The News-Review

Update: this article has been updated with comments and information from Riddle School District Superintendent Erika Dockweiler. Less than two full weeks into the school year, Riddle Elementary School has temporarily closed for two days due to the presence of bats. The closure was announced yesterday just before 6 p.m. via a Facebook post from the Riddle School District. In it, the district wrote it is working to inspect the building as it completes cleaning and removal measures.

Dixie Lee Harris, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at the age of 89. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, family, faith, and memories that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Dixie was co-owner of Premix Concrete Pipe Co., Early Bird Trucking while raising their three children Dalan, Chris, and Dedira. Dixie was a woman of remarkable talent, determination, and generosity.

Virginia was born in Cranford, New Jersey, in 1939. She moved to Oakland, Oregon, after retiring from being a court administrator in New Jersey. She passed peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 16, 2026. She is survived by her four children, Virginia Smith, Susan Banghart, Anton Tinnesz, and Karen Kornberger as well as 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and her partner, George Seonbuchner. React to this story: Love Funny Wow Sad Angry

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.

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.

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.

Roseburg Police jailed a man following a kidnapping incident on Sunday night. An RPD report said at 7:00 p.m. officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Northeast Winchester Street after a caller said there had been a violation of a no contact release agreement that was in place, prohibiting 48-year-old Joshua Hansen from contacting a victim. Officers spoke with a witness on the scene who reportedly observed Hansen grab the victim and carry her inside the residence.

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.

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.

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.