PLEASANT HILL – When Ryan Svenson began imagining prep basketball matchups for the “Return of the Mac,” one came to mind immediately. Luke Jackson and Maarty Leunen will return to their old stomping grounds – this time as coaches – to headline an eight-game prep slate on Dec. 6 at McArthur Court. Jackson will lead…

THURSTON – Teagan Merritt, a 16-year-old junior at Thurston High School, woke up last week thinking she was a 14-year-old 8th-grader at Thurston Middle School. It was a typical response for someone with a severe brain injury, the result of a tragic car accident that has thoroughly shaken the Thurston community. Now, the elite wrestler…

Catholic Community Sharing Food Pantry at 1025 G St. in Springfield in September. CHRONICLE ARCHIVE PHOTO

Food pantry volunteers at Willamalane Adult Activity Center. Willamalane file photo

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield has developed a traffic safety video about the rules and recommendations for E-mobility devices. The City of Springfield has produced an informative and friendly video about the rules and recommendations for E-mobility devices within Springfield and on Willamalane Park & Recreation District parks and paths. We have observed an increase…

COTTAGE GROVE – The City lost a beloved member of the police department on Nov. 20 as comfort K9 Sabrina died after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 99 just north of River Rd. CGPD Police Chief Cory Chase said in a news release: “We are incredibly heartbroken and devastated by this tragedy. Sabrina…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield residents continue to raise concerns about the Springfield Police Department’s use of Flock cameras, and those concerns have only intensified after word spread that automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras had captured images of a stolen vehicle, even though the cameras were supposed to be inactive. Flock is the largest public-private safety…

SPRINGFIELD – About 3.5 million people show up to line the streets of New York City every year to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but perhaps a lesser-known secret is that Springfield cooks up one of its own annually on Hayden Bridge Road. Page Elementary students on Friday, Nov. 21, held their own Macy’s…

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield celebrated the achievements of four graduates from its SMART Court (Springfield Municipal Adult Recovery and Treatment) program during a ceremony on Nov. 20 at the Springfield Justice Center. SMART Court is a supervised treatment program designed for individuals with substance use or co-occurring disorders. It provides an alternative to…

CRESWELL – This basketball season just isn’t going to be the same without the “Gonzaga Grandma.” Barbara Few, who would have turned 93 next month, died on Friday, Nov. 14 after a three- or four-week illness, according to her husband, retired Rev. Norm Few. Together, the Few family has long been Creswell’s First Family when…

SPRINGFIELD – For 39 years, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Hospice has remembered loved ones with gifts of light on a beautiful Christmas tree. Community members are encouraged to join us for this ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. in the hospital lobby of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, 3333 RiverBend Drive, Springfield. It…

■ Head coach: Mike Simons … led both teams to league titles in 2024■ Total returners: 41 boys, 15 girls TOP RETURNERS – Boys■ Michael Salas-Sanchez (120), Jr.Note: State champion, 5th at High School nationals■ Lukas Salas-Sanchez (113), So.Note: State champion TOP RETURNERS – Girls■ Kassidy Hadden (135), Sr.Note: Injured in 2024, state placer in…

Report: Holiday spending to reach $263B, with $109 N opportunity in revenue for small businesses. The 2025 holiday shopping season is here—and shoppers are ready to splurge, according to this year’s Holiday Shopping Survey published by Intuit QuickBooks. Despite anxious whispers of tariffs and inflation, consumers are prepared to throw open their wallets and spend…

Thanksgiving Leftover Soup Stock, submitted by Jo Rodgers (2023)

Lane County Youth Services invites the community to the 16th annual FREE community holiday meal on Wednesday, December 3. The meal, open to everyone, is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lane County Youth Services at 2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Eugene, and includes free food boxes to take home and a raffle…

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Springfield Twin Rivers Rotary chapter help construct new playground equipment it donated at Family Relief Nursery on Friday, Nov. 14. Chapter president John Kimpton and McKenzie McCauley work on a water tower. PHOTO PROVIDED

SPRINGFIELD – The Kohl family is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from Nov. 17, 2025, to Jan. 17, 2026, to raise money for the adoption fees of a child with Down syndrome. The family will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used, and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs…

Rates of influenza vaccination among health care workers in Oregon plummeted over the last five respiratory virus seasons, raising the risk of infection for patients, according to new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data. To increase vaccination rates, public health recommendations encourage health care workers – including contractors and volunteers – to get vaccinated every flu…

SPRINGFIELD – Our Community Birth Center, a nonprofit midwifery birth center at 188 W. B St. in Springfield, was awarded a grant through Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation and Oregon Health Authority to support its collaboration with Black Thistle Street Aid to provide reproductive healthcare services and communicable disease prevention, specifically targeting syphilis screenings for…

EUGENE — Travel Lane County has launched a community survey as part of its Destination Master Plan process, inviting residents across Lane County to share their perspectives on tourism’s role in our region. The Destination Master Plan, now entering its research phase, is a 10-year roadmap to guide how our visitor economy grows and supports…

COTTAGE GROVE — Cottage Theatre is offering an eight-week after-school program for young actors ages 11 to 17, led by Alana Merz. The program will culminate in two public performances of “Junie B. Jones JR. The Musical.” Rehearsals are scheduled for Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 7, 2026. A full…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield History Museum will temporarily close to the public from Jan. 1 through July 10, 2026 to support a major collections care initiative. During this time, staff and volunteers will focus on processing, conserving, and organizing thousands of historical artifacts to ensure their long-term preservation. The Museum is home to more than…

LOWELL – On Nov. 15, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of menacing involving Marcquis Andrew Lee White, 33, of Lowell, who allegedly brandished a handgun and fled the scene in a vehicle. Deputies deployed an armored rescue vehicle, drone, and K9 units to search for the suspect. His vehicle was later found…

COTTAGE GROVE – The 8th Street intersection is now open as part of the EDA Main Street Revitalization Project, marking the second concrete intersection completed. Traffic will continue to be routed on the south side of Main Street throughout the project, which extends from Highway 99 to the Main Street Bridge. North side progress: Concrete…

■ Address: 33390 Niblock Ln.■ Head coach: Tyler Hollingsworth, 9th year at Creswell■ Last year: Lost in the playoffs■ Total returners: 10 TOP RETURNERS■ Kylie Leonard, G, Sr., 5-5, #52024: 1st team All-League … averaged 8 ppg., 3 reb., 3 ast., 2 steals■ Mila Nguyen, G, Jr., 5-6, #42024: 1st team All-League … averaged 11…

■ Address: 1375 S. River Rd.■ Head coach: Kim Beer, first season at CGHS … after coaching at La Pine for the 2024-25 season. Beer has also coached at Pleasant Hill twice, going 34-52 in his first stint and 23-3 in the second■ Total returners: 4 TOP RETURNERS■ Mariah Bailey, Guard, Sr., 5-6, #12Note: All-conference…

■ Address: 84455 N. Enterprise Rd.■ Head coach: Luke Jackson’s 2nd year at Pleasant Hill■ Last season: Lost in semifinals of Class 3A state playoffs■ Total returners: 6 … 2 returning starters TOP RETURNERS■ Landen Melvin, G, Sr., 6-1, #42024: First Team All-League■ Jacob Neely, G, Sr., 5-10, #12024: All-League defensive team■ Doug Green, F/C,…

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS■ Address: 1375 S. River Rd.■ Head coach: Seth Hutchison, 8th year■ Last season: Lost in postseason play-in game to Newport.■ Total returners: 5TOP RETURNERS■ Trevor Cooper, Wing/Post, Jr., 6-6, #242024: Averaged 15.4 points and 8.1 rebounds. … 1st team all Sky-Em as a sophomore■ Tai Lam, PG, Jr., 5-8, #112024: Averaged 4.5…

SPRINGFIELD MILLERS■ Address: 875 7th St.■ Head coach: Jeremy Houng TOP RETURNERS■ Brady Loser, G, Sr., 6-2, #02024: Brady has come a long way since junior year. He has put in a lotof work and his athleticism has taken a huge step forward. He is a strong slashing off-guard that teams will struggle to contain■…

Head coach: Chase WellsTotal returners: 9 boys, 5 girls TOP RETURNERS – Boys■ Vince Andrews (132), Sr.Note: One win away from qualifying for state in 2024, has shown massive improvement after starting wrestling in 8th grade■ Michael Christie (120), Sr.Note: Improved a lot since freshman year, has potential to make big run at districts TOP…

■ Head coach: Dahn Nikitins, 35 years with Billies; 4th-place last year in state was the highest finish in tenure and the highest Pleasant Hill has had in wrestling.■ Total returners: 12 TOP RETURNERS – Boys■ Jacob Boyles (120), Jr.Note: 2024 state champion■ Dean Scott (120-130), Jr.Note: Placed at state■ Jack Quinones (120-130), So.Note: Placed…

■ Head coach: Christina Kent■ Total returners: 25 TOP RETURNERS – Boys■ Jeffrey Conklin (132-138), Jr.Note: Two-time regional placer and two-time state placer. Took 3rd last year and 5th his freshman year. … Beat multiple state champs throughout the season. A quiet leader.■ Jayden Davis (157-165), Sr.Note: Regional placer last year and won some matches…

■ Head coach: Jeff Cardwell■ Total returners: 11 boys, 3 girls TOP RETURNERS – Boys■ Coleman Breslaw (132), So.Note: State qualifier last year (29-19); just missed placing at state.■ Javier Bautista (157), Jr.Note: 27-19, 4th in regional tournament, top-3 qualify for state tournament■ Andrew Terry (190), Jr.Note: 19-11, 2nd in regional, qualified for state■ Brandon…

COTTAGE GROVE■ Nothing submitted. CRESWELL■ Head coach: Maranda Houck■ Total returners: 11 TOP RETURNERS■ Ava Koch, Sr. captainNote: In freshman year, team won 3rd place in team competition at state■ Taylor Dennis, Sr. captainNote: 3rd year in program. Has done individual competition all three years; placed for the first time last year.■ Haylee Mendonca, Sr.…

COTTAGE GROVE BOYS SCHEDULE■ 12/5, Cottage Grove Relays at Warren H. Daughtery Aquatic Center, TBD. (Cottage Grove, Hidden Valley, Marist Catholic/Elmira, Marshfield, North Valley, Roseburg, Sheldon, Thurston/Mohawk)■ 1/9, Sheldon Invitational at Sheldon Pool, 3 p.m. (Cottage Grove, Sheldon, Springfield)■ 1/9, Cottage Grove vs. Marshfield in Dual Meet, 4 p.m., Cottage Grove HS■ 2/13-14, District Meet…

■ Address: 333 58th St.■ Head coach: Kevin Durfee, 3rd year at Thurston■ Total returners: TOP RETURNERS■ Addi Nelson, G, Sr., 5-8, #22024: All-League 1st team■ Payton Tovey, G, Jr. 5-7, #122024: 2nd team All-League■ Emmiana Gerdrum, PG, So., 5-7, #202024: Honorable Mention All-League as a freshman■ Bridgette Nault, Post, Sr., 5-11, #132024: Third-year starter■…

Address: 875 7th St.Head Coach: Joe Williamson, 6th season at SHSTotal returners: 7 TOP RETURNERS■ Darissa Romero-Ahsam, G, Sr., 5-7, #12024: Defensive player of the year, first team all conference■ Sailor Hall, G, Jr., 5-9, #322024: First team all-conference■ Iyahna Woodard, P, Jr., 6-1, #30■ Lia Jones, G, So., 5-7, #02024: Honorable mention all-conference TEAM…

■ Address: 84455 N. Enterprise Rd.■ Head coach: Terry Newton was coach at Perrydell for 23 years, 12 w girls, 10 w boys, multiple top 5 in state finishes … coached Vernonia in 2024■ Last year: Billies won league title for second year in a row … Lost in the playoffs■ Total returners: 5 (seven…

■ Address: 33390 Niblock Ln.■ Head coach: Jesse Thomas’ 10th year at Creswell … has won four league titles in past nine years.■ Last season: Reached playoffs■ Total returners: 6 TOP RETURNERSLuke Bailey, F/Post, Sr., 6-5, #232024: Averaged 11 pts, 6 reb per game … 2nd team All-LeagueMason Schartz, G/F, Jr., 6-5, #32024: Averaged 7…

LANE COUNTY – A four-legged furry friend was officially sworn in for duty to work with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office last Wednesday. Special Deputy Corporal Carlton, a 2-year-old goldendoodle, took an oath of office to serve as an LCSO wellness dog at the Lane County Courthouse. Lane County Sheriff Carl Wilkerson and K9 Corporal…

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION Case No.: 25CV51078 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LANE PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF SUSAN M RAY AKA SUSAN MARIE RAY AKA SUSAN RAY; COREY RAY; CURTIS WAYNE RAY; RAY KLEIN INC. DBA PROFESSIONAL CREDIT SERVICE; OCCUPANTS OF…

EUGENE – Food insecurity has been an ongoing issue in Lane County, with a recent spike in need for assistance, coupled with federal fund hang-ups. Last Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden toured the Food for Lane County warehouse at 770 Bailey Hill Rd., donated groceries, and spoke on the subject. “This food is going to…

SPRINGFIELD – After stormy weather soiled plans for the Mill Street grand opening that was initially scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, the City of Springfield celebrated a sunny ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday. Construction on Mill Street broke ground in September last year, and south A Street to Centennial Blvd. was officially opened on Halloween the…

SPRINGFIELD – The Nativity Ukrainian Church Congregation and the Lane County Monument Projects have been selected to receive the 2025 Springfield Heritage Awards. Springfield City Council awarded the recipients at its Nov. 17 meeting. The Springfield Heritage Awards are a program to recognize stewardship of history and heritage within the community. There are two award…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board (SUB) was recently recognized by both the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA). SUB earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the APPA for demonstrating a commitment to, and proficiency in, energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of…

SPRINGFIELD – The Drifters named Jake Willard their new general manager Monday. Willard – who has spent the past six years with TrackTownUSA and the Prefontaine Classic – takes over for Barry Bokn, who retired this fall. Team officials said Willard brings a community-focused approach for the Drifters, saying he will help build upon current…

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield and The American Legion Post #40 co-hosted a Veterans Breakfast with Mayor Sean VanGordon to honor Springfield’s veterans and thank them for their service last Tuesday. “The breakfast is a small but simple way to say thank you and to show our respect for the community and our gratitude,”…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Lions Club, known for its dedication to serving others, celebrated its 75th anniversary on the evening of Nov. 3 at Major Family Funeral Home on Mill Street. Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the Lions Club’s vital role in the community over the past 7 decades. The club, part…

The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index declined by 0.6 points in October to 98.2, but remained above its 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index fell 12 points from September to 88, the lowest reading of this year. “Small business optimism is hovering just above the all-time average, which is definitely…

EUGENE — St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County (SVdP) staff who oversee the agency’s Egan Warming Centers program are preparing for the upcoming winter season with new challenges to overcome following a 50-percent reduction in the program’s funding. Egan is one program among many affected by a state directive to reduce spending for shelter…

SPRINGFIELD – Dog lovers in Springfield can grab the free 2026 Canines for Clean Water calendar at various locations. Created by the City’s Stormwater Team, the calendar features 12 local dogs selected from over 160 submissions to promote clean rivers and the importance of picking up after pets. Free calendars are available while supplies last…

SPRINGFIELD – The owner of a local pet store has launched a community effort to support pets whose families may be in need this season. It runs through Dec. 31. When checking out at All American Pet, 1833 Pioneer Parkway East, shoppers are invited to round up their total to the next dollar. All money…

COTTAGE GROVE – The Cottage Grove Museum is set to welcome the community to its 12th annual Stained Glass and Candlelight Holiday Event on Saturday, Dec. 6. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the museum, located at the corner of Birch Ave. and H St. in the historic Northwest…

SPRINGFIELD – As the public comment period runs out of time, community members and Springfield Library volunteers continue to voice their concerns to the Springfield City Council in hopes it will halt the proposal to slash library funding by $500,000 in the report of the Mayor’s Fiscal Stability Task Force. According to the City, the…

FRANK ARMENDARIZ /
CHRONICLE PHOTO
Alton Baker Park is a gem that sits on the banks of the Willamette River in the heart of Eugene, Oregon. A large regional park, a 2-mile-long canal fed by the Willamette, meanders through the park and is regularly stocked with trout from spring through fall.

ADON ECCLES / CHRONICLE PHOTO
Senior Caleb Jones (left) reacts after Thurston’s season-ending loss to Churchill last Friday in the state playoffs.

EUGENE – The Lane Community College Titans men’s and women’s cross country teams finished second and fourth, respectively, at the 2025 Northwest Athletic Conference Championships in Spokane Valley, Wash., on Monday, Nov. 10. Led by third-year head coach and NWAC Southern Region Coach of the Year, Chris Yorges, the men placed second behind Spokane Community…

By Becky Hultberg We see it in the headlines: Oregon hospitals are struggling. After years of struggling to make ends meet, they have been forced to make tough choices, including cutting services and laying off staff. The ripple effects of these decisions impact us all, with services farther away from home or unavailable, and with…

Dear Editor: I am dismayed that the City of Springfield spent over $11.2 million on the Mill St improvements. Mill Street definitely needed repairs, but this project cost more than 50% the entire five-year bond measure for street repairs approved in 2024. There are so many neglected streets in Springfield that need minor and major…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No. OR09000038-25-1 APN 0816379 | 1901142403600 TO No 250302129-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, ROBERT LEE ERSPAMER as Grantor to CASCADE TITLE as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for BANK OF THE PACIFIC, Beneficiary…

Juanita Avila stands at the front desk of her grocery store, Juanita’s Latina Store in Cottage Grove, Oregon, the day after she was arrested by ICE agents. Avila had her green card in her pocket during the encounter. BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE

LANE COUNTY – Election results are in. Last week, voters in Cottage Grove and Creswell had the opportunity to decide whether or not to increase funding for South Lane Fire and Rescue. The measure on the ballot for South Lane residents gave voters the chance to consider replacing the District’s current levy of 47 cents…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield residents voted yes last week to approve an increase to the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department’s local option fire levy. Ballot Measure #20-371 proposes a five-year levy of 53 cents per $1,000 assessed value beginning in July 2026 – an increase of 15 cents. The increased rate reflects inflation and the rising cost of…

SPRINGFIELD – Sean VanGordon has been involved in Springfield government since 2011, and most recently as the City mayor. This election year, he is taking his role one step further and running for Lane County Commissioner. On Monday, VanGordon and David Loveall, the incumbent, announced their campaigns for the Lane County Commissioner seat representing Springfield. …

McKENZIE BRIDGE – On Nov. 9 at about 11 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of two individuals shooting at each other in the 54700 block of Caddis Lane, McKenzie Bridge. Deputies responded and cleared the property, locating two males with life-threatening gunshot wounds and several witnesses. Both males were transported to…

On Friday, Nov. 7, at 3:15 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Beltline Highway near milepost 0 in Lane County. A westbound Honda Accord, driven by 52-year-old Russell Fredrick Moncrief of Eugene, braked suddenly and was rear-ended by a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 52-year-old Scott Allen Zipprich of Elmira. This…

As the holiday season kicks into gear, Waste Wise Lane County – a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division – wants to help you prioritize waste prevention during a waste-prone time of year through two upcoming campaigns. Simplify the holidays Starting Thanksgiving Day, Lane County residents are encouraged to join the county’s annual…

By Coleman Nee According to U.S. government data and recent policy studies, nearly 25% of America’s veterans live either below the federal poverty level or paycheck to paycheck, with little margin for unexpected expenses. To get by, many adopt emergency-level budgets. But even the harshest austerity measures may not be enough. Life at the bottom…

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes…

SPRINGFIELD – A weekly farmers market is coming to Downtown Springfield. The Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) board agreed to direct the city manager to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with Lane County Farmers Market to establish a farmers market in Downtown Springfield on Sundays during peak produce season. Lane County Farmers Market is Eugene’s…

What: Friends make life so much more special, and PublicHouse is excited to celebrate all of those feels with their Annual Friendsgiving event featuring shareable food specials, drink specials, Live Music under the Big Top heated tent and so much more! Food: The Food folks have decided to prepare shareable foods for the occasion, including: Moi Poki…

Lane County on Nov. 7 announced it is committing $200,000 from emergency reserves to increase emergency food access for community members and assist with basic household needs for families disrupted by recent immigration enforcement activity. Funding will be provided to Food for Lane County to help support efforts to feed the community while SNAP benefits…

COTTAGE GROVE – A Pleasant Hill student donated over 2,600 pounds of animal supplies to a local organization in Cottage Grove last month. Kyle Dean, a 16-year-old student and Troop 61 Eagle Scout, said he wanted to “do something outside the box.” Paws and Whiskers Society (PAWS) in Cottage Grove is a charitable organization that…

CRESWELL — The third-seeded Creswell girls soccer team survived a soggy second-round Class 1A/2A/3A playoff at Markley Field on Tuesday night, holding off the No. 14-seeded Blanchet Catholic to 1-0 to reach the state semifinals. “I think in the end, we were the better team. It didn’t show on the scoreboard, but it showed on…

THURSTON Thurston coach Devin Vanscoy stated last week that the girls team was hoping to place within the top eight, and that Carson Buergey on the boys hoped to finish within the top five overall racers at the Class 5A cross country state championships. They came close.  The girls placed ninth and Buergey (15:51.35) finished…

Creswell boys soccer defeated Valley Catholic 3-1 in the first round of the OASAA 3A state playoffs at Creswell High School, November 5, 2025. Photos by Craig Strobeck.

Hailey Fergason of Cottage Grove at the finish of the 2025 OSAA girls 4A cross country championships at Lane Community College, November 8, 2025. Photo by Craig Strobeck for The Chronicle

Chronicle archive photo of Steve Turner.

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-25-1013397-BB Reference is made to that certain deed made by, TRACY JUSTIN COOKE as Grantor to FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR SUMMIT FUNDING, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 4/24/2024, recorded 4/25/2024, in official…

LANE COUNTY – Communities across the country are concerned about their own health and food security, and that of their neighbors, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the nation’s most extensive food program, announced it planned to freeze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments starting Nov. 1, saying it could no longer continue funding…

PLEASANT HILL – As Jacob Neely neared the end zone on another fall evening he lowered his shoulder, opting to put an exclamation mark on his night, and ran over one more defender. Neely finished the game with 356 yards and five touchdowns as Pleasant Hill earned its seventh consecutive victory.That final touchdown was his…

SPRINGFIELD – Día de los Muertos is widely celebrated in Hispanic and Latinx cultures. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Oregon’s largest minority group is the Hispanic population. Springfield Memorial Gardens hosted its first community celebration on Nov. 1. “We’re excited. We felt very strongly about the fact that the Latinx population here……

COTTAGE GROVE – A community is in mourning for a beloved high school student, athlete, son, brother, and friend, Darby Raymond Ladd, who passed away on Oct. 29. In the services announcement, the Ladd family noted that Darby “had the biggest heart, the brightest smile, and a passion for his family, friends, and football.” Darby…

SPRINGFIELD – Rose Children’s Theater will open its production of “Matilda” on Friday, with performances running from Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 14-16 at the Wildish Theater, 630 Main St., Springfield. The show features youth actors from Lane County. Adapted from the award-winning Broadway hit, “Matilda the Musical Jr.” follows a brilliant young girl who discovers…

EUGENE – Usually, when a K9 is on the police force, their role is for apprehension, search and rescue, or tracking. This past year, Lane County police departments and mental health agencies have been implementing the use of working dogs in their facilities as support animals. Darin Campbell, creator and executive director of Working Dogs…

November marks National Family Caregivers Month, spotlighting the vital role family caregivers play in their loved ones’ lives. According to recent AARP data, approximately 790,000 adults in Oregon – about 23% of the adult population – serve as family caregivers. These individuals provide essential support, enabling their parents, spouses, or other loved ones to live…

On Oct. 31 at about 6:30 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a notification from an emergency distress GPS beacon near George Creek in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel identified the owner of the beacon and requested that the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District search for…

People often think about making charitable contributions to families who can’t afford presents or meals this time of year. There are other ways to support the community. With many national grants, like the National Endowment for the Arts, being cut, and the remaining grants becoming increasingly competitive, it is difficult for nonprofit organizations and the…

EUGENE – The Cottage Grove cross-country boys and girls teams had dedicated their Monday morning runs during the summer to the spectacle of Dorena Lake each week. The engulfing foliage, the shimmering reflection on the water, and the shy wildlife – it all served as a backdrop to the sweat, heavy breathing, aches, and groans.After…

he Lane County Sheriff’s Office does not have a dedicated traffic team or deputy assigned to DUI enforcement due to a lack of funding. However, our deputies are committed to the safety of our community, including our roadways. On Oct. 21 at about 4:30 p.m., a deputy conducted a traffic stop for a violation at…

CLASS 5AFOOTBALLMIDWESTERN ALL-LEAGUE Offensive Player of the Year:■ Justin Fisher, Sr. RB, ThurstonDefensive Player of the Year:■ Cruz Gray, Sr. LB, ThurstonCoach of the Year:■ Justin Starck, Thurston FIRST TEAM■ Justin Fisher, Sr. RB, Thurston■ Cruz Gray, Sr. LB, Thurston■ Emmit Distefano, Jr. QB, THS■ Bodie Bonar, So. WR, Thurston■ Jordan Barr, Sr. C/DL, THS■…

The Class 4A Cottage Grove Lions lost 3-1 to Astoria in the first round of Class 3A playoffs on the road. It’s the first time the team earned a playoff spot (not play-in) in four years.The Class 3A Pleasant Hill Billies upset No. 15 Banks 3-0 on the road last Wednesday. Anna Crawford led with…

Cottage Grove went 0-2 in their last regular scheduled games against St. Mary’s Medford and Gladstone. St. Mary’s Medford is a Class 3A private school that has gone 9-3-1 in Class 3A. These last two contests were unrankable and were to give the Lions more games after their late start to the season due to…

Cottage Grove lost to the Crescent Valley Raiders 49-25. After a close first half, the Raiders won at Don King Field thanks to several big offensive performances. Carlos Ochoa rushed for 107 yards and one TD on only five carries. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a 94-yard run. Ryan…

In the end of girls soccer, Class 3A Pleasant Hill won its first round against Salem Academy at home on Saturday. Senior Trinity Smead scored in the 60th minute with an assist from midfielder Zoe Dilts to win 1-0. Senior captain Kenna Caldwell-Copeland had 4 saves in goal and the Billies defense held firm for…

All 14 of Thurston’s runners competing at the Midwestern League championships on Wednesday qualified for state. Both the boys and girls teams earned third-place finishes, with the boys scoring 74 and the girls 76. The boys had two top-10 finishers in Owen Smith (16:18.60) and Carson Buergey (16:26.20), who finished in 7th and 9th place,…

CRESWELL — Under what felt like a monsoon, the No. 6-seeded Creswell Bulldogs boys soccer team dominated No. 13-seeded Valley Catholic Valiants 3-1 in the Class 1A/2A/3A second-round playoff match Wednesday night, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in a decade. “Last two years we went out in the second round, and that…