Your CUE

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.

Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. This week on Your CUE, graduating seniors, educators, and school leaders from across Douglas County celebrate the achievements, growth, and experiences that have brought students to this milestone while reflecting on the opportunities and support that helped prepare them for what's next. Joining the conversation are graduating seniors Clara Kercher and Aubrey Groth of Glide High School, Ruby Brink of South Umpqua High School, Roseburg High School educator Tasha Stevens, South Umpqua Superintendent Ericka Bear, and Glide Superintendent Robert Freeman. Because a diploma represents more than academic achievement, it represents years of learning, growth, resilience, and the collective investment we make in the future of our youth.

The people behind some of Douglas County’s biggest summer concerts, theater productions, downtown events, and entertainment experiences all come together for one conversation on this week’s episode of Your CUE! Jared and Tiffany sit down with Kristi Rifenbark of Rosebud Theatre; Clint Newell of Music on the Half Shell; Kurt Sorenson of Music Off Central; Eric Andrews of Fifth Friday Downtown Events; Melody Schwegel of UACT; a UACT student performer; and Fremont Middle School student Shelby Shinn to talk about the many events, performances, and entertainment opportunities happening across Douglas County this summer. The conversation dives into why arts and entertainment matter so much to a community, from creating connection and supporting local culture to bringing people together through shared experiences. It also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, creativity, and collaboration that help make Douglas County feel vibrant and connected all summer long.

In this episode of Your CUE, Jared and Tiffany sit down with community partners offering a wide range of summer learning opportunities for both youth and adults across Douglas County. Joining the conversation are Dr. Jill Weber, Director of Teaching and Learning for Roseburg Schools; Brittany Arnold, Marketing and Development Director for the Douglas County YMCA; Kendra Wilson, Operations Manager at the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley; Aurora Ropp, Youth Services Librarian at the Roseburg Public Library; and Danielle Haskett, Chief Academic Officer at Umpqua Community College. Together, they discuss the power of learning, why staying mentally, socially, and creatively engaged impacts overall well-being, and how these programs help strengthen confidence, connection, and opportunity throughout our community. Learn more about summer learning opportunities in Douglas County: • Douglas County YMCA — ymcaofdouglascounty.org • Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley — bgcuv.org • Roseburg Public Library — roseburgpubliclibrary.org • Umpqua Community College — umpqua.edu • Roseburg Schools — roseburg.k12.or.us

This week on Your CUE, we’re exploring the incredible world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Roseburg High School and the powerful opportunities it’s creating for students and our community. Joining Jared and Tiffany are some of RHS’s very own VIPs: Future First Citizen finalist and FFA participant, RHS senior Juniper Crocker; RHS Principal Dave Vickery; RHS CTE Director, culinary instructor, and recipient of Oregon’s 2024 ACTE Teacher of the Year and 2024 Regional Teacher of the Year awards, Sheri Carson; Oregon’s 2026 New Teacher of the Year and RHS Agricultural Education Instructor Cailey Powell; and RHS Business and Marketing Instructor Steve Patterson. One of the things that makes these programs so unique is the real-world experience these educators bring into the classroom. All of them came to education from industry and are now using that professional experience to mentor, guide and prepare students for future careers. Through CTE, students have opportunities to explore career paths, earn free college credits, gain industry certifications, and develop hands-on skills that can lead directly into the workforce. In this conversation, we dive into the incredible value these programs bring not only to students and families, but also to the future of our community. From student-run businesses and agriculture programs to partnerships with local organizations and employers, RHS students are gaining real-world experience through programs like agricultural education, welding, automotive, wood shop, early childhood education, forestry and natural resources, business and marketing, hospitality, emergency services, engineering and science, and allied health and nursing. This episode is packed with passion, opportunity, and hope for the next generation and the future of Douglas County.

This week on Your CUE, we’re diving into a conversation that represents something truly groundbreaking for our community. In “Expanding Opportunities: Creating the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals,” Jared and Tiffany are joined by Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, President & CEO of Umpqua Community College; Russell J. Woolley, Market President of CHI Mercy Health; and Dr. Jay Richards, DO, Chief Medical Officer at Aviva Health, to explore a first-of-its-kind partnership in Oregon between Roseburg Schools and Umpqua Community College, alongside strong collaboration from regional healthcare leaders helping connect students directly to career opportunities in the medical field. Together, these organizations are trailblazing a new model for what education, healthcare, and workforce development can look like when community partners come together around a shared vision for the future. Through innovative medical career pathways, students are gaining access to real-world opportunities, college credit, industry connections, and direct pathways into family-wage healthcare careers, all while helping strengthen the future of healthcare in Douglas County. This conversation is bigger than a program. It’s about creating opportunity, investing in students, and building a stronger, more abundant future for our entire community. It’s bold. It’s innovative. And it’s happening right here in Douglas County.

In this episode of Your CUE, we’re talking about Building Community, something that impacts all of us more than we often realize. Community is what connects us. It shapes our sense of belonging, supports our wellbeing, and influences how we show up for one another. Jared and Tiffany are joined by an incredible group of guests, Emma Rethwill, Joseph Ziegler, Shane Hayes, Liz Hill, and Mandy Elder, to explore what building community really looks like in action here in Douglas County. From supporting one another on a personal level to keeping our community informed and lifting others up through storytelling, this conversation highlights the many ways people are showing up to create connection. You’ll also hear about the importance of keeping our community informed and lifting others up through storytelling, along with the impact of local efforts like Envision Roseburg and the work of The Ford Family Foundation. The episode also features a video from RHS Leadership students showcasing how they’re building community right on campus. We also talk through some of the barriers to connection, and how each of us can play a role in creating a more connected, thriving community.

In this week’s episode of Your CUE, Inspiring Growth, Jared and Tiffany are joined by RHS Leadership student Ryne Wilson; Roseburg City Council member and business owner Zack Weiss; Roseburg Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Jill Weber; and Executive Director of Thrive Umpqua Jessica Hand. Growth looks different for all of us, but it always starts somewhere. In this conversation, we explore what it means to recognize that starting point, lean into what drives us, and take that next step, not just for ourselves, but for the good of our community. From discovering passion to putting it into action, this episode is full of perspective, honesty, and real moments that remind us how growth takes shape.

Your CUE returns, bringing together voices from across Roseburg to share stories, strengthen connections, and highlight the impact of community service. In this relaunch episode, we revisit the program’s origins, reflect on memorable moments from 2019–2022, and look ahead to how Your CUE will continue building a more connected community. The episode includes a special message from students at Sunnyslope Elementary. Original host Shannon Sabastain opens the show and passes the torch to new hosts, Superintendent Jared Cordon and Community Engagement Specialist Tiffany Fouse. You’ll also hear from Alan Painter (Premier Insurance), an early supporter, reflecting on the program’s impact. 📻 Listen live: Wednesdays, 4–5 p.m. on News Radio 93.9 FM / 1240 KQEN 💻 Watch online: 541radio.com or on the Roseburg Schools YouTube channel Follow Your CUE on Facebook to stay connected and join the conversation. Your community. Your voice. Your CUE.