This Week In Rogue River History
OCT. 23, 1986
What do you like best about autumn?
Sally Louder: “Autumn is my favorite time of year. It seems so rich with all the countryside dressed up to show off.”
Linda Hatch: “I like the beautiful colors and the fair weather.”
John Haring Sr.: “In La Jolla, California, as in Rogue River, we appreciate autumn because the tourists leave and we re-inherit our lovely town.”
Mike Cahill: “It’s football season!”
Heather Gomes: “I like the autumn leaves and all their different colors.”
OCT. 23, 1991
Farmers were hoping forecasts would finally bring rain after several dry months. The Grants Pass Irrigation District had ended its irrigation season, leaving growers dependent on rainfall unless they had productive wells or creek irrigation rights.
OCT. 22, 1996
A week after winning its homecoming game against Illinois Valley, Rogue River lost South Umpqua’s homecoming contest, 33-15. The state-ranked Lancers improved to 5-0 in the Skyline Conference and 7-0 overall.
“They’re pretty much the top team in the league as far as I’m concerned,” Chieftains coach John George said.
South Umpqua scored on its opening possession and recovered a fumble to set up another touchdown. Rain complicated matters for Rogue River, which fell behind 33-0 before scoring.
OCT. 24, 2001
Both sides reported reaching an understanding on contract terms but agreed to withhold specifics until the Nov. 6 school board meeting. Barring a last-minute breakdown, the tentative agreement would resolve the dispute.
A threatened Rogue River teachers’ strike appeared likely to be avoided after small groups representing teachers and the district met privately and worked through their differences.
OCT. 25, 2006
Rogue River Middle School’s Braves completed their first undefeated football season since 1993—the year most of the players were born.
The Braves returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in each of their final two games. Against White Mountain Middle School in Eagle Point, Rogue River’s offense scored early and often while its defense shut down the Wolves, building a 30-0 halftime lead.
OCT. 26, 2011
Two shoplifting incidents in two weeks frustrated Main Building Supply owner Darren Jahn, although police had made progress in both cases.
“The good thing is that the kids from the earlier incident have been caught and the police have one suspect from the most recent theft,” Jahn said.
Rogue River police officer Robert Buren reported that a local 15-year-old boy had been arrested in connection with the latest incident. Another suspect was still being sought.
OCT. 26, 2016
The Beeman-Martin House, home to the Gold Hill Historical Society’s museum, reportedly had a mischievous resident ghost named Willie.
According to Janet Sessions, some accounts described a worker named William who was found dead in one of the rooms. Members reported hearing voices and footsteps and seeing objects fly off shelves.
Sessions said Willie had never been mean or violent. “I think he likes to have fun with us,” she said.
OCT. 27, 2021
Rogue River celebrated its first homecoming football game in two years with a 42-14 victory over Harrisburg.
The Chieftains rushed for 316 yards, led by junior Said McWillie’s 180 yards and four touchdowns. Sam Haag added 53 yards on 10 carries.
“I had a great offensive line, and everyone was doing their jobs,” McWillie said.
OCT. 22, 2025
A statewide effort supplied 692 Oregon schools with free opioid overdose reversal kits, adding more than 14,000 doses to school supplies.
The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education collaborated to offer kits to middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities, along with expanded substance use prevention resources. The Save Lives Oregon expansion used one-time funding from Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board.