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You have probably noticed that over the last two months there have been interruptions to service on the website. We continue to work through these problems and as we are trying to address the issue of password access to the e-edition we will continue to provide it free so there is no disruption to the delivery of your weekly paper. We hope that you enjoy this free service and will remain with the honor system in your subscribing to the paper. For now continue to enjoy the paper by simply clicking on the e-papers button above and view the week of your choice.

Ready for opening

The City of Myrtle Creek Visitor Center is ready to open and plans to have its first regular hours day on Friday, March 27. Those hours will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The visitor center, which was purchased in late 2024 and remodeled through the first part of 2025, was originally scheduled to open before the summer of 2025 but due to a number of delays involing facility upgrades, adminstrative changes, volunteer staffing and other unforseen complications, the opening was delayed until this year. On Friday, March 20, a orientation of volunteers was held. (ABOVE) City Recorder Joanna Bilbrey (LEFT) conducts the orientation for the volunteers in the meeting room at the visitor center. Anyone wanting to volunteer at the center can contact Joanna at 541-863-3171 or stop by city hall and pick up an application.

Glendale tabs Pratt as new super

GLENDALE — On March 18 Glendale School Board of Directors voted to appoint Danny Pratt as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1 upon the retirement of current Superintendent Bridget McMilllen.
Pratt was selected following the interview process that included four candidates.

Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe celebrates opening of community pharmacy in Roseburg

ROSEBURG — The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians celebrated a milestone in community healthcare Wednesday, March 11, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Cow Creek Health & Wellness Pharmacy in Roseburg. The event marks a landmark step in the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe’s commitment to improving access to healthcare for both Tribal citizens and Douglas County residents.
The ribbon cutting was attended by the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board of Directors, Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress and Chris Boice, as well as staff and healthcare providers, who welcomed guests and gave tours of the new facility.

Student voices help shape the future of South Umpqua Schools

By Erika Bare
Superintendent, South Umpqua School District

TRI CITY – This past school year, I’ve had the joy of launching a Superintendent Student Advisory Council at each of our schools. I met with students at Tri City Elementary, Myrtle Creek Elementary, Coffenberry Middle School, Canyonville School and South Umpqua High School. These visits quickly became some of my favorite moments of the school year, as they provided a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from students about their school experiences. 
The purpose of the Student Advisory Councils is simple but important: to ensure student voice plays a role in shaping our district. Each council meets three times a year and includes fifth graders, eighth graders, or student leaders, depending on the school. Students are selected to represent a range of experiences and perspectives, so every school has voices at the table from different backgrounds, interests and learning needs.

Spring Car Care

Check out the Spring Car Care Guide in this week’s edition just go to the e-papers and open the March 12 edition. It starts on Page 6.

Council approves city management of golf course

MYRTLE CREEK – The Myrtle Creek City Council on Tuesday evening, March 3, unanimously approved the city taking over the management and operation of the Myrtle Creek golf course.
This move comes after lengthy investigation into several possibilities of operation for the course by city staff.
The city was notified via letter back on October 20 of last year that Umpqua Golf Management would no longer be operating the course at the end of their current contract.

Keeping SU schools safe, ready, running

TRI CITY – At South Umpqua School District, the dedicated Facilities Team works every day to support students, staff and families. This work is led by Facilities Manager Joe Motta, who brings more than 24 years of experience to the district, along with a skilled crew responsible for maintaining and improving all five schools, in alignment with the district’s Strategic Plan priority of Modern and Safe Facilities.


Sports

South Umpqua wins home opener

TRI CITY – The South Umpqua softball squad opened their home season on Friday, March 20, against Brookings-Harbor and came away with a dominating 15-0 victory in five innings.
Roseburg transfer Jasmine Morales was on the hill and threw a perfect game striking out 14 of the 15 batters she faced which included the first 11 in a row.
The only ball that was put into play was a lazy pop up to shortstop that Regan Ireland made short work of.

See full story and photos in the e-edition