Savannah Jones and Jennifer Denley of Sunrise Enterprises talk about a new location for part of their nonprofit and an open house for the public on September 18th.

September 9, 2026 4:15 a.m.  

Wednesday will be the last day with afternoon high temperatures in the low to mid 90s for the time being in the Umpqua Valley.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that high pressure in the region will cause the bump up in temperatures. The high pressure is expected to weaken on Thursday and Friday with highs in the mid 80’s on Thursday and upper 70’s on Friday. Low pressure is slated to move in on Saturday bringing showers and the potential for afternoon thunderstorms. Conditions are expected to be dry beginning Sunday for at least a few days.

Forecasters said it is still possible for temperatures to get back to the 90s later in the month if strong high pressure returns.

The mercury reached 83 degrees on Tuesday at the Roseburg Regional Airport. That is equal to the normal high temperature for this week in September.

Listen to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com to stay connected with updated weather information.

September 9, 2026 4:00 a.m.  

Riddle Elementary School is closed on Wednesday and Thursday, due to continued bat activity in the building.

A district social media post to families said out of an abundance of caution, the district is taking this time to thoroughly inspect the building and complete the necessary cleaning and bat-removal measures. Staff are working to make the best possible decisions based on the information and professional guidance available.

Throughout this process, the district is working closely with the Douglas Public Health Network, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and a professional bat specialist. The post said, “the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.”

An update will be made Thursday afternoon regarding progress made and next steps for reopening Riddle Elementary School.

Students at the school were sent home last Friday as well, due to the presence of bats in the building.

News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN has reached out to Riddle School District officials seeking more information on the situation.

September 9, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

Due to increasing temperatures and lowering relative humidity across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Public Use Restriction Levels have increased to Moderate effective Wednesday for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachael Pope said in addition, the Industrial fire Precaution Levels have increased to Level 2, effective Wednesday within the Douglas District, for all regulated use areas, and all forestlands within one-eighth miles of those areas, including lands managed by the Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management.

Pope said IFPLs have changed to Level 2 in regulated use areas and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

Pope said for the public under Moderate Public Use Restrictions, these activities are only permitted before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m.:

*Non-industrial power saw use

*Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal

*Cutting, trimming, mowing dried cured grass and

*Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial property management or development on private lands

Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the cultivation and harvest of agricultural crops. Each vehicle traveling on forestlands must have an axe, shovel, and one gallon of water or a 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. ATVs must have a 2.5 pounds or larger ABC fire extinguisher. All other off-road driving is restricted at all times.

For information on restrictions for industrial operators and more fire season information, go to www.dfpa.net

September 9, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

Republican candidate for Congress, Monique DeSpain will host a Healthy Forests Roundtable on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Association building on Willamette Street in Eugene.

A campaign release said the event will bring together a number of experts for a nonpartisan discussion on identifying and addressing the factors leading to the wildfire crisis in Oregon.

The panel will include forestry expert Dr. Bob Zybach, Rick Dice of PatRick Fire Fighting, Matt Cyrus of Oregon Family Farms, Jim Buell – a retired biologist and wildlife expert, State Representative Court Boice, Ed Shepard – retired Oregon State Bureau of Land Management Director, Sam Wheeler of Murphy Company, Bob Ragon and a number of others.

DeSpain will participate throughout the discussion to explore what she believes are practical solutions to unhealthy forests in Oregon.

September 9, 2026 3:30 a.m. 

On Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek directed every state agency to immediately pause unapproved requests for easements, rights-of-way, leases, rentals, land-use permits, and sales or transfers of state-owned property for data center projects.

The pause remains in effect through July 1st, 2027, or until statewide action from the governor’s office or the legislature directs otherwise.

Governor Kotek said, “Data center corporations are asking communities to absorb enormous demands on our water, energy, infrastructure, and natural resources, and we need to know what that means for Oregonians.” Kotek said, “I am taking this action because the state should not be moving forward with new data center projects on public land while we are still working to understand and address those impacts. Oregonians deserve a statewide approach that protects our communities, respects our natural resources, and makes sure state government is acting in the public interest.”

Governor Kotek said this pause is essential to ensure a coordinated statewide evaluation of the long-term impacts associated with large-scale data center development, including infrastructure capacity, environmental sustainability, water usage, job creation, and the effects on surrounding communities.

The release said this new directive to state agencies builds upon the Governor’s decision to stop the planned sale of state land for approximately 32 acres at the Mill Creek Corporate Center in Salem for a proposed data center project.

Governor Kotek said while the state currently lacks authority to enact a statewide moratorium on data center development, this action reflects her commitment to taking steps within the state’s control immediately.

September 9, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

Roseburg Public Library is delivering a slate of grant-funded programs this fall for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

A city release said the library was selected to participate in round four of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities. It was made possible by the American Library Association in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

On Thursday, September 10th, the library will host bingo with prizes. On Thursday, October 8th, Jessica from Create and Sip Studio will guide participants in a pumpkin-themed painting class. On Thursday, November 12th, JuggleMania’s Rhys Thomas will perform his high-energy show. Registration is requested for the pumpkin-themed painting class.

Movie and snack events are scheduled Thursday, September 24th and Thursday, October 22nd. All programs are free and begin at 11:30 a.m. at the library on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard. Caregivers are welcome.

For more information, contact the library at 492-7051.

September 9, 2026 3:05 a.m. 

Mercy Foundation will have its Challenge of the Heros event on Thursday, September 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A foundation release said restaurants in Sutherlin, Glide, Roseburg and Winston, along with food trucks in Myrtle Creek will participate.

Law enforcement, fire fighters and EMT’s – the local heroes, have challenged each other to support Douglas County Child Abuse Prevention initiatives. Participants from over a dozen agencies will act as wait staff at each location. Tips will go to support the work of the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Up2Us Now Child Abuse Prevention Coalition – both part of the Mercy Foundation.

To see where each agency is working for Challenge of the Heros, go to the information posted with this story at www.541radio.com

September 9, 2026 2:50 a.m. 

Douglas County 4-H is partnering with The Studio Arts Connection to host 4-H Fall Fiber Arts Day, a hands-on crochet and knitting experience for youth ages 9-11 on Saturday, October 3rd.

An Oregon State University Extension Service release said the workshops are perfect for youth of all skill levels who want to explore fiber arts, learn new techniques, and create projects they can proudly take home.

Workshops will be held at The Studio Arts Connection at 1350 Southeast Stephens Street in Roseburg. A crochet class-bird nest project will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a knitting class to make a bracelet or small pet collar from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Attendees will receive beginner-free instruction, new fiber arts skills, and a finished project to take home.

The cost is $25 per class with registration required. For more information, call OSU Extension Service in Douglas County at 672-6641 or stop by their office at 1134 Southeast Douglas Avenue, next to the courthouse.

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