Your CUE

Every school board member brings different experiences and perspectives to their role, shaping how they think about public education, the needs of students and the future of our schools. In Part Two of Getting to Know the Roseburg School Board, Board members Brandon Bishop, Ann Krimetz and Keith Cubic share about their backgrounds, what they value about Roseburg and the experiences that have made this community home. They also reflect on why they chose to invest in its future through school board service and the role strong public schools play in the community they care about. The conversation explores their perspectives on public education, what they believe students need from their schools today and how expanding opportunities beyond the traditional classroom is helping prepare students for what comes next. They discuss the growth of career pathways, the value of connecting students with real-world learning and how those opportunities can help develop a skilled local workforce while strengthening our community. They also look further ahead, sharing their long-term vision for Roseburg Schools and what they hope our schools, students and community will look like in the years to come. Part Two offers another opportunity to get to know the people serving on the Roseburg School Board, understand the perspectives that guide their leadership and hear their hopes for the future of public education in Roseburg. #RoseburgSchools #RoseburgSchoolBoard #PublicEducation #RoseburgOregon #DouglasCountyOregon #StudentSuccess #CommunityLeadership #BuildingCommunity

The annual Back-to-School Bash is community vision in action. More than just an event, it's a community-wide effort to remove barriers, strengthen connections, and help every student and family begin the school year with the support they need to thrive. In this episode of Your CUE, hosts Superintendent Jared Cordon and Community Engagement Specialist Tiffany Fouse are joined by Jessica Hand, Executive Director of Thrive Umpqua and event organizer; Sarah Holborow, Director of Community Engagement at Aviva Health and Activities Committee Lead; Debi Hollander, System of Care Manager at Umpqua Health and event planning partner; Emily Veale, Principal of Winchester Elementary School, who helped organize last year's South Umpqua Back-to-School Bash; and Roseburg High School students Eliza Bliss and Ryver Smalley. Together, they explore this year's Back-to-School Bash and the partnerships that make it possible before taking a deeper look at the connection between attendance, belonging, and student success. The conversation also explores the barriers many students and families face, the resources available throughout Douglas County, and the work of DC Together, a collaborative initiative bringing schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations together to help remove barriers by connecting families with the support they need. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that no one has to navigate life's challenges alone. Whether you're preparing for the school year, supporting a friend or neighbor, or looking for resources for yourself or your family, our community is stronger when we come together. HELPFUL RESOURCES Roseburg Schools Back-to-School Hub: https://www.roseburg.k12.or.us/backto... Douglas ESD Community Resource Directory: https://resources.finalsite.net/image... Have an idea for a future conversation that celebrates, uplifts, or educates Douglas County? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. #YourCUE #BackToSchool #DouglasCountyOregon #RoseburgOregon #RoseburgSchools #StudentSuccess #CommunitySupport #BackToSchoolBash #CommunityResources #StudentBelonging #SchoolAttendance #StrongerTogether

The Douglas County Fair is more than four days of rides, concerts, and great food, it's a celebration of agriculture, youth leadership, community, and the traditions that bring generations together. In this episode of Your CUE, hosts Superintendent Jared Cordon and Community Engagement Specialist Tiffany Fouse are joined by Ciera Keith, Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex Director; Nicki Opp, Douglas County Fair Exhibit Director; Cailey Powell, Roseburg High School Agriculture Education Instructor and FFA Advisor; Kelly Simonson, 4-H Outreach Program Coordinator with OSU Extension; and student leaders Katelyn Tipping-Schuyler, President of the Douglas County 4-H Ambassador Team, and Olivia Miller, Roseburg FFA and 4-H member, for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Douglas County Fair. Together, they discuss what's new this year, what it takes to bring the fair to life, and why it continues to be one of Douglas County's most anticipated annual events. The conversation explores the traditions that have made the fair a community favorite, the important role of 4-H and FFA, and how these programs help young people develop leadership, responsibility, confidence, and lifelong skills. You'll also hear about this year's entertainment lineup, grandstand events, carnival, exhibits, the Youth Livestock Auction, special admission discounts, free family activities, favorite fair traditions, and the many ways students, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations come together to make the fair possible. Whether you're a longtime fairgoer or planning your first visit, discover why the Douglas County Fair continues to be a place where memories are made, traditions are celebrated, and community comes together. Have an idea for a future conversation that celebrates, uplifts, or educates Douglas County? Reach out at [email protected] #YourCUE #DouglasCountyFair #DouglasCounty #4H #FFA #Agriculture #YouthLeadership #CommunityTraditions #SupportOurYouth #RoseburgOregon #CommunityEngagement

Strong schools begin with informed and engaged communities, and that starts with getting to know the people elected to serve. In Part One of this special two-part series, we're introducing members of the Roseburg School Board through a conversation that goes beyond meetings and agendas. Board Chair Andrea Miner, Steve Hammerson, and Mike Leone share what inspired them to serve, what the role of a school board member really entails, and why they believe strong public schools are essential to a thriving community. Together, they discuss the responsibilities of school board service, the importance of representing the voices of students, staff, families, and the broader community, and the role the Board plays in setting the vision and direction for Roseburg Schools. They also respond to common misconceptions about school boards and public education, reflect on the needs of today's young people, and share their vision for the future of Roseburg Schools. This conversation offers an opportunity to better understand the people behind the decisions, the experiences that shaped their perspectives, and the commitment they bring to leading Roseburg Schools and serving the community.

Our conversation begins with a simple but important reality: Douglas County ranks significantly lower than much of Oregon when it comes to overall health and well-being. Rather than accepting that as our future, we ask a different question: How do we move the mark? Joining the conversation are Rita Berry, Associate Residency Program Director at Aviva Health; Lauren Haddock, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Aviva Health; John Dimoff, Executive Director of Food Is Medicine Oregon; and Betty Simon, author and mindset coach. Together, we discuss the barriers our community faces, the opportunities in front of us, and why improving the health of Douglas County will take more than individual effort. It will require education, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating a culture that supports wellness and well-being for everyone. Throughout the episode, we celebrate the partnerships our guests have built across Douglas County to educate, support, and empower people to live healthier lives. Their work demonstrates that lasting change happens when healthcare providers, educators, nonprofits, businesses, and community members come together around a common vision for the future of our community. Ultimately, this conversation isn't about focusing on where Douglas County falls short, it's about recognizing what's possible. By understanding where we stand today and working together toward a shared vision, we have the opportunity to create a healthier, stronger, and more connected community for generations to come. Whether you're passionate about improving community health, interested in the future of Douglas County, or simply believe in the power of people working together to create positive change, we hope this conversation leaves you informed, encouraged, and inspired.

This week on Your CUE, we explore how the skilled trades are helping build not only our local workforce, but the future of our communities. At the heart of this conversation is the unique partnership between Sutherlin Throwdown and Made for Trades, an initiative that is creating scholarships for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades while connecting young people with local employers, mentors, and real-world opportunities. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at this year's Sutherlin Throwdown and discover the deeper mission behind the event: investing in the next generation of builders, makers, and skilled professionals. Joining the conversation are Terry Brock, founder of Made for Trades and Sutherlin Throwdown; Keith Brooks, General Manager of Douglas Electric; Travis Pritchett, Production Manager at Con-Vey; Nick Kennaday, owner of Kennaday Builders and President of Umpqua Valley Home Builders; along with recent Roseburg High School graduates Thor McCoy and Emily Hammer. Together, we discuss the growing demand for skilled workers, the opportunities available right here in Douglas County, and why success doesn't follow a single path. From construction and manufacturing to engineering, electrical work, and beyond, this conversation highlights careers that offer purpose, stability, creativity, and the opportunity to build something that lasts. Throughout the conversation, we challenge a common misconception about today's youth. While it's often said that young people aren't willing to work, Thor and Emily tell a very different story. Their experiences demonstrate that when young people are given meaningful opportunities, high expectations, and mentors who believe in them, they're eager to work hard, grow, and contribute. They share how perseverance, accountability, and a strong work ethic have shaped who they are and prepared them to enter the workforce with confidence and purpose. Throughout the conversation, we explore how mentorship, hands-on learning, and meaningful opportunities can change the trajectory of a young person's life. It's a reminder that when businesses, schools, and communities invest in the next generation, everyone benefits. Whether you're a student exploring your future, a parent considering career pathways, an employer looking to develop tomorrow's workforce, or simply someone who believes in the potential of our youth, this episode offers an inspiring look at what's possible when a community comes together around a shared mission.

This week on Your CUE, we celebrate the spirit of community, service, and tradition behind the Independence Day in Winston. Joining the conversation are Christie Knutson, Mayor of Winston, Onikka Driscoll, President of Winston Area Independence Day, Raeann Rutledge, Vice President and Music Entertainment Coordinator, Cindi Caldwell-Scott, Parade Coordinator, along with student guests Kena, a Douglas High School cheerleader, and Isabelle, a student FFA reporter. Together, they share the stories, purpose, and people behind one of Douglas County’s most meaningful community celebrations. From the parade and fireworks to live music, food vendors, volunteer opportunities, and youth involvement, this episode highlights everything happening at this year’s Winston Area Independence Day celebration and the heart behind keeping it free and family-focused. The conversation also goes deeper into what makes strong communities thrive, including service, multigenerational connection, patriotism, and creating opportunities for youth to step into leadership. Through powerful personal stories of resilience, sacrifice, and giving back, our guests reflect on what it means to build community and why these traditions matter. This is more than a conversation about a holiday. It’s about connection, responsibility, and the legacy we leave for future generations. Have an idea for a future conversation that celebrates, uplifts, or educates Douglas County? Reach out at [email protected]

This week on Your CUE, we celebrate Graffiti Weekend, one of Douglas County’s most iconic traditions and a community event that has brought generations together through classic cars, storytelling, and shared history for 44 years. Joining the conversation are Bob Scott, Graffiti organizer; Crissie of Rat Rod Round Up; Carter Clark, President of the Umpqua Flatheads Car Club; Amy Holmgren, President of the Stray Angels Car Club; Jacob Zink, an Umpqua Community College auto student and Umpqua Flatheads member; and Corbin Currington, a Fremont student and classic car enthusiast. Together, they reflect on the history of Graffiti Weekend, the culture and craftsmanship behind classic cars, and the passion that continues to keep this tradition alive. From reminiscing and restoration to community connection and mentorship, this conversation explores how car culture creates spaces for people of all ages to come together around a shared passion. At the heart of this episode is the power of tradition, how events like Graffiti Weekend preserve history, create belonging, and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. We also celebrate the role local clubs, students, and community leaders play in carrying that legacy forward, proving that when a community rallies around its traditions, it strengthens the bonds that connect us all.

This week on Your CUE, we celebrate an incredible year for Roseburg High School athletics and the many achievements, memories, and moments that made it special. Joining the conversation are Athletic Director Adam Blue, Girls Soccer Coach Janelle Newton, Cheer Coach Julie Otley, local sports broadcaster Joey Keeran of The Score 1490, and student-athletes Harlee Agee and Graham Fisk. Together, they reflect on the commitment it takes to be a student-athlete and the balance of academics, leadership, family, and competition. While this year brought plenty of success worth celebrating, this conversation goes beyond the scoreboard to highlight how sports build confidence, resilience, teamwork, discipline, and belonging. We also hear directly from our student-athletes as they share the lessons they’ve learned, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the moments they’ll carry with them long after the season ends. A major theme of this episode is the reminder that sports programs are not just building strong athletes, they’re building strong people. Through competition, adversity, accountability, and perseverance, students develop character that will shape them for years to come. We also celebrate the powerful role our community plays in that journey, because when people show up, cheer loud, and invest in our youth, it leaves an impact far greater than any final score.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode of Your CUE is a powerful reminder that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Through heartfelt stories of service, sacrifice, leadership, and community, this conversation celebrates the values that have shaped our nation and continue to strengthen our communities today. Joining Superintendent Jared Cordon and Community Engagement Specialist Tiffany Fouse are Shannon Sebastian and David Hopkins, coordinators of the America 250 Celebration at Roseburg High School; Neil Hummel, U.S. Marine Corps veteran; Brynn Pitts, Roseburg High School U.S. History and Vietnam War teacher; Elizabeth Kwok, Roseburg High School student and Key Club president; and Aibel Barton, JoLane Middle School student and National Junior Honor Society president. Shannon Sebastian and David Hopkins share the vision behind the America 250 Celebration, taking viewers inside the June 13 event at Roseburg High School from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They discuss the community flag giveaway and invite residents of all ages to become part of history by contributing to a 10-year community time capsule, preserving today's stories and hopes for the next generation. Brynn Pitts takes viewers inside Roseburg High School's annual Salute to Service event, while Neil Hummel shares powerful stories from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps and reflects on the profound impact of being honored by a younger generation. Elizabeth Kwok and Aibel Barton offer an inspiring perspective on what the Declaration of Independence and the American Dream mean to today's youth. They discuss how their generation views service, leadership, and civic responsibility, demonstrating that the spirit of giving back and strengthening our communities is alive and well in the next generation. More than a conversation about history, this is a conversation about people, purpose, and the values that unite us. It is hopeful, inspiring, and a reminder that the American story continues to be written by each of us every day.