05-21-25 Commissioners Celebrate National Search & Rescue Week (Photo) -05/21/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2025

Commissioners Celebrate National Search & Rescue Week

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners celebrated National Search & Rescue Week by issuing a proclamation to our dedicated Douglas County Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinators and volunteers at their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.  The proclamation recognizes the incredible dedication of volunteer rescuers and rescue personnel in Douglas County and across the nation. 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for this proclamation and for recognizing our Search and Rescue team.  As you know they are an essential component of the Sheriff’s Office, and we simply couldn’t do our jobs without the assistance of Search and Rescue.  I can’t thank Search and Rescue volunteers enough, you’ve done some awesome work over the years, and I know you will continue to do so,” stated Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin. 

Commissioner Freeman provided a background on Douglas County Search and Rescue program, Commissioner Boice read the National Search & Rescue Week proclamation, and then Commissioner Kress presented certificates to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, DCSO SAR Deputy Larissa May, as well as the following Douglas County Search & Rescue Volunteers: Mary Malone (K9 Sabina), Wendy Hagberg, Tim Ballard, Merry Bayly (K9 Belle), Rick Fugate, John Rideout, Paul Vogel, Richard Shorey, Ray Proctor, Valerie Vititow, Mitchell Kilkenny (K9 Nala), and Brett Tresner. 

“These folks (SAR volunteers), volunteer their time all in the name of service.  Some have careers, some of them are retired, and they all have other commitments, but they oftentimes will drop whatever they are doing to help others in this community in need.  They are really a phenomenal group of people who have the heart to serve.  I could not be more proud to serve alongside this group and I thank them for their service,” commented Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell. 

The volunteers within Douglas County SAR operate under the direction of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), with the support of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  SAR members donate their time, skills, and expertise to help those in need.  Douglas County SAR volunteers completed 97 missions in 2024, utilizing 83 volunteers who donated 9,560 hours of their time.  They also participated in 40 outreach/education events and conducted 147 training exercises. The Douglas County SAR Dive Team made up of 7 members, logged 25 mission and 32 training hours.  Douglas County SAR is made up of over 100 dedicated volunteers who on their own time rigorously and regularly train and complete required certifications for the following SAR units in Douglas County: Communications Team, Mounted Team, Ground Team, 4x4 Team, Snow Cat Team, Dive Team, K-9 Team, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team, Logistics Team, Mountain Rescue Team and Tracking Team. 

“We are very fortunate here in Douglas County to have all of these volunteers who dedicate their time.  It doesn’t matter if it is 3 o’clock in the afternoon or 2 o’clock in the morning, if I put a call out that someone is in need of assistance or rescue, I always have someone who is willing to show up.  I am so grateful to the members of our community who dedicate their time to not only to responding to missions but also doing all the training that is required for them to maintain their certifications with SAR.  Thank you for recognizing them for all their hard work and dedication,” added Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy and SAR Coordinator Larissa May. 

National Search & Rescue Week: First observed in May of 2010, National Search & Rescue Week was established when the United States Senate passed a resolution and designated May 16–22 each year to honor our nation’s Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers.  Search and rescue organizations are composed of mainly volunteer experts in search and rescue and disaster response.  They come from a wide range of skilled backgrounds, including pilots, mountaineers, divers, urban technicians, dog handlers, backcountry horsemen, snowmobilers and ATVers. 

“The work that you all did around evacuating over 30 miles of residents in a just a few short hours for what became a record fire known as the Archie Creek was amazing.  Your efforts and the work you did made an outcome where not one single person was killed and nobody even got hurt.  That is absolutely remarkable!” remarked Commissioner Tim Freeman.  “The work you do matters, even when the outcome is not what we want.  It is important to the public.  We could not do this work without you as volunteers.  The county is much better off for the work that you all do.”

Additionally, to show their support to all SAR volunteers and personnel the Commissioners have instructed our Facilities Department to Turn the Night Orange, as they have changed the exterior lights on the Douglas County Courthouse to Orange lights from May 19-25.  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

###

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached: Proclamation. Photo Credit © K.Trenkle/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Search and Rescue program are all functions and divisions of Douglas County Government. 

05-21-25 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council - Behavioral Health And Housing Subcommittee (Photo) -05/21/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2025

** Notice of Virtual Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’s (LPSCC) – Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:30 am via a virtual conference format.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch or listen to the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can watch or listen to this meeting, please see the agenda, or contact Koree Tate at koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Program Contact: Koree Tate, Programs and Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department | Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

05-21-25 Meeting Notice - Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission (Photo) -05/21/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2025

***MEETING NOTICE***

Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting of the Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:30 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.  

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting. To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

For additional information about this meeting, please contact the Douglas County Public Works – Engineering Division by calling (541) 440-4481 or by email at paula.belloir@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda can be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Affairs Office | (541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office  tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

05-20-25 Meeting Notice - Noxious Weed Advisory Board (Photo) -05/20/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2025

*** MEETING NOTICE***

Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting

May 22, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next Douglas County Noxious Weed Advisory Board meeting will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting.  To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. 

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at  https://www.douglascountyor.gov/.  The meeting notice has been posted on the Douglas County website.

For additional information about this meeting, please contact Tracy Pope, Douglas County Natural Resource Specialist by calling (541) 440-4348 or email at tracy.pope@douglascountyor.gov.   

###

Media Contact:   Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov  

05-19-25 NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE - Memorial Day - Monday, May 26, 2025 (Photo) -05/19/25

Douglas County Board of Commissioners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2025

*** NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE ***

Memorial Day - Monday, May 26, 2025

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice  would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Douglas County Landfill and Transfer Stations, Douglas County Fairgrounds and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working on special, routine or emergency projects such as our Douglas County Commissioners, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Parks Department and Salmon Harbor Marina Division.  Please note the following:

• The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum will be open on Monday, May 26, 2025, for normal business hours.
• All Douglas County operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.  As a reminder, the Douglas County Parks Office will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025.
• Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will continue to be open and accessible to the public.  For harbor or reservation information at Salmon Harbor, please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  As a reminder, the Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025.
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471. 

            Commissioners Freeman, Kress, and Boice encourage all citizens to take part in Memorial Day events that honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Let us honor, remember, and never forget the sacrifices made for freedom, liberty, and justice!

###

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs | Office: (541) 957-4896 | tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

05-19-25 Free To The Public E-Cycle And Household Hazardous Waste Events (Photo) -05/19/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2025

FREE TO THE PUBLIC E-CYCLE AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENTS

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Solid Waste Department, a division of Douglas County Government, is teaming up with state partners to provide two free to the public events in Douglas County.  The first event will be an E-Cycling event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Douglas County’s Roseburg Transfer Station and the second event will be a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event at Douglas County’s Yoncalla Transfer Station on Saturday, June 21, 2025. 

FREE TO THE PUBLIC E-CYCLING COLLECTION EVENT

The Douglas County Solid Waste Department along with Green Century Recycling and Oregon E-Cycles are providing a free to the public E-CYCLING* collection event in Douglas County on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Roseburg Transfer Station.  The event will run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and is free and open to all residents and small businesses.  The Douglas County Transfer Station in Roseburg is located at 165 West McLain Avenue in Roseburg. *E-CYCLING is the recycling of old electronics.  The following devices will be accepted at the event computers, TV’s, printers, monitors, keyboards & electronic mice, gaming devices, networking devices, cell phones and tablets, AV equipment, cords and chargers. 

E-waste is a serious problem.  Electronic waste, or e-waste, is any electronic product that has reached the final phase of its life cycle and cannot be used anymore. The world produces 50 million tons of electronic waste a year, becoming the world’s most quickly growing waste source.  Sadly, no more than 20% of e-waste is properly recycled, with the other 80% being dumped in landfills or being unproperly recycled.  If it is not properly recycled, e-waste can have a negative impact on our environment by releasing toxins, heavy metals and pollution into the air, soil and water.  It is also one of the leading causes of landfill fires. Green Century Recycling will perform secure data destruction (NIST 800.88) on data-containing devices.  Questions (503) 764-9963.  E-YOU there on June 7!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT

The Douglas County Solid Waste Department and Oregon DEQ are providing a free to the public HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE collection event for the citizens of Yoncalla and surrounding areas on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Yoncalla Transfer Station.  The event will run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and is free and open to all residents and small businesses in the Yoncalla area.  The Douglas County Transfer Station in Yoncalla is located at 555 Yoncalla Transfer Road in Yoncalla, Oregon. 

This free to the public event offers residents a safe way to dispose of common household hazardous materials, including paint, automotive fluids, pool chemicals, pesticides, and more. Items will be collected from vehicles, so there is no need to unload or come in contact with staff at the event.  Please visit the Douglas County Solid Waste webpage for more details www.douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste.  If you have any questions, contact Jason Zanni at Oregon DEQ at jason.zanni@deq.oregon.gov or (541) 776-6148.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

05-15-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Peace Officer Memorial Day And Police Week In Douglas County (Photo) -05/15/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week in Douglas County

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress and Chris Boice were honored to be invited to part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony held today, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Douglas County Courthouse.

The special Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony takes place annually to honor and remember our Douglas County law enforcement officers that perished while in the line of duty. The event started with Commissioner Chris Boice welcoming everyone to the Courthouse for the memorial service. He then read a proclamation on behalf of all three of the Douglas County Commissioners proclaiming Thursday, May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 12-18, 2025, as Police Week in Douglas County. The proclamation pays special tribute to our law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty, while standing up for the safety and protection of others and honors all members of our law enforcement community in Douglas County, who unceasingly provide a vital public service and play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens.

Boice called upon all citizens of Douglas County to “observe May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in memory of our law enforcement officers, who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and asked them to also recognize and pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes.” He further proclaimed “May 12-18, 2025, as National Police Week in Douglas County, and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating our law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their profession, have rendered immeasurable service to their communities.”

Additionally, the Commissioners pledged their support to all past, present, and fallen law enforcement officers and their families by Turning the Night Blue in their honor, as they have directed Facilities to light the exterior of the Douglas County Courthouse with Blue lights during the week of May 12-18.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard then commenced with the Douglas County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony with a call to attention by the Honor Guard lead. It was followed by a bagpipe performance of "The Green Hills of Tyrol" by the official Honor Guard bagpiper. The Honor Guard resented the colors and raised then lowered the Peace Officer Memorial Flag to half-staff on a special commemorative flagpole that was placed between our United States and POW and our Oregon flagpoles. Following the ceremony the US Flag, POW and Oregon flags were honorarily placed at half-staff. Sheriff John Hanlin and Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein placed ceremonial wreaths on either side of the Douglas County Fallen Police Officer Memorial. DCSO 911 Communications Dispatch conducted a special radio broadcast in honor of the fallen officers:

• Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959

• Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

• Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

• Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

• Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002

• Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

The radio broadcast was followed by a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of taps on the cornet, performed by members of the Honor Guard. The ceremony concluded with the traditional playing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, a final call to attention, and dismissal.

Following the ceremony, Commissioners presented proclamation certificates to Sheriff John Hanlin and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Gary Klopfenstein and the City of Roseburg Police Department; Chief Troy Mills and the City of Sutherlin Police Department; Chief Jonathan Brewster and the City of Myrle Creek Police Department; Chief Brandon Sarti and the City of Winston Police Department; Chief Marty Case and the Cow Creek Tribal Police Department; Chief Timothy Plunkett and the Roseburg VA Health Care System Police Department; and Law Enforcement Ranger George Masner and the Roseburg BLM Rangers Office. A special thank you to the City of Roseburg Fire Department, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, DINT, North Douglas Fire and EMS, and many community members for their support and attendance. The Commissioners and staff would especially like to thank Jason Knight, son of fallen Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. (EOW July 23, 1985). Jason joined us for the ceremony honoring his dad and all the fallen peace officers.

A copy of the video presentation of the entire ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment. To learn more about the National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week visit https://nleomf.org/.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Trenkle/Douglas County. Ind

05-14-25 The Hideout Café: Tucked Away, But Unforgettable (Photo) -05/14/25

FROM THE DESK OF DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHRIS BOICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2025

The Hideout Café: Tucked Away, But Unforgettable

(Douglas County, Ore.) If you’ve ever visited, had an appointment, or wandered the halls of the Douglas County Courthouse or Justice Building in downtown Roseburg, you’ve likely caught the scent of sizzling bacon or fresh-baked cinnamon rolls drifting down the corridors. That irresistible aroma leads to The Hideout Café—a cozy, welcoming restaurant tucked inside the Courthouse at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue.

Opened in March 2024 by husband-and-wife team Levi and Jamie Cartwright (pictured on the left), The Hideout Café has quickly become a beloved spot for courthouse staff and members of the public alike. “We wanted to create a place that felt like home,” Jamie says. “A hidden gem where you can enjoy a homemade meal, connect with coworkers, or even meet new friends at our big family-style table.”

More Than a Cafeteria—It’s a Full-Service Restaurant

Don’t let the location fool you. The Hideout Café is a full-fledged restaurant serving breakfast and lunch made with quality ingredients—and a whole lot of love. The top-selling breakfast burrito keeps mornings hearty, while lunch favorites like meatloaf and taco salad fly off the line. Jamie’s personal go-to? “Definitely the Hideout Cheeseburger,” she says with a smile.  But the real magic may well lie in the surprises. “We love keeping things fresh for our guests—literally and creatively,” Jamie adds. Think lemon bars, s’mores Rice Krispy treats, and even deep-fried jalapeño mashed potato balls. And for those in-the-know, the café even has a few secret menu items. (Hint, hint: Just ask!)

Comfort Food for Every Craving

Roughly 70% of the café’s clientele are courthouse, justice building, and County employees, with a few jury folks that have discovered the hidden gem.  However, The Hideout Café is open to the public—and welcomes all. “You're missing out if you haven’t been in yet,” Jamie says. With Levi working as a sous chef and a small but mighty kitchen team by her side, every dish is made with care.  The café is also celiac-aware and trained to offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly options. Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or looking for event catering (yes—they do that too!), The Hideout Café has something to satisfy every craving.

Hours, Ordering & Where to Find Them

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
(Courthouse employees can get an early bite starting at 6:45 a.m.)

Call-ahead orders: 541-440-6060

Takeout & Messaging: Orders can also be placed via Facebook Messenger

Follow them: Find The Hideout Café on Facebook for menu updates, sweet treat teases, and daily specials

So next time you find yourself at the Douglas County Courthouse—or just craving something warm, homemade, and made with heart—sneak into The Hideout Café. It might be tucked away, but it’s unforgettable.

###

Author/Photo Credit:  Kellie Trenkle | Douglas County Public Affairs Office

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

05-07-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For National Correctional Officer And Employee Appreciation Week (Photo) -05/07/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice were honored to issue a proclamation today at their weekly business meeting recognizing May 4 – 10, 2025, as National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week in Douglas County.   The proclamation recognizes the work and sacrifices that correctional officers and personnel do on a daily basis. It serves as a time to recognize the contributions of those who work in corrections, highlighting their dedication, professionalism, and often challenging roles in maintaining safety and order within our nation’s correctional facilities.  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

“Each of us at different times through the years have been the liaison Commissioner to the Sheriff’s Office and we have all had the opportunity to tour and see firsthand the incredible, difficult work that you all do.  I don’t think that folks realize the challenges that some of the adults in custody bring with them when they are brought into jail.  Everything from health care challenges to hygiene to mental health issues to drug addiction to just not liking being around other people you must deal with every day.  We certainly appreciate the difficulty of that and the work that you all do. ” – Commissioner Freeman

Commissioner Boice read the National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week proclamation and then Commissioner Kress presented certificates to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell,  Douglas County Corrections Lieutenant Clayton Ruble, Transport Deputy Andrew Maldonado, Corporal Anthony McIrvin, RSAT Deputy Jessica Miller, and Corrections Clerk Amy Felker.  They also acknowledged the Reedsport Police Department staff and volunteers who assist with their Municipal Jail. 

“I think the proclamation outlined the duties quite well.  The jail operation is of course an extremely important component to public safety, law enforcement and peace and order in the community.  I can’t thank our staff enough for the difficulty job they do.” - Sheriff Hanlin

On May 5, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed proclamation 5187 creating National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week.  President Reagan’s proclamation designated the first week of May each year for this recognition, and proclaims that “we recognize that the important work done by our correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public that it deserves, and it is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections”. 

“On behalf of the entire Douglas County Corrections Division, I want to sincerely thank the Board of Commissioners for the proclamation and for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our corrections deputies.  Every day our deputies serve with professionalism, strength and commitment.  They work behind the scenes in a very demanding environment - helping keep our facilities secure while treating everyone with care, with fairness and respect.  Their role is not easy and is often overlooked, but their work is vital to the safety and security of our community and the success of our justice system.  I also wanted to thank Sheriff John Hanlin and Undersheriff Brad O’Dell for their strong leadership and continued support of our team.  We are proud to serve under their guidance.  This recognition means a great deal to all of us in corrections.” – Corrections Lt. Ruble

In discussing the important role of corrections officers, Commissioner Boice shared a story about a successful H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduate who recently spoke at a Local Public Safety Coordinating Council meeting about his path from years of dependency, addiction, and crime to becoming a productive member of society.  “One of the things he highlighted was the time he spent in jail.  This time was critical for him to be able to transition away from criminal life.  He was for the first time able to be sober and clean for long enough to get his head healed and mind straight.  And he said that it was our corrections staff that advocated for him to be able to get into the Drug Court program.  His story speaks to the level of professionalism that our corrections team has.  And, contrary to a lot of people’s beliefs our corrections staff are pulling for folks in there (jail).  They want them to change their lives.  They want to help.  It was important for everyone who attended the meeting and for everyone to understand the important role that our corrections staff played in this person’s road to recovery!  Thank you.”

###

Media Contacts:   Tamara Howell | Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached: Proclamation & Photo © K.Trenkle/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

05-07-24 Douglas County Special Districts Election Is May 20 (Photo) -05/07/25

Office of Douglas County Clerk - Daniel J. Loomis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2025

Douglas County Special Districts Election is May 20

(Douglas County, Ore.) Ballots for the upcoming May Special Districts Election have been mailed to registered voters in Douglas County. Ballots must be returned to the Douglas County Clerk Office or postmarked no later than 8:00 pm on May 20, 2025.

The Douglas County Clerk would like to remind voters of the following election information:

• All registered voters will receive a ballot based on their residence address.
• To receive an official ballot for the Special Districts Election, you must be registered to vote, and your voter registration must be up to date. 
  • Registered Oregon voters who need to update their registration information have until 8:00 pm on May 20, 2025.
  • Recent registration changes may occur after ballots were printed and may cause a second ballot to be issued. This ballot will contain a blue slip of paper and is the correct ballot to cast.
• If registered voters haven’t received their ballot by Thursday, May 8, 2025, please contact or visit our office.
• Before turning in a ballot, make sure you have reviewed and completed both sides of the ballot.

• Make sure you sign your voter statement on your ballot return envelope, where it lists your printed name.
• Make sure you sign the ballot return envelope in the same manner as your most current voter registration card. 
• Oregon Law does not allow the United States Postal Service to forward ballots.
• To find a nearby official ballot drop site, visit Official Drop Site Locations | Douglas County, OR.

The Douglas County Clerk’s Office is located in Room 124 on the ground floor of the Douglas County Courthouse at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg. Mail correspondence should be sent to: Douglas County Elections, P.O. Box 10, Roseburg, OR 97470. For questions, please call (541) 440-4252.

###

Election Contact: Dan Loomis, County Clerk, Douglas County Clerk (541) 440-4324 - dan.loomis@douglascountyor.gov

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

05-02-25 Notice Of Meeting - Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (Photo) -05/02/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2025

** Notice of Meeting **

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next meeting of the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 12:00 pm, in Room 310 at the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting via video conference or listen via phone.  Members of the public who wish to watch or listen to this meeting can do so by accessing the options listed on the attached agenda.  For more information about the LPSCC program click here to access their webpage on the county website at or contact Koree Tate LPSCC Program & Partnership Coordinator at koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov.

###

Program Contact: Koree Tate | LPSCC Program & Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department | Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

04-28-25 Freeman Honored With AFRC’s Prestigious Tillicum Award (Photo) -04/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2025

Freeman Honored with AFRC’s Prestigious Tillicum Award

(Douglas County, Ore.)  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are excited to announce that Commissioner Tim Freeman was recently honored with the prestigious “Tillicum Award” from the American Forest Resource Council (AFRC).  The “Tillicum Award’” is a new tradition for the AFRC and is presented to select group of distinguished elected officials, local leaders and industry partners each year for their outstanding advocacy, tireless leadership, and contributions to the timber, forestry, and resource conservation fields. 

Nick Smith, Public Affairs for AFRC along with Tom Partin, Washington, Idaho, and Montana Consultant for AFRC presented Freeman with this award during the AFRC’s Annual Meeting held at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington from April 22-24, 2025.  The AFRC Annual Meeting brings together leaders in industry and government for focused discussions and interactive panels on public lands management. The word ‘tillicum’ is an old-time logger slang, roughly based on Chinook Indian Nation’s jargon for friend. According to Smith, “the recipients of this award are forever recognized as friends of AFRC, friends of the Western wood products industry, friends of good forestry and strong leaders and advocates for our rural communities.”  Ray Haupt, District 5 Representative with the Siskiyou County California Board of Supervisors was also presented a “Tillicum Award” at the annual meeting. 

“Tim Freeman is the true definition of Tillicum. A leader who keeps his word, an advocate who always shows up, and a friend who is always focused on making life better for the communities he serves,” stated Smith. 

Smith and Partin took turns offering praise and remarks about why these two individuals deserved this special award.  Smith provided a background on Commissioner Freeman noting, “I’ve had the honor of working with Commissioner Tim Freeman for many years, going back long before I started to work with the timber industry.”

Smith went on to talk about Commissioner Freeman’s achievements.  Tim started in the timber industry when he worked as a field mechanic for Don Whitaker Logging to put himself through college and to support his family.  In 1991, Tim and his wife purchased their own business and operated it for 26 years.  He began his public service career in 2001 on the Roseburg Budget Committee and was elected to the Roseburg City Council in 2003, where he served as Council President and chaired several key committees.  Tim went on to serve as an Oregon State Representative from 2009 to 2015, where I worked with him as a key member of the House Republican Leadership Team. Tim is deeply engaged in the community—serving on numerous boards related to health, education, justice, and forestry, and volunteering in local civic and youth programs.  Since 2015, he's served as a Douglas County Commissioner, including as Board Chair in 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. You all (AFRC’s members) know him as President of the Association of O&C Counties, where he is a passionate advocate for rural Oregon communities and our timber industry. He also actively participates in a range of forest and land management committees at both the state and regional levels.

“I’m so very humbled. This award was quite a surprise and quite an honor. It’s a privilege to be recognized by peers in an industry I care so deeply about,” stated Commissioner Freeman. 

###

Contact: Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist – Public Information Officer |  Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 957-4896 office | (541) 670-2804 cell | tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Photo Credit: AFRC

American Forest Resource Council (AFRC)

AFRC is a regional trade association whose purpose is to advocate for sustained-yield timber harvests on public timberlands throughout the West to enhance forest health and resistance to fire, insects, and disease. They accomplish this by promoting active management to attain productive public forests, protect adjoining private forests, and assure community stability. They work to improve federal and state laws, regulations, policies and decisions regarding access to and management of public forest lands and protection of all forest lands. The ultimate goal of AFRC’s programs and initiatives is to advance their members’ ability to practice socially and scientifically responsible forestry on both public and private forest lands. A Message from AFRC President, Travis Joseph, “At AFRC, we are passionate about what we do – which is advocate for responsible management of our public forestlands. We strongly believe that active management of our public forests is the right thing to do – for the environment, for the economy, and for the future. Our work is inspired by AFRC members’ commitment to community, honesty and hard work, and their love of the outdoors.”  For more information about AFRC visit www.amforest.org/