "We also have a goal of helping the community create more childcare slots, and so we decided that could be a good location," Pokrandt said. April 2025 saw some of the earliest steps in pursuing this goal when Douglas ESD's Care Connections and Education (CCR&R) provided consultation. According to CCR&R Director Heather Freilinger, this included a site visit, feasibility review and technical assistance. Pokrandt said the plans for daycare use are in very early stages, but that the ordinance will open the door to the college for moving forward. What is known at this time is the college would look towards a local provider to enter the space. "There's nothing set in stone yet, but this ordinance just gives us the opportunity to pursue making that space into childcare in the future," Pokrandt said. "It would be a childcare provider that is already active in the community who might want to take up that space and increase the opportunity for families to have childcare options." For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Umpqua Community College (UCC) is looking into a new way to curb Douglas County's shortage...

Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich first assumed the role in 1998. Now, after 28 years serving in it, he has announced he will not run for another term after the current one ends on December 31, 2026. The news was initially broken to staff in an internal letter earlier today, then announced publicly in a press release. In that letter, Rich wrote he feels its time for him to step away from his work and pursue leisure as he approaches turning 71. "I am at the point in my life where I want to play more, and work less. There are still places in this world that I would like to see and visit before I can't travel anymore. I will turn 71 years old when my current term ends. I feel this is the right time for me to step aside," Rich wrote in his letter. Rich also thanked Roseburg citizens for being able to serve as mayor and said he liked the time he spent in the role. "I really enjoyed being mayor. I had a lot of fun doing it. I met so many wonderful people in this town that I would have never known except for the simple fact that I was the mayor," Rich wrote. "Roseburg is truly blessed to have such wonderful people living here. I will be forever grateful to the citizens of Roseburg for giving me the opportunity to serve." For More Information Please Visit www.nrtoday.com

Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich first assumed the role in 1998. Now, after 28 years serving...