COTTAGE GROVE – During an April 6 South Lane School District Board meeting, Dorena School was nationally recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices School. A professional development company that publishes educational materials and offers various services and products, including books, videos, consultations, online courses, workshops, and conferences for educators, recognized Dorena for having…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield is in full bloom, as captured by Chronicle photographer Adon Eccles. The pink-flowering trees that bloom in early spring along Centennial Boulevard and nearby areas in Springfield are primarily ornamental cherry trees (Prunus genus), including deep-pink “Kwanzan” and light-pink “Akebono” varieties. Other common early-spring pink bloomers in the area include flowering plums…

A mild winter and spring-like weather have allowed the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to plant approximately 2 million seedlings in state forests, putting them ahead of schedule for the season. The seedlings, primarily Douglas Fir (74%), are part of a reforestation strategy that includes Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Noble Fir, and others to promote…

CRESWELL – The Creswell Middle School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter achieved remarkable success at the FBLA State Competition held from April 9-11, 2026, securing 1st place among all middle school chapters. The team earned a total of 47 individual awards, including 18 prestigious 1st Place State Champion Awards for “Top 10 finishes.”…

COTTAGE GROVE – As the Cottage Grove Genealogical Society delves into the rich history of local servicemen and women, a heartfelt tribute is taking shape, honoring their bravery and sacrifice. CGGS is hosting a Military Open House on Wednesday, April 22, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Shepherd Room at the Community Center, at…

By ANGELINE ROWE and STEWART WINDERFOR THE CHRONICLE SPRINGFIELD – Peeking out above the trees and tucked into a bend of the McKenzie River is a white spire. And at its base? The recently completed Willamette Valley Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prior to its scheduled dedication this June, there…

EUGENE – Health Care for All Oregon Lane County Chapter is hosting a Town Hall on Sunday, April 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1685 W. 13th Ave. The discussion will center on Oregon’s potential transition to Universal Healthcare, featuring members of the Universal Health Plan Governance Board. Health Care for All…

By Gordon Culbertson Driving the backroads of Oregon, one notices the presence of small woodland owners. Signs indicating “Family Forest Owner” and the green-and-white diamond-shaped “Tree Farm” logo identify forests as well-managed, with a measure of pride. Family non-industrial forests total over 3.5 million acres, more than one-third of Oregon’s private forests. These forest owners…

Dear Editor: This in response to a letter calling some of the commissioners, one issue candidates. My response is the true one-trick pony in the Lane County commissioner race is incumbent Heather Buch. Her single, well-practiced trick is collecting more taxes and fees to pay for the things she wants to spend our money on.…

Dear Editor: I’m tired of politicians who campaign but don’t fight. With my own eyes, I’ve seen how Ky Fireside is different. Ky, running for Oregon House District 7, has shown what real public service looks like. They show up, do the work, and stand with working families when it matters. Ky helped lead Oregon’s…

Event features international author Michael Angelo Caruso COTTAGE GROVE – The Rotary Club of Cottage Grove will host a professional development seminar led by international author and speaker Michael Angelo Caruso. The event, titled “Effective Leadership – Getting People to Do Stuff,” is scheduled for May 14, 2026, at the Cottage Grove Community Center, 700…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE File No. 25-00780OR Reference is made to that certain deed of trust made by Ian Matthew Fleming and Derrika Lynn Fleming, as grantor, to Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Mortgage Research Center,…

Creswell’s baseball facility hosted a Bulldogs Invitational earlier this season. / Photo by ADON ECCLES This story was updated after print deadlines. Creswell School District Superintendent Mike Johnson posted a letter on the school’s Facebook page in response to coverage and community interest. BY ELI THOMAS THE CHRONICLE CRESWELL – Creswell High School’s baseball field,…

PLEASANT HILL – Jacob Neely and Landen Melvin, two of the Pleasant Hill Billies’ standout senior athletes this past season, have committed to play for George Fox University next year, the largest private university in the state. Attending college together for the Division III Bruins should be a comfortable fit. “It’s just amazing. We’ve been…

■ SPRINGFIELD hosts Churchill in a dual meet on Wednesday. In the Millers other dual meet so far this season, against Marist, it dominated the throwing events, led by Noah Solo and Sailor Hall. ■ On Saturday, THURSTON will be in the John Oliver Invitational. This is one of the biggest meets every year for…

SPRINGFIELD – Keenan Anzai, who will join the Drifters this summer, tossed a complete game one-hitter against Cal State-Bakersfield on Thursday for UC Davis in his best start of the season. The right-hander from Trabuco Canyon, Calif., fanned six batters across nine scoreless innings while walking just two on 102 pitches en route to his…

■ THURSTON lost to Churchill 15-11 in its league opener. The Colts held an 11-9 lead heading into the top of the seventh, when a walk, an error, and two singles with two outs helped the Lancers score five of their six runs in the inning. For the Colts, Ella Wright was 3-for-4 with two…

THURSTON (0-12, #28) ■ Leading off: Thurston has three league matchups this week. On Saturday, it travels to No. 12 North Eugene (5-4, 0-1) for a doubleheader to finish their three-game series. On Tuesday, the Colts welcome No. 10 Eagle Point (5-3, 1-0) for the start of a three-game series. Last season, the Eagles won…

THURSTON (7-4, #7) ■ Leading off: Thurston has three league matchups this week. On Saturday, they travel to No. 8 North Eugene (5-3, 1-1) for a doubleheader to finish a three-game series. Last season, the Colts swept the Highlanders, scoring 31 runs over three games. On Tuesday, they travel to No. 21 Eagle Point (3-8,…

■ THURSTON took two games out of three against Churchill in its first league series of the season. The Lancers won Game One, 6-4. The Lancers’ top five hitters had nine of the team’s 10 hits and all six RBI. In Game One on Saturday, the Colts won 9-3. Grady Saunders had a massive day…

Saturday was a big day for small humans, as spring and Easter egg hunts dotted communities under a sun that cracked the skies, with temperatures rising pleasantly into the mid-60s. In Creswell, Hillside Church organized an Easter egg hunt at Creslane Elementary School. The 6th and Gibbs Church of Christ hosted a hunt at Bohemia…

SPRINGFIELD – City councilors are moving forward with a .1% rate as a proposed employer and employee payroll tax, which was discussed during Monday night’s city council meeting. The proposed rate is estimated to generate $2.45 million within the first year of implementation. The decision is part of a multi-pronged approach to stabilize the City’s…

SPRINGFIELD – PeaceHealth is set to open Oregon’s first traumatic brain injury (TBI) unit this summer once construction is complete on the facility’s new inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The specially designed 67,000-square-foot hospital will include an open dining area, an apartment, two gyms, nursing units, and an outdoor area. ALL PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS / THE…

SPRINGFIELD – Library supporters filled the City Council Chambers at City Hall in Springfield on April 6, after a social media post circulated online over the weekend claiming that library positions have been terminated and programs and services are expected to be reduced. According to the post by Ariel Sexton, the City of Springfield quietly…

COTTAGE GROVE – In a bold artistic endeavor that intertwines entertainment and activism, Cottage Theatre’s production of “Cabaret” captivates audiences with its haunting portrayal of love and defiance amidst the rise of fascism. Set in 1931 in Berlin during a turbulent political era, the play is a semi-autobiographical novel about Christopher Isherwood, an English and…

COTTAGE GROVE – An annual Cottage Grove arts event will not take place this year after an unsuccessful search for a director. Trashion at the OPAL Center for Arts and Education has been a fashion show for folks to flaunt unique upcycled materials turned clothing for nearly 20 years. “I decided last year that I…

EUGENE – Think you could take care of a horse? Many horses have their own chiropractors, their own team of doctors, their own dentists. Many wear braces. They need to be fed around the clock, groomed, exercised, cared for … and basically welcomed into the family. “We would be having dinner, and my girls would…

Bohrer’s work all about ‘Plants and Animals of Oregon’ SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Arts Commission invites the community to experience Plants and Animals in Oregon, a photography exhibition by Twyla Bohrer, on display throughout April at the City Hall Gallery inside Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth Street. An opening reception will be held Friday, April…

Lane Transit District has filled two executive-level positions, following an intensive search, company officials said. LTD’s new chief financial officer is Pamela Strutz, and its new general counsel is Carmen Jackson-Brown. Strutz brings over 45 years of expertise in finance and accounting to her role. Starting as LTD’s controller in 2020, Strutz then became LTD’s…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board (SUB) last week announced it has identified four finalists in its search for the utility’s next CEO/general manager. The selected candidate will succeed Jeff Nelson, who will retire this summer after 14 years in the role and more than 30 years of service to SUB. SUB worked with an executive…

COTTAGE GROVE — On April 2, just after 2:30 a.m., officers with the Cottage Grove Police Department were on patrol in the 1200 block of N. Hwy. 99 when they observed flames and smoke coming from the Relax Inn, located at 1030 N. Hwy. 99. PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE The officers immediately…

Dear Editor, Sean VanGordon cares. He cares about the Springfield area community and the individuals, families, and businesses that make it up. And, because he cares, no matter who you are, he listens. Sean and I served together on the Springfield City Council from 2011. During the last 2 years I served, 2021-2022, Sean began…

People are encouraged to learn the warning signs of child abuse and to confidentially report any child safety concerns they have to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Three warning signs Physical signs…

Lane County Community members are invited to participate in the 2026 Community Needs Survey, which evaluates the essential services offered by Lane County Housing and Community Action (HACA). This survey focuses on housing, shelter, basic needs, education, employment, transportation, and health. As part of its mission to support low-income families in overcoming poverty, Lane County…

SPRINGFIELD – What if dessert was dinner — and eating it helped a neighbor in need? Catholic Community Services of Lane County (CCS) and Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon invite the community to join the seventh annual Dessert for Dinner fundraiser, running now through May 9. This initiative aims to help local families in need by…

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in January and 5.3%, as revised, in December. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in January and 4.4% in December, according to a news release last week issued by the Oregon Employment Department (OED). In January, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 2,000 jobs, following a gain of…

PHOTOS PROVIDED / WILLAMALANE
Employees of Willamalane Park and Recreation District celebrate their 20-plus years of service as new trees are planted in their honor at local parks.

THURSTON – After leading Thurston to three straight Midwestern League boys basketball titles for the first time in more than a half-century, Blaine Liberatore is leaving on top. Liberatore, who led Thurston to the 2018 Class 5A boys state basketball title, announced his resignation as coach during a team banquet on Monday night after 12…

THURSTON – The conditions for the Colts’ meet against Churchill on Wednesday, April 1, were as far from ideal as it gets for track athletes. Wet surfaces made everything difficult, and a direct headwind on the home stretch made it nearly impossible for short distance runners to have a chance at setting a personal best.…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Drifters alum Hunter Dryden delivered in his Eugene Emeralds debut, striking out six over four scoreless innings against the Hillsboro Hops on Saturday. The Deer Valley, Wash., product allowed only two hits in his Class-A Advanced debut, as the Emeralds beat the Hops 10-4 to secure a series victory. Dryden, who pitched…

■ THURSTON defeated West Albany 6-0 at Linn-Benton Community College on Tuesday. It scored five runs in the 6th inning. Each of the Colts’ top-seven hitters had at least one hit. Grady Saunders pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and striking out seven batters. On Saturday, they defeated Caldera 6-2, with another five run…

■ THURSTON (5-3, #8) has three league matchups this week. On Saturday, they travel to No. 16 Churchill (3-4) for a doubleheader to finish their three game series. On Tuesday, they welcome No. 4 North Eugene (4-2) for the first of a three game series. Last season, the Colts swept the Highlanders, holding them to…

■ THURSTON (0-9, #28) has three league matchups this week. On Saturday, it travels to No. 11 Churchill (4-3) for a doubleheader to finish their three game series. On Tuesday, the Colts welcome No. 6 North Eugene (5-3) for the start of a three game series. Last season, the Colts swept the Highlanders, scoring 31…

■ THURSTON lost to West Albany 16-1 in five innings on Tuesday. The Colts held a 1-0 lead until the third inning, but allowed two runs in that inning, six in the fourth, and eight in the fifth. Amelia Kidd was 2-for-3, with a triple and 6 RBI for the Bulldogs. On Friday, the Colts…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE File No. 25-00960OR Reference is made to that certain deed of trust made by Serena Charmian, as grantor, to First American Title Insura, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, as beneficiary,…

By Steve Mims The Chronicle THURSTON – After leading Thurston to three straight Midwestern League boys basketball titles for the first time in more than a half-century, Blaine Liberatore is leaving on top. Liberatore, who led Thurston to the 2018 Class 5A boys state basketball title, announced his resignation as coach during a team banquet…

Sims “Bud” McFall, age 92, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away January 21, 2026. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Pennoyer Avenue Church of Christ.

Michael Lane Hougan passed peacefully away on February 23 at the age of 76. He was born in Bellingham, WA, to Arnold and Dorothy Hougan on May 4, 1949. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1967 and then attended WSU, earning a BS in Forestry Management in 1973.  Michael moved to Oregon with his…

Joseph Vern Cooper, 71, of Creswell, OR, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He was born on May 7, 1954, in Cottage Grove, OR, to Vernon Cooper and Mildred Clark. Joe grew up in several local communities in Oregon and graduated from Creswell High School in 1972. He married his high school sweetheart and love…

Gary Kenneth Zimmerman Winnop passed away on March 11, 2026. Born in Portland, Oregon, he grew up along the McKenzie River and remained deeply connected to its outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing with his brothers. He served in the U.S. Air Force, later working in Alaska’s logging industry and with his family’s business. Gary built…

LANE COUNTY – Lane County voters can expect to see a new measure on the May 19 ballot, called the “Watersheds Bill of Rights,” or Measure #20-373. The measure will allow the community to vote on stronger legal protections for local watersheds and clean water. The measure is a proposed initiative stemming from a campaign,…

SPRINGFIELD – Roads in Springfield were closed last Saturday as thousands of protestors flooded the streets near City Hall during the third round of “No Kings” protests, a nationwide event focusing on expressing displeasure with the federal administration. An estimated 8 million people showed up nationwide to protest, compared with the October rally’s 7 million.…

COTTAGE GROVE – Beloved Cottage Grove cowboy Don Williams celebrated his 90th birthday Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by friends and family – including friends as far away as Washington State – at the Cottage Grove Community Center. “It has been a wonderful life,” Williams said. “I owe a lot to the community.” Williams reflected on a…

COTTAGE GROVE – “Steel Magnolias” is one of those plays that brings in an audience. The play debuted last weekend, and opening night was sold out. Performances continue April 3-4 at Opal Center, 513 E. Main St. The play centers on six Southern women in a small Louisiana town who meet at Trudy’s salon as…

SPRINGFIELD – Six candidates have stepped forward to compete for the vacant role of Springfield’s Ward 4 City Councilor, all with a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences. Council will conduct candidate interviews during an April 6 council meeting, with deliberations on April 20. The selected candidate will take over the position vacated by Beth…

LANE COUNTY – Over $120,000 in grants was recently awarded to Lane County nonprofits through the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund. A total of 25 grants were awarded for workforce development, education initiatives, and community projects throughout Eugene, Springfield, and Cottage Grove areas. Weyerhaeuser employees serve on local advisory committees and help determine funding priorities within several…

By Sid Lelken With Lane County’s ongoing budget challenges, why would increasing our garbage rates become a way to deal with this issue? Last year the Lane County Board of Commissioners, in a 3-2 vote moved forward on a waste processing facility called Clean Lane. Clean Lane has been described as a $150 million “public-private…

DORENA – A rural school with fewer than 100 students has received national recognition as a Promising Practices School. Located just 15 minutes from Cottage Grove at 37141 Row River Road, Dorena School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Last Monday, it was announced that the school was honored by Solution Tree, a professional…

Heather Buch has been a stellar county commissioner for East Lane County, but now she’s being challenged by two extremists. Political consultant Jake Pelroy, who ran David Loveall’s campaign four years ago, has taken some meaty donations from Ed King, the winery king of Lorane who also wants to be the gravel quarry king of…

EUGENE – UO’s University Theatre stages “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory, directed by guest director Willow Norton Zolan, April 17 to May 2 at the Hope Theatre, 1231 University of Oregon. “Radium Girls” tells the true story of dial painters in the 1920s who suffered from mysterious illnesses linked to their work with radium. The…

Spring! I love a country morning in the springtime! As I stand in our backyard, I hear the birds sing, the bright yellow daffodils bring joy to my heart, the new green leaves in the trees, and then the call of geese as two pairs fly overhead. The light wind brings a chill as it…

The Row River Fire District is holding a fundraiser to support the construction of a new fire station in Dorena. The initiative aims to engage the numerous bicyclists who frequent the Row River Trail, particularly around the popular parking locations at Mosby Bridge, Cerro Gordo, and Harms Park. As the number of visitors to the…

CRESWELL – Hitting had been a strength for the Creswell Bulldogs during their four-game winning streak, but Thursday, pitching and defense carried the load in a 6-0 victory over South Umpqua to finish the Creswell Invitational tournament 3-0. In the top of the seventh inning with one out, South Umpqua pinch hitter Jackson Causey hit…

■ CRESWELL was 2-0 last week, both games coming on Thursday. In the morning, it defeated Oakridge 8-3. Sophomore Brenna Roat was 2-for-3 with a HR, 3 RBIs, and 3 R, while Savannah Rook was 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and 2 RBI. Elise Thackara threw a complete game, striking out six batters. In…

PLEASANT HILL (2-1, #9) ■ Leading off: The Class 3A Billies will look to get back to a more normal kind of game after winning 44-25 their last time out. On Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1, the Billies travel to face No. 23 Corbett (2-2) and welcome No. 29 Siuslaw (1-2), respectively. On…

■ THURSTON went 2-3 at the Coach Bob Tournament at Desert Mountain High School in Arizona last week. Teams from the western half of the U.S. came to the tournament. The Colts lost to Desert Mountain (Ariz.) 7-0 in their first game on Monday. The home team put up six runs in the fourth inning…

THURSTON (3-3, #6) ■ Leading off: The Class 5A Colts are off to a slow start based on their own high standards. However, the last time the Colts started 3-3, two years ago, they won their final 25 games on the way to their second consecutive state championship. This week, they faced West Albany at…

SPRINGFIELD – Bushnell pitcher Austin Wolfe (’25) struck out six batters and held Corban to two hits and one run across seven innings. Bushnell teammate Kai Keamo (’22) also put together a strong outing against the Warriors, throwing six innings with four strikeouts, three hits, and one unearned run. ■ Nick Gimino (2025) continued his…

■ SPRINGFIELD: The Millers return seven golfers from last year when they placed fourth in the Midwestern League. Seniors Joshua Toensing and Weston Hosford lead the way along with junior Jackson Rich. ■ CRESWELL: The Bulldogs return three boys from a sixth-place finish at districts last year. Coach Jesse Thomas welcomes back seniors Parker Russell-Wollheim…

■ THURSTON: Peyton Reed finished second in the league in doubles and fifth at state last year before moving to No. 1 singles this year. Mason Spain, a four-year varsity player, and junior Tyler Jagles take over at No. 1 doubles for the Colts, who placed second at districts last year. Bill Matheus, a state…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE File No. 23-00278OR Reference is made to that certain deed of trust made by Johnna Sangston and Nonda Gabbard, as grantor, to Cascade Title Company, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Finance of America Mortgage LLC, beneficiary of the…

CRESWELL – National Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) is a competition series for pilots nationwide to showcase their skill in a sport-like setting. On Monday night, the Creswell City Council talked about bringing the event to Creswell’s Hobby Field this summer. “National STOL is really up and coming in the aviation world,” said airport…

CRESWELL – Creswell is going to have its own personal Memorial Day – a few days before the official national holiday. Mayor Nick Smith explained the preliminary details at Monday night’s city council meeting. “On May 25, we’ll do a Proclamation that it’s Col. Richard Heyman Day,” Smith said. “We will fly all the flags…

CRESWELL – The Creswell City Council on Monday night gave a nod of approval for City Manager Vincent Martorello to cut ties with Lane County regarding solid waste fees and terminate an intergovernmental agreement between the two. Lane County and Sanipac are currently engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding the System Benefit Fee (SBF). The County…

LANE COUNTY – It was announced last Friday that County Commissioner David Loveall has officially filed a federal lawsuit against Lane County, County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky, and fellow Commissioners Heather Buch, Laurie Trieger, and Pat Farr for violations of his First Amendment rights, retaliation, and violations of open meeting laws. The 35-page lawsuit filed in…

CRESWELL – During Monday night’s Creswell City Council meeting, Mandy Hoggard, Creswell Chamber secretary, and Kelly Makinson, Chamber president, shared the Creswell Chamber’s annual report that included statistics about last year’s big events, like the Fourth of July and the Winter Lights Festival, and how they hope to expand on those events and more this…

SOUTH LANE – South Lane County residents can expect to see Ballot Measure #20-383 on the May ballot again, after the same proposed fire levy increase was shot down by voters last November. To inform voters of the impact of a yes vote on the measure, firefighters from South Lane County Fire and Rescue (SLCFR)…

COTTAGE GROVE – Maya Burton is stepping into a pivotal chapter of her career as executive director at the Opal Center for Arts and Education, all while continuing her leadership at Storybook Theatre of Cottage Grove and directing the highly anticipated play “Steel Magnolias” debuting this weekend in Cottage Grove. “Steel Magnolias” is a 1987…

COTTAGE GROVE – A lively evening filled with Western flair took place at the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 21, where local businesses and organizations united to honor community excellence and support scholarships. Award recipients included the Cottage Grove High School Key Club (Distinguished Service Award), South Lane…

COTTAGE GROVE – Back on Aug. 25, 2025, Cottage Grove Mayor Candace Solesbee issued a proclamation to honor Dyrol Burleson, a celebrated athlete and historic figure from the city. Burleson, a member of the Cottage Grove High School Hall of Fame, made significant contributions to athletics, including setting the 1500 meters record in 1958 and…

COTTAGE GROVE – Last week, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, President of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC), hosted a quarterly meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove, attended by AOCC board members and county commissioners. The meeting included a tour of Starfire Lumber’s new timber-built administration building and facilities. The gathering followed pivotal federal…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Essential Skills Workshop from April 20-22, at the Holiday Inn Express on Kruse Way. The no-cost program features three half-day sessions, running from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, and aims to equip entry- to mid-level managers with practical leadership tools.  Key topics will…

Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 25-09, which bans cell phone use by students during school hours. All of Oregon’s school districts have adopted this policy. “Research tells us that constant cell phone use distracts from learning and can create mental health issues,” Governor Kotek stated. “For our students to thrive, we have to make…

COTTAGE GROVE – The Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) held its annual Member Appreciation Dinner and fundraiser on March 6 at the historic Cottage Grove Armory. Each year, LCOG celebrates regional accomplishments for the prior year and recognizes outstanding work and accomplishments in the region. More than 160 elected and appointed officials, business and community…

EUGENE – On March 21 at 7 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Spencer Butte Park in the 85300 block of S. Willamette Street, south of Eugene. Callers reported a male had been lying in the roadway, then swung a knife and threw a bottle at them when they attempted to make sure he…

VENETA – On March 20 at 2:30 p.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy observed a pickup and trailer parked on private property in the 88000 block of Central Road, west of Eugene near Veneta. The gate was damaged, and the pickup was not associated with the address. Several deputies and K9 Ripp responded to assist…

DEXTER – On March 19, shortly before 1 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle that had crashed into a tree in the 82000 block of Barbre Road in Dexter. Upon arrival, deputies observed the involved vehicle again on the roadway. Deputies contacted the occupants of the vehicle and…

SPRINGFIELD – On March 28, thousands of residents will gather to demonstrate that “America has no kings” and that power belongs to the people. Dubbed “No Kings 3 – Communities in Alliance,” the event will feature mass protests across the U.S., organized by Indivisible and its No Kings partners. In Eugene, the Activist Coalition of…

SPRINGFIELD – Get ready to have an egg-cellent time at Megga Hunt, Springfield’s biggest annual egg hunt! Willamalane’s 71st annual Megga Hunt is on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Rd., Springfield. The event is open to all ages and abilities and will feature a variety of…

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield is now accepting photo submissions for its 2027 Canines for Clean Water calendar. Dog owners can submit one photo per dog from March 20 to April 6 using the official entry form at bit.ly/pickmypooch. Entries via social media or email will not be accepted. Twelve selected dogs will receive…

EUGENE – Longtime Eugene resident Linda Lynch is the recipient of this year’s Annabel Kitzhaber Education and Advocacy Award, presented by the League of Women Voters of Lane County. The award is meant to recognize an outstanding citizen for their significant, effective, and long-term leadership in making local and state government more accessible to the…

Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore: it’s a costly, environmentally damaging problem that affects neighborhoods, waterways, and wildlife. Lane County is taking a proactive step to address this issue with the launch of its new Report Illegal Dumping (R.I.D.) tool, an easy-to-use online platform that empowers residents to act. Try the tool at lanecountyor.gov/keeplaneclean. The…

By Theresa Hausser and Kate McMichael Perspective is a funny thing. Kids, too. As members of Oregon Women in Timber, a statewide, all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to forestry education, we were interviewing one of our members, Kit LaBelle, for our Women Who Know the Woods video series (find the YouTube link at orwit.org). It turned…

THURSTON – Grady Saunders has been playing above his age level since middle school, so Dennis Minium knew he didn’t have an average freshman arriving on the diamond in 2023. “Oh yeah, I had high expectations for him after watching him play at the Babe Ruth level,” the Thurston baseball coach said. “I knew he…

PLEASANT HILL – Pleasant Hill will show off a new field as it looks to make the state softball playoffs. The Billies’ booster club raised funds to provide a new turf facility for the softball team while looking to do the same for the baseball team soon. “We could not be more excited and thankful…

SPRINGFIELD – The 5th annual Harvey Lewellen Throws Invitational took place on Saturday, March 21. Springfield, Thurston, Cottage Grove and Creswell were among the schools represented at the meet. Lewellen is a former Thurston track coach who has set a number of world and American masters records and is a member of the USA Track…

CRESWELL – With a few returnees – including a state champion – and a talented transfer, Creswell will take a shot at defending its Class 3A girls track and field championship. The Bulldogs bring back three scorers from last year’s group that totaled 56 points to edge runner-up Banks by one to claim the first…

THURSTON ■ Coach: Jeff Litle■ Last year: 23-6, 15-3 in Midwestern League, second place. Defeated West Albany 15-13 in the first round of playoffs and defeated Wilsonville, 12-2, in second round of playoffs. Defeated Crater 18-15 in state semifinals before losing 9-0 to Ridgeview in the state title game.■ Outlook: The Colts return five all-league…