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…

South Lane County Fire & Rescue (SLCFR) serves around 33,000 residents across Cottage Grove, Creswell, and rural South Lane County. The district was formed in 2003 and provides fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and fire prevention services to the communities. The measure on the ballot for South Lane residents gave voters the chance to…

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 current proposal … is designed to restore its original intent: fully funding the fifth engine crew without additional reliance on the General Fund,” Elyse Ditzel, Springfield public information officer said.…

THURSTON — The No. 7-seeded Thurston Colts girls soccer team fell 2-1 to the No. 10-seeded Canby Cougars in the first round of Class 5A playoffs Tuesday night, but in first-year head coach Browning Stupp’s debut season, the Colts’ future looks bright.“The way these kids work, and their attitude is just fantastic… I don’t think…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No. OR05000056-25-1 APN 1914794 TO No 250388435-OR-MSI Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, MARK BAKER AND SHANA BAKER, HUSBAND AND WIFE as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for DHI MORTGAGE COMPANY,…

CRESWELL — The No. 3-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 stay on track for a deep state playoff run. “I think in the end, we were the better team. It didn’t show…

The Nowhere Band belted out Beatles classics, and included performances in the audience at the fundraiser for the Emerald Art Center’s 7th annual Mayor’s Revue at the Wildish Theater on Oct. 24. The event brought together community members for music, fundraising, and the arts. ALL PHOTOS BY LIAM HAMILTON

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced roadwork and closures for the westbound OR 126B Main Street bridge, starting in November and lasting through December 2025. ODOT will be completing the following changes to the westbound OR 126B Main Street Bridge this winter: Making repairs Replacing joints Repaving a section on the east side of the bridge and…

CONDADO DE LANE — Los residentes de Eugene, Springfield, Oakridge y sus límites de crecimiento urbano que califican para quemar tienen hasta las 4 p.m. del viernes 31 de octubre para completar la quema de desechos de jardín de otoño. Después de la fecha límite, la quema al aire libre está prohibida para todos los…

Location: Eugene, Springfield, Oakridge, and their Urban Growth BoundariesStart date: Friday @ 4 pm 10/31/25Elsewhere, Lane County: Still have burning privileges- check daily burn advisory LANE COUNTY — Residents in Eugene, Springfield, Oakridge, and their urban growth boundaries who qualify to burn have until 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, to complete their fall yard debris…

CRESWELL – The Pleasant Hill Billies extended their winning streak to seven games on the strength of a powerful running game led by Jacob Neely, defeating rival Creswell 42-20 in a Special District 3 game at Markley Field on Friday – crashing Creswell’s homecoming party.Neely, the all-state senior running back, took advantage of gaping holes…

THURSTON – The Springfield boys soccer team defeated Thurston 2-0 last week, and hoped the victory would lead to a Midwestern League title for the second consecutive year.“Winning this game and winning the next game against Crater on Saturday can hopefully give us more opportunities,” coach Juan Gonzalez said.It was not to be, as the…

The significant change in the weather forced us to cancel a much-anticipated late-season salmon fishing trip on a southern Oregon coastal stream. We had been looking forward to fishing on the Sixes, Chetco, and other south coast rivers, which typically offer excellent fishing surrounded by stunning scenery. With the season just picking up, we plan…

Building on nearly two decades of success, Oregon is cultivating a healthier, more resilient community through its Farm to School initiative. The Oregon Farm to School Network, in collaboration with the Oregon State UniversityExtension Service, has introduced “Oregon Harvest for Schools: 10-Year Strategic Vision for Oregon Farm to School (2025–2035).” This strategic roadmap aims to…

Dear Editor: In the past 24 hours, we’ve learned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed by the federal government for November 2025 if the weeks-long government shutdown continues past Nov. 1. This will further impact thousands of Oregon families, many of whom already rely on Food for Lane County and…

The University of Oregon football program reigns supreme in our community. Each year, the hopes of an entire region and state rest with 85 young men battling for supremacy in college and struggling for the holy grail – a national championship. But its next “Natty” would be the Ducks’ first in their storied history. Well,…

SPRINGFIELD – As Medicare open enrollment approaches at the end of this year, local older adults and their families are beginning to seek guidance.  Willamalane sponsors the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program for Lane County, which offers free, unbiased help with Medicare at the Adult Activity Center, 215 W. C St.. The program…

SPRINGFIELD – In May 2025, the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) listed 765 A St. for sale for $575,000. On Tuesday night, the SEDA council agreed to sell the property to Ike Olsson, local business owner of the Springfield Drifters baseball team. The historic Memorial Building, built in 1949, is associated with the City’s early…

SPRINGFIELD – Lane County Health & Human Services (LCHS) was notified last week that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will not be allocated should the federal government shutdown continue past Oct. 31. Roughly 75,000 individuals in Lane County use SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. Without these benefits, these…

LANE COUNTY – On Oct. 22 at about 8 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) responded to a report of an overdue mushroom picker in the McGowan Creek area east of Marcola who had not been heard from for about five hours. They searched until early morning from his last known location. Additional…

SPRINGFIELD – On Friday, Oct. 24, graffiti was discovered near Mill Street and Centennial Boulevard, along with flyers and other materials targeting community members, according to City of Springfield officials. “There is no place for hate in Springfield. Our community stands united in rejecting racism, bigotry, antisemitism, and all forms of intimidation. We remain committed…

LANE COUNTY – As Election Day approaches, residents of Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Creswell will have the opportunity to vote on crucial measures aimed at updating fire levies for their local fire districts. These levies, which represent an additional tax on property owners, are essential for funding fire services and emergency response efforts, according to…

COTTAGE GROVE – Frogs, Frankenstein, Freddy Krueger, the Statue of Liberty, Catwoman, the Scooby-Doo gang, witches, and many other characters and costumes filled up the dance floor at the Cottage Grove Armory for the Mayor’s Monster Ball last Saturday night. An estimated 250-300 folks showed up to support a fundraiser for the WallDogs Mural Festival…

SPRINGFIELD – In a Springfield City Council meeting on Oct. 13, Mike Espinoza, city facilities supervisor, told the council that out of the 64 HVAC units on City Hall’s roof, only 10 of them are fully operational. Springfield City Hall, at 225 5th St., was built in 1972 as a shopping mall. In 1980, it…

SPRINGFIELD – The Memorial Building at 765 A St., in Springfield, was once home to St. Vincent de Paul’s Egan Warming Shelter. This year, the organization has its eyes on the former WareMart parking lot for temporary overnight warming shelters. The proposed site is located next to Bi-Mart at the corner of Mohawk and Centennial…

As Election Day approaches, residents of Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Creswell will have the opportunity to vote on crucial measures aimed at updating fire levies for their local fire districts. These levies, which represent an additional tax on property owners, are essential for funding fire services and emergency response efforts, according to fire and city…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Drifters announced their 2026 schedule this past Thursday – featuring 29 home games and a trip to Victoria, British Columbia, to face the HarbourCats on June 12.“I think it’s really exciting to get to go to Canada this year,” said Jasmine Williams, Drifters’ assistant general manager. “It’s not something we get…

In Class 4A football last week, Sweet Home defeated Cottage Grove 48-7, which was a boost for the Huskies after recently dropping two games. Meanwhile, Cottage Grove dropped its seventh game in a row. Chunk plays were the key to success for the Huskies, including an 80-yard touchdown by Bradyn McClure on a tap pass…

Area cross-country teams ran their last regular season meets last week, as runners clock key times in preparation of league championships. In Class 3A Pleasant Hill and Class 5A Springfield and Thurston competed in the Umpqua Invite last Wednesday. On the girls side, Thurston won first overall and Springfield was second. Pleasant Hill finished ninth.…

Area volleyball finished league last week and Class 3A begins playoffs this week. Cottage Grove wrapped up Sky-Em by defeating North Bend 3-0. The Lions rallied to a third place finish in league this year.The No. 19 Pleasant Hill earned second place in the Mountain Valley Conference after an upset with No. 13 Creswell in…

Area girls soccer teams finished out league last week and await their postseason seedings. In the Sky-Em League, Cottage Grove ended it by defeating Junction City 3-0 on Monday and losing to North Bend 3-1 on Wednesday. Against Junction City, Brielle Engle scored two goals and Addison Voelkel scored one. Zoey Knutson and Engle each…

In are boys soccer last week, Cottage Grove ended Sky-Em with style, defeating Junction City 9-1 and North Bend 4-1 last week. The victories boosted their ranking in Sky-Em and the Lions sit comfortably in the No. 2 spot at 5-3. The second-place finish in Sky-Em will help their postseason seeding, especially since they are…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-25-1022536-BF Reference is made to that certain deed made by, OLGA R MENDOZA as Grantor to FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for PACWEST FUNDING INC, AN OREGON CORPORATION, beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, as…

CRESWELL — The Creswell volleyball team entered Wednesday’s home playoff match expecting another sweep in front of its home crowd. Instead, the No. 25 Warrenton Warriors upset the No. 13 Bulldogs 3-2, ending the Bulldogs’ season — and their postseason hopes — in abrupt fashion.”When you get to playoffs, any team can beat any team,”…

ABOUT 20 YEARS ago, Alex Hirsch, a student at the California Institute of the Arts, set out to make a low-budget short animated film that he hoped would become a demo reel one day. It was called “Gravity Falls” … you have perhaps heard of it, yes? Hirsch used the 11-minute reel to pitch Disney…

SPRINGFIELD – “Walktober” takes place each October, promoting wellness and encouraging folks to enjoy the autumn weather while being active. The Springfield mayor went on a two-mile walk through the Washburne District and the new Mill Street pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of We Walk Lane County’s Walktober. “Saturday’s walk was a great reminder…

Who: Chamber Music AmiciWhat: Echoes of Heritage: Jewish Melodies in Classical Music When: Monday, October 27, 2025 • 3:00 PM (one night only)Where: Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main Street, Springfield, OregonTickets: General Admission – $35-47 | Students & their Parents – $5More Info: chambermusicamici.org SPRINGFIELD — Chamber Music Amici invites audiences to uncover hidden gems of the chamber music repertoire at Echoes of Heritage:…

Some Springfield residents made their voices known about their thoughts on Flock cameras last weekend at the No Kings protests in Springfield and Eugene. BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE

Tom Sombs and Judy Goldbrand of Ghost Hunters in Springfield. PHOTO PROVIDED

All photos by Bob Williams

SPRINGFIELD – “Reliability and resiliency.” It’s a veritable mantra among those working in the Springfield Utility Board’s Water Division. And it makes sense, of course. Ensuring the highest-quality water – even during difficult times, or perhaps, especially during difficult times – is the top priority. While SUB has tapped multiple water sources and blended multiple…

On Oct. 15 at about 11 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of S. 70th Street, Springfield. The suspect, Zachary Ryan Freeman, 35, of Springfield, was contacted and arrested. Freeman was lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse…

SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this year, Victoria Doyle announced her resignation from the Springfield City Council, where she represented Ward 5. On Sept. 8, the council approved the process of recruiting applicants. Last week, Mary Bridget Smith, city attorney, informed the council that there was only one application for the vacant Ward 5 position. On Monday,…

SEASIDE – Leni Crow, senior planner for the City of Cottage Grove, recently received the Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management award at the Northwest Regional Floodplain Management Association (NORFMA) conference in Seaside. Over four days, floodplain managers from several states and Canada gathered to share best practices. Crow, a member of the Conference Planning Committee,…

COTTAGE GROVE – Formal training of police dogs began in the late 19th century. Folks might be most familiar with Sherman Shepherds or Belgian Malinois working alongside an officer while on duty; however, the newest member of the Cottage Grove Police Department is a one-year-old golden retriever and black lab mix named Sabrina. At a…

COTTAGE GROVE – Matthew Hewlett took on a role that no one else stepped up to fill. He is keeping a long-time tradition alive and has turned a once-a-year summer festival into a year-round heritage hub. Hewlett became the executive director of Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days in 2024. In addition to coordinating the annual…

PLEASANT HILL – The scene had all the drama of a Friday Night Lights episode. The 14th-ranked Pleasant Hill Billies were facing No. 7 Sisters; both programs tied atop the Class 3A Special District 3 standings; each team with a first-year head coach, fresh identity, and emerging winning cultures.And the Pleasant Hill community filled the…

EUGENE – A festival all about fungi is making an annual appearance at the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum this weekend. The Mushroom Festival returns for its 43rd year this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We start planning the Mushroom Festival almost the moment we finish cleaning up from the Wildflower Festival in late May,”…

CRESWELL – How does one put the proper finishing touch on a 33-year coaching legacy?Well, for Brandi Wittenborn, it’s going out on top.And that’s what the Creswell boys soccer team started for their coach last Thursday, defeating Central Linn 3-1 at Markley Field to capture the Special District 3 title for the second consecutive year…

EUGENE – The electrified Thurston Colts entered Floyd Halvorsen Field on Friday looking to reclaim the Midwestern League and redeem themselves against the Churchill Lancers after their 32-13 loss at The Barn last season.And after a physical first-half battle the Colts pulled away, persevering for a 27-16 victory over the league favorite.“We just had to…

In boys area soccer last week, the Cottage Grove Lions in Class 4A went 0-1-1 last week, battling Marist to a draw on Monday and then losing 2-1 to Marshfield on Wednesday. The Lions are positioned to finish third in Sky-Em with a 3-2-1 record. A postseason berth isn’t out of reach for the Lions.…

COTTAGE GROVE – Carter Bengtson is running on the collegiate level, but that doesn’t mean anyone has lowered the bar for Cottage Grove’s cross country program.The Lions hosted their annual Bramble Scramble this past Saturday where nine high schools competed in the varsity boys 5,000m, and eight schools in the girls 5,000m. Cottage Grove placed…

The Cottage Grove volleyball team went 2-1 last week, earning victories against Marshfield and Junction City in Sky-Em, but losing in the Marshfield Tournament over the weekend. The wins boosted their ranking in Sky-Em and the Lions have their eyes on second place in league.In Class 3A, Creswelll was perfect last week in MVC play,…

The Class 5A Springfield Millers football team has won three of its past four games after losing its first three when they defeated Eagle Point 20-14 last Friday. The Millers allowed only one TD – a 62-yard pass where there was seemingly a miscommunication in the secondary. The other TD for the Eagles came on…

In girls soccer last week, the Class 4A Cottage Grove went 0-2 in the Sky-Em league last week, with an 8-0 loss to Marist and a 1-0 loss to Marshfield. The Lions are in the second-to-last place spot in league standings.In Class 3A, Creswell went 1-0-1 last week in conference play, starting with a 5-0…

MARCOLA – A free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at Mohawk Valley Fire Station, 92068 Marcola Road. Participants can bring up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste. Businesses, schools, and nonprofits must pre-register and may incur disposal fees. What to bring: Up to 35 gallons of paint, cleaners, lawn…

SPRINGFIELD – On Oct. 21 at approximately 6:30 am, the Springfield Police Department received multiple calls reporting a traffic crash on Highway 126 at the intersection of 52nd Street. Multiple SPD units responded and found that the crash involved three vehicles, forcing the closure of the entire highway. One person was pronounced deceased upon the…

News Release from Lane Co. GovernmentPosted on FlashAlert: October 22nd, 2025 8:00 AM Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are preparing to kick-off their annual leaf collection efforts. Removing leaves from catch basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding. Keeping leaves out of the drainage system also…

Late morning changes in conditions, including humidity, cloud cover, wind and temperature, have led to the cancelation of planned ecological burns at Mt. Pisgah today. The changing conditions make a successful ignition unlikely.  Closures The following trails will be closed until noon on Thursday, October 23 Trail 5 south of the Arboretum boundary gate All…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No. OR05000023-25-1 APN 1065919 TO No 250142322-OR-MSI Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, CHRISTOPHER L MOONEY as Grantor to EVERGREEN LAND TITLE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its…

On October 16th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies were notified that Jean Fritz Pierre Louis, 76, of Oakridge, may be missing. He had reportedly gone mushroom picking several days before. His friends were unsure where he was, however his car had been seen on the National Forest 2409 Road off of Salmon Creek Road several days…

SPRINGFIELD — Riverview Center for Growth has been named No. 3 on Oregon Business’s 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon, marking its highest ranking yet in the statewide survey. Over the past three years, Riverview has steadily climbed from No. 22 to No. 5, and now to No. 3 — a reflection of…

Lane County Sheriff with multiple displays during National Night Out in Creswell at Harry Holt Memorial Park August 5, 2025. (Craig Strobeck for the Chronicle)

BOBBY STEVENS / CHRONICLE ARCHIVE DRONE PHOTO

Photo of studio rehearsal by Bob Williams

Judy Ellen Sturgess, 78, of Creswell, died Sept. 9, 2025.  Stanley Sherman Cooper, 89, of Cottage Grove, died Sept. 28, 2025.  Donna Mae Avila, 73, of  Rhonerville, Calif., died Oct. 4, 2025.  Margaret Catherine Binninger, 85 of Springfield, died Oct. 6, 2025.   Michael Eugene Sellars, 73, of Creswell, died Oct. 14, 2025.  Arrangements: Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral…

Stanley “Stan” Sherman Cooper, 89, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025. Born on May 10, 1936, in Cottage Grove, to William W. and Margaret A. (Dunne) Cooper.  Stan was a proud graduate of Cottage Grove High School, class of 1954, and went on to refine his natural mechanical talents at…

LANE COUNTY – October in the southern Willamette Valley means corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and harvest days. The fall season welcomes traditional family activities like hayrides, pumpkin picking, and Halloween-themed haunted houses. Harvest Days at the Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm has been open for the season since Sept. 29 and runs through the end…

SPRINGFIELD – According to a press release, PeaceHealth will be transitioning the Woodfield Station Clinic at 2846 Willamette St., to a primary care site and end walk-in care at the location. Currently, the Woodfield Station sees primary care and walk-in patients. Walk-in care will end on Oct. 20. The walk-in care clinician based there will move…

Lane County Youth Services is preparing for its 16th Annual Community Holiday Meal on Dec. 3. The event, open to everyone, will feature a free meal, raffle tickets for prizes, and food boxes available for attendees to take home. “The holiday meal is one of the best days of the year for our youth and…

SPRINGFIELD – Every day, thousands of young people in Lane County encounter significant obstacles that hinder their ability to complete their education, secure employment, or transition smoothly into adulthood. According to recent data, nearly 35% of the youth in the area experience poverty, while 32% identify as students of color and 17% live with disabilities.…

SPRINGFIELD – Beatles music, fundraising, and art will come together as the Emerald Art Center (EAC) presents the Nowhere Band from Portland. The tribute band, known for its authentic renditions of The Beatles’ classics, will perform at the Wildish Theater at 630 Main St. for one night only on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m.…

Cottage Grove man arrested for stabbing incident COTTAGE GROVE – A Cottage Grove man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a female victim on Oct. 12, just before midnight. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting the incident at 502 E. Madison Ave. Fernando G. Rodas Martin, 26, allegedly assaulted the victim, who was known to…

Lane County Sheriff with a display during National Night Out in Creswell at Harry Holt Memorial Park August 5, 2025. (Craig Strobeck fo

CRESWELL – Creswell volleyball player Teighlor Nunez took a while to break out of her shell, according to head coach Anna Baltrusch.She had come into Creswell her freshman year already demonstrating her grit and commitment – clear signs of her potential. The transition to high school still required an initial stint on the junior varsity…

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) began notifying approximately 9,600 households receiving energy assistance that their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will face reductions beginning Nov. 1, 2025. In addition, about 1,000 refugees, asylees, and other lawfully present immigrants will have their SNAP cases closed at the end of…

Cottage Grove Library, Hult Center partner The Hult Center is partnering with the Cottage Grove Public Library to offer four free Cultural Passes for select events, each including two tickets to performances. A library card is required. Passes for the event will be available starting Oct. 23 on a first-come, first-served basis. On Thursday, Oct.…

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, supply chain and inflation issues stood out as a key problem in the report. 14% of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business (higher input costs), up 3 points from August. In September, 64% of small business owners reported that…

Spending by international travelers in Oregon this summer has sharply declined, with a 21% decrease in July compared to July 2024, according to an analysis of Visa card spending conducted for Travel Oregon, as reported in late September by Khushboo Rathore of the Oregon Journalism Project. The Oregon Coast has experienced the most significant impact,…

COTTAGE GROVE – On Oct. 7 Weyerhaeuser announced its donation of 38 acres of land in Disston to Row River Fire Response (RRFR). The donation comes “as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the health and safety of its operating communities,” said Alison Sabella, on behalf of Weyerhaeuser. The donated land connects the Row…