Scholes

UPDATED RELEASE 09/27/2023

On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Michael Paul Scholes was contacted by authorities in Lane County, Oregon. He is safe and is no longer considered missing. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating him. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE 09/22/2023 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating 47-year-old Michael Paul Scholes who was reported missing on September 15, 2023. Associates report he hasn't been heard from since June 17, 2023. 

He was last known to be living in his Dodge Caravan with Oregon license plate 575BQM. There is a large white/grey roof mounted cargo bin on the vehicle. Scholes is believed to be accompanied by his adult female Blue Heeler dog. He has been known to frequent the Drain, Yoncalla, and Cottage Grove communities.

Scholes is described as 5'04", 125 lbs, with brown/gray hair and blue eyes. 

Anyone who has seen Scholes or his vehicle is requested to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4464 referencing DCSO Case #23-3658.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: www.dcso.com/dogboard 

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://video.ibm.com/channel/douglascountyoregon.

Please contact the Sheriff's Office located in Room 210 of the Justice Building at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas Ave. Roseburg, OR 97470 541- 440-4449, if you need an accommodation.

UMPQUA, Ore. - All remaining evacuation notices previously issued due to the Tyee Ridge Complex Fire have been cancelled and are no longer in effect. At this time there are no evacuation notices anywhere in Douglas County.

The Sheriff's Office encourages residents to remain informed about the suppression efforts and to continue to monitor the situation through official sources only. 

DCSO Logo

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Effective at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 11, 2023, the Douglas County County Sheriff's Office has downgraded most evacuation notices previously issued due to the Tyee Ridge Complex Fires. This decision was made in coordination with fire managers, Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Emergency Management based on the reduction of risk to residents. 

The following is a summary of the current evacuation notices which remain in place. 
 

• Level 1 “BE READY”:
  
  
  • 11000-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the 9300-block of Hubbard Creek Road, including all addresses between these two points. 
     
  • All homes on Briarwood Road
     

Any residence that has previously been under an evacuation level and is not listed above, is no longer under an official evacuation notice. A current evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

HUBBARD CREEK ROAD AT BRIARWOOD ROAD TO REMAIN CLOSED

Hubbard Creek Road remains closed at Briarwood Road. Residents who can show proof of residency beyond the closure will be permitted through area, but should expect delays. 

ANIMAL SHELTERING: 

Official animal sheltering has been closed. However, any resident impacted by the fire with unmet needs for animal sheltering should contact Douglas County Animal Control at (541) 440-4471.

FIRE INFORMATION: 

For more information on the current status of the fire, please visit the Tyee Complex Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex

Dwayne Michael Lauka

OAKLAND, Ore. - A Washington County man has been arrested in connection with the homicide of Terry Lea Deane who was killed in her Oakland, Oregon home in early August.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified 45-year-old Dwayne Michael Lauka of Washington County as a suspect in Deane's death.

On Friday, September 8, 2023, Lauka was arrested in Tualatin, Oregon by Douglas County Detectives with the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Tualatin Police Department.

Lauka has been transported and lodged in the Douglas County Jail for Second Degree Murder. Additional charges are expected in the coming days.

With Lauka's arrest, Detectives are now urging anyone who has information about Lauka or his movements between August 11, 2023, and September 8, 2023, to contact them at (541) 440-4458 or by emailing dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us. Lauka's booking photo is being released in compliance with HB3273 Section 1(c).

Lauka, a transient from the Washington County area, has ties to the greater Portland area as well as Douglas and Josephine Counties and has several aliases. Those aliases include Sammi Alameer, Jason Myers, Dwayne Lauk, Dwayne Michael Luaka, Dwayne Michael Alshargabi-Lauka and Michael Eugene West.

Deane, 78, was found deceased in a residence in the 400-block of Coltrin Lane on Saturday, August 12, 2023, in Oakland, Oregon. Since that time, the Douglas County Major Crimes Team has been actively investigating the case.

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

No further details of the case will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In coordination with fire managers, Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Emergency Management, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is making a number of downgrades to evacuation notices for residents impacted by the Tyee Ridge Complex. These changes are effective at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 8, 2023. 

The following is a summary of the current evacuation notices which remain in place. A current evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations.

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • No Level 3 notices exist for the Tyee Ridge Complex at this time. 
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  
  
  • All residences on Briarwood Road
     
• Level 1 “BE READY”:
  
  
  • 11000-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the 4900-block of Hubbard Creek Road, including all addresses between these two points. 
     
  • All residences on Millwood Drive
     
  • 4100-block of Tyee Road to the 9300-block of Tyee Road. This includes all residences in between these points.
     
  • All residences on Lighthouse Road
     

The following locations were previously on a Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation notice. These residences have been downgraded and are no longer under any formal evacuation notice. 

• 4800-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the intersection of Melqua Road. This includes all homes between these two points. 
   
• All homes on Tyee Road starting at Fanchin Lane to the 4000-block. This includes all residences in between these points, and all of Fanchin Lane.
   
• All residences on De Costa Lane and all residences on Hidden Meadows Lane to the intersection with Cole Road.

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

This change is a result of progress made by firefighters around the structures in the fire area and based on immediate public safety needs. 

HUBBARD CREEK ROAD AT BRIARWOOD ROAD TO REMAIN CLOSED

Hubbard Creek Road remains closed at Briarwood Road. Residents who can show proof of residency beyond the closure will be permitted through area, but should expect delays. 

ANIMAL SHELTERING: 

Animal sheltering remains available to affected residents. Please coordinate with Douglas County Animal Control by calling (541) 440-4471. Large animals, including livestock, may be sheltered at the Sutherlin Rodeo Grounds or the Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex. Animal Control Deputies will coordinate with residents prior to animal sheltering. 

FIRE INFORMATION: 

For more information about what to do after the fire and stay up-to-date, please visit the Tyee Complex Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The following is a summary of the current evacuation notices which remain in place as of Monday, September 4, 2023. Current evacuation maps can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations.

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • No Level 3 notices exist for the Tyee Ridge Complex at this time. 
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  • 11000-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the 4900-block of Hubbard Creek Road, including all addresses between these two points. 
     
  • All residences on Millwood Drive
     
  • All residences on Briarwood Road
     
  • All residences on Lighthouse Road
     
• Level 1 “BE READY”:
  • 4800-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the intersection of Melqua Road. This includes all homes between these two points. 
     
  • All homes on Tyee Road starting at Fanchin Lane to the 6700-block (Intersection of BLM Road 25-7-15.0 or also referred to as Rock Creek Road). This includes all residences in between these points, and all of Fanchin Lane.
     
  • 8000-block of Tyee Road to the 9300-block of Tyee Road. This includes all residences in between these points.
     
  • All residences on De Costa Lane and all residences on Hidden Meadows Lane to the intersection with Cole Road.

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

HUBBARD CREEK ROAD AT BRIARWOOD ROAD TO REMAIN CLOSED

Hubbard Creek Road remains closed at Briarwood Road. Residents who can show proof of residency beyond the closure will be permitted through area, but should expect delays. 

SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS:

Residents returning to a Level 2 "BE SET" area, should be aware that danger still exists in the area and should remain ready to leave at a moment's notice. Individuals returning to areas impacted by the fire should be aware there are inherent risks associated with returning. Hazards have not been mitigated from private properties and homeowners assume all risks by returning to their properties. If at any time a resident feels unsafe or in the event of increased fire behavior, significant wind or rain, they should not wait to be told to leave and should do so on their own. The following safety tips are provided to those returning to areas which have been impacted by the fire:  

LOOK UP:

• TRAFFIC: Firefighters are NOT used to having the Hubbard Creek Road beyond Briarwood Road open to public use. PLEASE drive slowly for their safety and yours. Firefighting equipment, large equipment and personnel should be expected in the roadway. Patrol deputies will be enforcing reduced speed limits in the area.
  
  Reduced visibility due to smoke and dust should be expected. 
   
• BURNED TREES: Trees that have been burned are now very weak.  Do not park or stand under burned trees.
   
• GREEN TREES: Even green healthy-looking trees can have their roots burned which can make them fall.

LOOK DOWN:

• SEPTIC TANKS / CULVERTS:  The fire can burn underground septic tanks and culverts, but they can look “normal” above ground.  Be careful when walking as the ground over these can be weakened and you could fall through.  DO NOT PARK OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS.
   
• DOWNED WIRES:  Power lines should be de-energized.  Still be careful as they can get tangled in vehicles. 
   
• SMOKING / SMOLDERING MATERIAL:  Logs, stumps, and other burned material in the fire may still be soldering or burning. Watch for ash pits or holes created by burned trees and debris. These can be filled with hot ash that can be dangerous to persons or animals.

LOOK AROUND:

• FIRES: Fires may flare up without warning. Should you see flame or heavy smoke, do not assume that fire authorities are aware it. Residents will likely observe hot spots or smoke when returning.  
  
  WIND: If the wind increases this can bring trees and branches down.  Wind can also increase the movement of the fire.  If it gets windy, you should leave the area. 
   
• RAIN:  Heavy rainfall can cause rocks, logs, dirt and other debris to slide down hillsides.
   
• WILD ANIMALS:  Animals may be showing unusual behavior.  They have been displaced, too, and could be looking for food or water.
   
• PERSONAL SAFETY: Your house and yard may be covered in ash.  There may still be live embers present. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or a jacket, and boots. Wearing a dust mask will be especially important. 
  
  Smoke levels can be at hazardous levels, specifically near the fires edge. The fire management team will be posting daily smoke reports to their Tyee Complex Facebook page.

RED CROSS SHELTER:

The American Red Cross Shelter located at The Way Church of Sutherlin closed Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 12:00 pm. Anyone impacted by the fire who has unmet needs may contact Emergency Manager Emily Ring through the Douglas County Dispatch Center at (541) 440-4471.

ANIMAL SHELTERING: 

Animal sheltering remains available to affected residents. Please coordinate with Douglas County Animal Control by calling (541) 440-4471. Large animals, including livestock, may be sheltered at the Sutherlin Rodeo Grounds or the Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex. Animal Control Deputies will coordinate with residents prior to animal sheltering. 

FIRE INFORMATION: 

For more information about what to do after the fire and stay up-to-date, please visit the Tyee Complex Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Saturday, September 2, 2023, at approximately 3:20 p.m., corrections deputies were alerted of an Adult in Custody (AIC) that was found by other AICs collapsed in the dormitory shower. Deputies entered the dormitory to find 49-year-old Jason Travis Jerscheid of Canyonville unconscious and not breathing. They began lifesaving efforts and called 9-1-1 for emergency services.

When EMS arrived, they continued lifesaving efforts which were ultimately unsuccessful. Jerscheid was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Oregon State Police, an outside agency, and the Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office was called to investigate the death at the request of Sheriff Hanlin. There were no apparent indications of foul play.

"My most sincere condolences go out to those who knew and cared for Mr. Jerscheid," Sheriff Hanlin said. "I await the final investigation report but am confident that those in our custody remain safe and well cared for."

An autopsy took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 9:00 am at the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Clackamas, Oregon. The results of the autopsy are pending at this time.
 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Some evacuation notices, including all Level 3 - GO! notices have been downgraded for the Tyee Ridge Complex Fire, effective 12:00 PM on Friday, September 1, 2023.

The following is a summary of the current evacuation notices which remain in place. Current evacuation maps can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations.

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • No Level 3 notices exist for the Tyee Ridge Complex at this time. 
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  • 11000-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the 4900-block of Hubbard Creek Road, including all addresses between these two points. 
     
  • All residences on Millwood Drive
     
  • All residences on Briarwood Road
     
  • All residences on Lighthouse Road
     
• Level 1 “BE READY”:
  • 4800-block of Hubbard Creek Road to the intersection of Melqua Road. This includes all homes between these two points. 
     
  • All homes on Tyee Road starting at Fanchin Lane to the 6700-block (Intersection of BLM Road 25-7-15.0 or also referred to as Rock Creek Road). This includes all residences in between these points, and all of Fanchin Lane.
     
  • 8000-block of Tyee Road to the 9300-block of Tyee Road. This includes all residences in between these points.
     
  • All residences on De Costa Lane and all residences on Hidden Meadows Lane to the intersection with Cole Road.

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

HUBBARD CREEK ROAD AT BRIARWOOD ROAD TO REMAIN CLOSED

Hubbard Creek Road remains closed at Briarwood Road. Residents who can show proof of residency beyond the closure will be permitted through area, but could expect delays. 

SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS:

Residents returning to a Level 2 "BE SET" area, should be aware that danger still exists in the area and should remain ready to leave at a moment's notice. Individuals returning to areas impacted by the fire should be aware there are inherent risks associated with returning. Hazards have not been mitigated from private properties and homeowners assume all risks by returning to their properties. If at any time a resident feels unsafe or in the event of increased fire behavior, significant wind or rain, they should not wait to be told to leave and should do so on their own. The following safety tips are provided to those returning to areas which have been impacted by the fire:  

LOOK UP:

• TRAFFIC: Firefighters are NOT used to having the Hubbard Creek Road beyond Briarwood Road open to public use. PLEASE drive slowly for their safety and yours. Firefighting equipment, large equipment and personnel should be expected in the roadway. Patrol deputies will be enforcing reduced speed limits in the area.
  
  Reduced visibility due to smoke and dust should be expected. 
   
• BURNED TREES: Trees that have been burned are now very weak.  Do not park or stand under burned trees.
   
• GREEN TREES: Even green healthy-looking trees can have their roots burned which can make them fall.

LOOK DOWN:

• SEPTIC TANKS / CULVERTS:  The fire can burn underground septic tanks and culverts, but they can look “normal” above ground.  Be careful when walking as the ground over these can be weakened and you could fall through.  DO NOT PARK OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS.
   
• DOWNED WIRES:  Power lines should be de-energized.  Still be careful as they can get tangled in vehicles. 
   
• SMOKING / SMOLDERING MATERIAL:  Logs, stumps, and other burned material in the fire may still be soldering or burning. Watch for ash pits or holes created by burned trees and debris. These can be filled with hot ash that can be dangerous to persons or animals.

LOOK AROUND:

• FIRES: Fires may flare up without warning. Should you see flame or heavy smoke, do not assume that fire authorities are aware it. Residents will likely observe hot spots or smoke when returning.  
  
  WIND: If the wind increases this can bring trees and branches down.  Wind can also increase the movement of the fire.  If it gets windy, you should leave the area. 
   
• RAIN:  Heavy rainfall can cause rocks, logs, dirt and other debris to slide down hillsides.
   
• WILD ANIMALS:  Animals may be showing unusual behavior.  They have been displaced, too, and could be looking for food or water.
   
• PERSONAL SAFETY: Your house and yard may be covered in ash.  There may still be live embers present. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or a jacket, and boots. Wearing a dust mask will be especially important. 
  
  Smoke levels can be at hazardous levels, specifically near the fires edge. The fire management team will be posting daily smoke reports to their Tyee Complex Facebook page.

RED CROSS SHELTER:

The American Red Cross Shelter located at The Way Church of Sutherlin will be closing Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 12:00 pm. Anyone impacted by the fire who has unmet needs may contact Emergency Manager Emily Ring through the Douglas County Dispatch Center at (541) 440-4471.

ANIMAL SHELTERING: 

Animal sheltering remains available to impacted residents. Please coordinate with Douglas County Animal Control by calling (541) 440-4471. Large animals, including livestock, may be sheltered at the Sutherlin Rodeo Grounds or the Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex. Animal Control Deputies will coordinate with residents prior to animal sheltering. 

FIRE INFORMATION: 

For more information about what to do after the fire and stay up-to-date, please visit the Tyee Complex Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex

ALL CURRENT EVACUATIONS FOR TYEE RIDGE COMPLEX FIRE

LEVEL 3 - GO NOW! Evacuate immediately is in effect for the following areas: 

• 11000 block of Hubbard Creek Rd to the intersection of Millwood Drive. This includes all homes between these two points and all homes on Millwood Drive. 
   
• All Homes on Briarwood Road
   
• The address of 4900 Hubbard Creek Road
   
• All Homes on Lighthouse Road

Level 3 - GO NOW means Leave Immediately! 

There is extreme danger in your area - evacuate now. Leave without delay, it is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders. Your life could be in great danger. Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

• Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.
• Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.
• Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.

After you evacuate:

• View the interactive evacuation map at www.dcso.com/evacuations
• Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.
• Once you are safe, check with friends and family.
• Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce the area is safe.
   

LEVEL 2 - BE SET to evacuate from the following areas: 

• 4800 block of Hubbard Creek Road to the intersection of Hubbard Creek Road and Melqua Road. This includes all residences in between these points. 
   
• 4100 block of Tyee Road to the 6700 block of Tyee Road. This includes all homes between these two points and Wapiti Lane.

Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate means: 

There is significant danger in your area - be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.  

• Time to act - follow your emergency plan. Grab your go-kit of essential supplies for health, safety, and identification.
• View the interactive evacuation map at www.dcso.com/evacuations
• Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
• Relocate to a safe place outside of the affected area. Inform loved ones of your plans.
• Stay informed and be alert. Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. Conditions can change rapidly. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate from the following areas: (Please note the description change. This was made to provide additional clarity.)

• All homes on Tyee Road starting at Fanchin Lane to the 4000 block. This includes all residences in between these points, including Fanchin Lane.
   
• All homes on Tyee Road from the 8000 block to the 9300 block. This includes all homes between these points.
   
• All residences on De Costa Lane and all residences on Hidden Meadows Lane to the intersection with Cole Road.

 Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates. View interactive evacuation map at www.dcso.com/evacuations

• Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification.
• Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early.
• Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
• If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.