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Articles by Patrick Moore
DeSpain files for another run at Oregon’s 4th District seat
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story contained inaccuracies. A quote from Monique DeSpain regarding wildfire response misstated a time reference; it has been corrected to reflect that firefighters were described as resuming work at “10 a.m.” rather than “1 a.m.” Additionally, the phrase “90-day wonder,” used by DeSpain to describe her early military experience, is a common military term; the article has been clarified to avoid implying it originated with her.
Public Safety Log
These logs are the highlights of initial calls and reports. They do not represent all incidents, nor their final outcomes. POLICE LOG Roseburg Police Department Wednesday 7:19 a.m. - cited a man for camping in Deer Creek Park. 8:00 a.m. - investigated a disturbance in the 100 block of Sunshine Road and arrested a man on an unrelated warrant for failing to appear on a Winston case.
Second air force veteran running for commissioner
Samantha "Sam" Frost filed to run for Douglas County's Board of Commissioners (BOC) on March 10, after several candidates had already responded to a list of questions from The News-Review. Based on that, Frost submitted a similar set of responses to complete her profile. Frost, however, has participated in three forums this spring, alongside both candidates and incumbents, so her philosophies on government and leadership are already a matter of record.
Is DeSpain the presumptive nominee?
Monique DeSpain is running again. Records of the Oregon Secretary of State confirm DeSpain, of Eugene, filed last October for another shot at Congresswoman Val Hoyle in Oregon's 4th Congressional District. Records also confirm DeSpain was the Republic nominee two years ago, won that nomination in the primary, then lost to Hoyle in the 2024 general election. DeSpain spoke with The News-Review last Thursday, April 23, regarding her candidacy.
Election lawyer summarizes evidence
In a hearing April 17, Todd Vaughn's attorney gave a summary of the evidence they believe will overturn an election. Vaughn is represented by Stephen Joncus, as they contest Vaughn's 2025 loss for re-election to the board of directors of the Umpqua Public Transportation District. Vaughn, at the time an incumbent, was slightly ahead in the vote when the polls closed a year ago, but narrowly lost to former board member Natasha Atkinson once the final votes were reportedly counted a week later.
Commissioner candidates face off again
10 of the 13 candidates for Douglas County's Board of Commissioners (BOC) faced off for possibly the last time Thursday, in an atypical forum sponsored by the Umpqua Valley Republican Women and held in the Douglas County Courthouse Annex. In a format that included a lighting round, a two-minute drill and rebuttals of a reported allegation regarding all three incumbents having Jeeps, the forum moderated by Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg) eventually allowed for each participant to make some points.
Roseburg to consider immigration ordinance
For a third consecutive meeting, multiple citizens took the podium in front of the Roseburg City Council and spoke out against the possibility of a federal immigration enforcement office in town. By a vote of 5-2, the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance clarifying the city's position. Although the vote was met with a standing ovation, the language of the motion may simply mirror the state laws on the subject, while adding language confirming that Roseburg welcomes all citizens.
Another pedestrian struck at Green intersection
GREEN — The busy intersection where Highway 99S essentially merges with Highway 42, barely a half-mile west of the ramps of Interstate Five, got even busier the past decade with the development of Grant Smith Road to the south. A major truck stop at the top of the hill, followed by fast food restaurants along the route, are conveniently located off those highways.
Helping families survive and thrive
"Resilience is what we build here, in our children and in ourselves." That statement was made not by a staff or board member, but by a client of the Family Development Center, which held its annual fundraiser and recognition luncheon Wednesday, at UCC's Lang Event Center.
Shane Kelly puts his name in the hat for Douglas County Commissioner
With ballots due to be mailed April 29 for the 2026 primary elections, The News-Review is profiling candidates for Douglas County's Board of Commissioners (BOC). All three positions on BOC are up for re-election this year, with 13 candidates in total. On Dec. 3, 2025, Shane Kelly filed for the Position One seat, according to the records of the Douglas County Clerk. Kelly was one of two Myrtle Creek citizens, one man and woman, respectively, to be recognized as their 2025 citizens of the year.
Person rescued from apartment fire
One occupant of an apartment was sent to the hospital, while firefighters stopped a residential structure fire from spreading to the adjacent apartments Friday afternoon. According to a press release from the Roseburg Fire Department, multiple calls of black smoke in the 2400 block of W.
Homelessness, immigration on council agenda
The Roseburg City Council has a packed agenda Monday night, beginning at 6 p.m. with an early work session on homelessness. Topics include estimating the cost of addressing the issue, working with non-profit organizations, evaluating programs in other cities, and the legality of exclusion from city parks. The regular meeting at 7 p.m. includes a presentation on the council's goals, and ends with a discussion on the role of local government regarding federal enforcement of immigration laws.
School board member running for county commissioner
The News-Review will continue publishing profiles of candidates for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners (BOC) through April. This week's candidate is Steven "Steve" Hammerson, who filed to run for the BOC's position three currently held by Commissioner Chris Boice, who has filed for re-election. Hammerson responded to a second set of questions from The News-Review regarding his biography and qualifications.
Juvenile admits to homeless homicide
A juvenile defendant was sent back to the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) Tuesday, this time until he reaches the age of 25. The News-Review has confirmed the identity of the juvenile, but has not published his name since he was not prosecuted as an adult. Previous testimony in the case confirmed that the juvenile had been in the custody of OYA previously, and court records confirm that he appeared before Judge Jason Thomas on multiple cases last year. Now, that judge is sending him back.
County commissioners meet candidates in Roseburg
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of the Umpqua Valley hosted a forum of incumbents and candidates for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners (BOC) Tuesday evening at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. According to the LWV, as all three board positions are up for election in the May primary, all 13 candidates were invited to Tuesday's forum, including three incumbents who have all filed for re-election.
Details emerge in fatal Reedsport arson
REEDSPORT — The Douglas County District Attorney's Office filed additional charges Monday morning against Pamela Anne Westfall, 41, of Reedsport, on suspicion of causing a house fire Thursday night that reportedly took the lives of two men. Westfall is now accused of two counts of first-degree murder, and two counts of second-degree murder, although the number of deceased victims did not increase over the weekend, according to court documents.
Commissioners and candidates meet in Reedsport
REEDSPORT — The Rotary and Lions clubs of Reedsport hosted candidates for Douglas County Commissioner Thursday night at the Reedsport Community Center. 10 of the 13 candidates, including all three incumbents, made the trip although it was a short drive for one of the candidates. Each speaker gave a preamble on their candidacy, followed by an answer to a common question posed by Forrest Hill of Reedsport Rotarian Forrest Hill: what they believe to be the most important issue facing Douglas County.
Fatal house fire leads to murder arrest
Two people are reportedly dead, and a woman is in custody after authorities investigated a house fire in the Reedsport area Thursday night. The incident in the 2700 block of Lower Smith River Road is approximately four miles northeast of Reedsport. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is the investigating agency, but firefighters from the departments in both Reedsport and Winchester Bay initially responded to the reported blaze.
Trial canceled in homeless homicide
The trial of a juvenile defendant in the homicide of a homeless man had been scheduled for April 14-16 this week, but hearings in Douglas County Circuit Court confirmed that a trial is not likely to occur. In a brief appearance Thursday in front of Judge Jason Thomas, the parties agreed to meet again on Tuesday, April 21 for what is expected to be a plea and sentencing. The juvenile, who will not turn 17 until this summer, is accused of causing the death of James Wade Gage, 60, on Jan.
Roseburg council sets unhoused priorities
The Roseburg City Council set an ambitious agenda for Monday night's regular and study meetings. A primary topic was prioritizing the efforts of city staff in addressing the unhoused community, but the overwhelming majority of speakers from the audience had other ideas. Other momentous topics were the celebration of multiple city volunteers, in a proclamation of Volunteer Recognition Month, and a finalization of the cooperative project with Umpqua Community College on the medical education center.
Douglas County native running again for commissioner
Not only was Brandy Stone born and raised in central Douglas County, so too were her parents. The native of Winston and Roseburg is running for Douglas County Commissioner for a third time. Stone confirmed that she ran for a position on the Douglas County Board of Commissioners (BOC) in 2018, and again in 2022, with the intention of continuing to file until she wins.
Multiple timber fires handled Thursday
According to emergency radio traffic Thursday, and a press release from the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), cooler weather and rain Thursday afternoon were assets in controlling multiple wildfires that occurred during a lightning storm. The kinetic afternoon for firefighters began around 1:30 p.m. when the Kellogg Rural Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire in the 8000 block of Tyee Road in Umpqua, west of Sutherlin.
Public Safety Log
These logs are the highlights of initial calls and reports. They do not include all incidents, nor their final outcomes. POLICE LOG Roseburg Police Department Tuesday 12:26 p.m. — caught a man who fled into the brush of the nature area off the 1500 block of NW Stewart Parkway and confirmed he had an arrest warrant and had left his trash behind. 1:30 p.m. — arrested a man at the probation office for having tried to use a stolen credit card in the 3300 block of NW Aviation Drive.
Myrtle Creek man running for commissioner
For Nicholas "Nick" Mitchell, moving from California to Douglas County in 2018 was not a culture shock. The Fallbrook, CA native grew up in an unincorporated, agricultural community and told The News-Review he understands the role that agriculture plays in rural communities. On Nov. 25, 2025, Mitchell filed to run for Douglas County Commissioner, in the Position One seat currently held by Commissioner Tom Kress, who has filed for re-election.
A conversation with Rep. Val Hoyle
With the United State House of Representatives again out of session, Rep. Val Hoyle of Oregon’s 4th Congressional District spoke with The News-Review about what’s happening in Washington D.C., and her hopes for the state capitol in Salem. Aside from, or in addition to, objections to voting by mail, The News-Review asked Hoyle about the attempt to federalize voter registration.
California trucker arrested in fatal collision
According to court documents filed in Douglas County Circuit Court, the fiery collision on Interstate Five in Southern Douglas County on Monday afternoon resulted in one death, multiple injuries, and the arrest of a San Diego man operating a truck and trailer. The collision occurred at about 3 p.m. Monday, in the northbound lanes of I-5 near milepost 90 between Azalea and Canyonville.
Homeless Commission discusses existing campgrounds
Elk Island Trading Group is still the only entity in Roseburg operating managed campsites for the unhoused community. As of Monday's meeting of the city of Roseburg's Homeless Commission, there are no other organizations planning to stand up a new campsite, with the possible exception of the city's exploration of its own urban campground. Meanwhile, Elk Island Trading Group has an eye on two more potential campsites.
Umpqua hunters raise advocacy funds
A special guest was in attendance Saturday night, at the Umpqua chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association's 27th annual fundraising banquet. Todd Adkins, statewide executive director of the association, was at Seven Feathers Casino Resort for the auction, raffle and buffet. "These chapter events are the engine of OHA (Oregon Hunters Association) proper," Adkins told The News-Review on Saturday.
The 30 year tradition of hunting eggs in Umpqua
UMPQUA — Participants are warned to arrive early, because the parking lot fills up quickly and the Easter egg hunt at the Umpqua Community Center starts precisely at 10 a.m., no matter what. "You've heard of fund-raisers; this is a friend-raiser," Sandy Henry told The News-Review. Henry, one of the founders, said the Easter egg hunt every year on the Saturday before Easter is just one of the community center's annual traditions.
Incumbent profile: Douglas County Commissioner Boice
Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice told The News-Review why he, a member of a family known for public service in Curry County, came to continue that tradition in another county. In 1994, he moved to Myrtle Creek — the hometown of his fiancé, who had just graduated from college. That year, the Gold Beach Union High School graduate went to work for Lauren and Dena Young’s tire center in Roseburg, an experience that he says became transformative just a few years later.
Oregon attorney general meets with locals
WINCHESTER — "My parents were, 'activism was a thing: you can do that being part of an organization, you can do that by doing,'" Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said Tuesday night at Umpqua Community College. Rayfield met with The News-Review before he took the stage in the Whipple Fine Arts Center, and took questions from the audience. Rayfield and his staff had been in town all day, meeting with community leaders.
Virtual town hall focuses on fires, logging.
In a virtual town hall Thursday evening, two local leaders fielded a handful of questions submitted in advance. State Rep. Court Boice, R-Gold Beach, whose district includes a portion of Douglas County, called in with Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman. The duo provided updates on Roseburg's pending veteran's home, and a leadership change at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), but forest fires dominated the conversation, and salvage logging dominated the answers.
Suspected meth deal the tip of the iceberg
Three defendants were arraigned Monday afternoon in Douglas County Circuit Court, after an alleged narcotics deal interrupted by the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) lead to one of the team's largest-ever seizures of methamphetamine and cash, in addition to other illegal drugs. By the time it was over, Judge Cadence Whiteley held James Ray Teel, 57, of Camas Valley on $175,000 bail, and his landlord or roommate Gina Christine Cotton, 58, on $100,000 bail.
Referendum seeks to repeal Sutherlin public safety ordinance
A referendum for Sutherlin residents on their next ballot is not seeking a new fee. According to the records of the Douglas County Clerk, the referendum seeks to repeal the city's public safety fee. Sutherlin City Ordinance 1100 was passed in May 2025 to create Chapter 3.18 of the Sutherlin City Code, enacting a public safety fee imposed on developed properties in the city at $9 per month, to provide revenue for the police and fire departments. As of Feb.
Keeping farms in the family
The goal used to be to keep the farm for the kids,” Austin McClister of the Oregon Farm Bureau said. “Now, it’s to sell the farm to have money to leave your kids.” In Douglas County, the Talcott ranch near Glide and Paris Orchards on the other side of Roseburg have both been beating those odds for generations. The keys for each have been to diversify products and change with the times. The Talcott ranch The Talcott farm has changed names once but has never changed families.
Commissioner Tim J. Freeman has a long history of leadership
According to Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, his personal history of leadership began before his entry into politics. He told The News-Review he was director of the local Harley-Davidson owner’s group before he ran for Roseburg City Council. He also owned and operated a service station. Freeman confirmed he attended and graduated from Oakland public schools in Northern Douglas County before studying at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in Klamath Falls.
The sustainability of farmers markets
Getting people to want to walk in the cold,” is the hardest part of sustaining a farmers market year-round, according to Everett Nestripke of the Umpqua Valley Farmer’s Market. Nestripke told The News-Review that the downtown Roseburg market, held every Saturday, typically stays busy through December, then slows down in January and February. One of the draws is live music, often at either end of the block, which other farmer’s markets in Douglas County also provide.
Public Safety Log
These logs are the highlights of initial calls and reports. They do not represent all incidents, nor their final outcomes. POLICE LOGRoseburg Police Department Monday 8:17 a.m. — arrested a woman in the 2500 block of NE Douglas Avenue on multiple outstanding warrants. 9:07 a.m. — cited a woman for using a prohibited tool at the river off the 200 block of SE Pine Street, then for urinating in their presence.
Public Safety Log
These logs are the highlights of initial calls and reports. They do not represent all incidents, nor their final outcomes. POLICE LOGRoseburg Police Department Saturday 2 a.m. — cited a man for having a cooking fire on the river bank near Gaddis Park. 7:54 a.m. — arrested a man near Deer Creek Park after multiple violations of prohibited camping, and for a warrant on failing to appear multiple times for prohibited camping.
County commissioner candidate Lorrie Wick is invested in the future
The Roseburg News-Review will continue profiling election candidates slated for the May 19 primary, including a combination of 13 incumbents and candidates for Douglas County's Board of Commissioners (BOC). Lorrie Wick, of Roseburg, filed Dec. 8 for BOC's Position One, held by incumbent Commissioner Tom Kress. After a career of leadership roles in human services and nonprofit organizations, Wick founded Lorrie Wick Consulting - Community & Workforce Solutions.
Public Safety Log
These logs are the highlights of initial calls and reports. They do not represent all incidents, nor their final outcomes. POLICE LOGRoseburg Police Department Thursday 4:08 a.m. — cited a man for camping in the parking lot of Gaddis Park. 6:08 a.m. — cited a man for an open alcoholic beverage in the 900 block of NW Garden Valley Boulevard. 6:23 a.m. — found a woman extinguishing a small fire behind the 300 block of NE Winchester Street, then found and cited the man who lit the cardboard.
ICE considering offices in Roseburg
According to a request on the United States System for Award Management (SAM) website, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering rented office space in Roseburg. Portland is the only other Oregon city listed in the Request for Information (RFI). The RFI and its attached Statement of Work (SOW) describe the announcement as being a step below a Request for Proposal, indicating the inquiry is in the exploratory stage.
Juvenile homicide defendant can't wear restraints
The underage defendant in a homicide case will not be ordered to wear restraints in court, according to Judge Jason Thomas. Douglas County's motion to use leg irons on the defendant was struck down Friday in Douglas County Circuit Court. The 16-year-old has been in the custody of the Douglas County Juvenile Department since Jan. 2, shortly after James Wade Gage, 60, of Roseburg, was allegedly stabbed to death in an area of unhoused camping and tents in Roseburg's Umpqua Greenway.
Roseburg City Manager announces retirement at city council meeting
Nikki Messenger was officially named Roseburg City Manager in the summer of 2019, after serving as interim manager since the spring. Prior to that, she had worked her way through the city's Public Works Department, from engineer to director. Now, after seven years as city manager, Messenger is retiring. Mayor Larry Rich announced Messenger's retirement date Monday night, at a regular meeting of the Roseburg City Council.
Retired veteran running for commissioner
After 27 years working in aviation, Andrew John Rosales of Roseburg is running for Douglas County's Board of Commissioners. Rosales, a veteran of the United States Air Force, filed for election in the board's Position Three, currently held by Commissioner Chris Boice. According to Rosales' military records, he spent nearly 21 years in the United States Air Force before retiring in 2018 as a master sergeant.
Douglas County Commissioner Tom Kress seeks a third term
The News-Review will continue publishing profiles of incumbents and candidates for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners (BOC), as all three seats on the commission are up for election in the May 19 primary. This week, board chair and incumbent commissioner Tom Kress responded to The News-Review’s request to confirm and update his candidacy.
Roseburg City Council, officials consider its future
President Woodrow Wilson may have been the founder of the city manager form of government. That was one of the lessons learned by the city of Roseburg this week during two evenings of training attended by both city councilors and department heads. In his academic career before taking office, Wilson wrote extensively on the subject. That portion of his career occurred during the nation’s industrial revolution, as cities mushroomed in size in the late 1800s.
Roseburg administration considers its future
President Woodrow Wilson may have been the founder of the city manager form of government. That was one of the lessons learned by the city of Roseburg this week during two evenings of training attended by both city councilors and department heads. In his academic career before taking office, Wilson wrote extensively on the subject. That portion of his career occurred during the nation's industrial revolution, as cities mushroomed in size in the late 1800s.
Father arraigned in death of child
Additional details emerged Monday in the death of a toddler, as the boy's father was officially charged and arraigned in Douglas County Circuit Court. Jared Jeremy Stoller, 27, identified also in court documents as Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller, remains in the custody of the Douglas County Jail. Court documents also confirm that Stoller's alleged victim is his son, who would have turned a year old later this month.
Car show raises funds for other agencies
The Stray Angels Car Club and Umqua Flatheads geared up for Graffiti last weekend by raising money for other agencies, and they were not alone. Street Memories and the Timberland Corvette Club were also in attendance at the 47th annual Roseburg Benefit Car Show on Saturday and Sunday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The proceeds from the show benefit two local organizations almost completely staffed by volunteers: the Special Materials Fund and Douglas County Search and Rescue.
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