Next month, seven different sporting events over one weekend could generate over $20.7 million in estimated economic impact for Lane County. The revenue breaks down this way: More than $5.7 million in retail, over $4.3 million in food and beverage, and over $3.2 million in lodging from over 14,000 total room nights, according to the…

SPRINGFIELD – Caesar, the “no drama llama,” remains unfazed by the crowd at Alton Baker Park. At 11 years old, this therapy llama has visited around 300 nursing homes and 200 schools, and participated in numerous charity events across southwest Washington. “This is his purpose in life,” says his handler, Larry McCool. At the NAMI…

The VA has gone a long way toward addressing the epidemic of veteran suicide. Just recently they reported that they’ve now set a record for the number of veteran suicide prevention screenings and evaluations completed. In one recent month alone, of all veterans who’d received VA care over the past year, 88% had an annual…

Relationship to place is an interesting thing. In our younger years, we did a lot of hiking and backpacking. We happily embraced the approval offered by an NPS ranger: we were park visitors, not just park tourists. We had guidelines for what purchases we allowed ourselves at park stores: we could only make a significant…

By Rob Lewis Veterans have long been unintended pioneers in the advancement of medicine. The unique realities of war and military service have forced innovation that later benefits civilians for generations. Modern triage systems emerged from battlefields where medical personnel had to decide, in seconds, who could be saved. Medevac transportation by helicopter increased survival…

EUGENE – On May 13 at approximately 4 p.m., Lane County deputies responded to reports of a juvenile in crisis on the roof of a building at Lane Community College. During an emergency response, deputies established contact with the distressed individual and gathered information from the family about the situation’s triggers. Two members of the…

PeaceHealth and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace have announced a $1 million philanthropic commitment to establish an endowment fund for Leadership in Ministry. This investment aims to ensure that PeaceHealth leaders remain inspired by the organization’s Mission, Values, and heritage for generations to come. Over a century ago, the Sisters…

Oregon’s overdose deaths have decreased over the past two years, according to provisional federal data and a new report released by Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Preliminary data show around 1,100 deaths in 2025, representing a continued downward trend, although the total is likely to increase slightly as more 2025 data is processed. A total of…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board’s elected Board of Directors today announced that Vanessa Barbarisi, who they selected as the utility’s next CEO/General Manager, will begin in her new role on June 25. Barbarisi was chosen to lead the utility after an extensive nationwide search. Barbarisi comes to SUB from PG&E in Oakland, California, and will…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield’s summer baseball team is benefitting from its relationship with some former Ducks around the country. The Drifters will feature four players from Rice University where ex-Duck shortstop J.J. Altobelli serves as an assistant coach. Tulane, led by former UO assistant Jay Uhlman, will send two players to the Drifters. “Those guys are…

CRESWELL – Kevin Feist won three state baseball titles at Burns before stepping down after 17 years as coach in 2016 to spend a few years watching his son play in college. Feist moved to Eugene in 2022 when his wife, Toni, got a job as a nurse practitioner. When he decided to get back…

PLEASANT HILL – Five members of the Pleasant Hill Billies boys basketball team went from making a state playoff run on the hardwood to now doing it on the greens. The Billies boys golf team qualified for state this year in only the second year of the program. Chase Vargas, Jacob Neely, and the three…

■ THURSTON defeated Century 5-3 in a non-league matchup on Thursday. Brody Corgain was 2-for-3, with a HR, a triple, and 2 RBI. Grady Saunders was 3-for-3, with a triple, a sacrifice fly, and threw two scoreless innings. ■ CRESWELL won two of three games last week, although it did lose its 15-game winning streak…

Thurston graduate Calvin Green and his teammate, Cade Stubbs, shot 3-under par during two rounds of stroke play at the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball championship in Scottsdale, Ariz. this week, but failed to make the cut for medal play. Green and Stubbs were inside the cut line to make the round of 32 after shooting 4-under…

■ PLEASANT HILL was 3-1 last week. Tuesday, a 12-7 win over La Pine saw Acadia Bloxham reach in all four plate appearances with 4 RBI, and Zaira Duarte hit a HR. In Wednesday’s 4-2 win over non-league opponent North Douglas, Duarte and June Johnson each had three hits, and Bloxham threw a complete game,…

CRESWELL (21-5, 14-1, #2) ■ Leading off: The Bulldogs moved up to No. 2 in Class 3A this week despite losing their undefeated league record. This week, the Bulldogs have a non-league matchup with No. 7 South Umpqua/Day Creek (18-8, 13-2) to finish off the regular season. If these two keep their seeds, a second-round…

THURSTON (3-21, 3-12, #27) ■ Leading off: Thurston will finish the season with a Thursday road doubleheader against No. 19 Ashland (8-14, 5-10). The Colts are looking to carry the momentum of a sweep over Springfield into the series against the Grizzlies, and finish the season strong. Last season, the Colts took both games from…

RECAPS ■ CRESWELL and PLEASANT HILL competed at the Three Sisters Twilight Meet in Sisters on Friday. A Billie or Bulldog won every boys track event. For Creswell, Connor Nguyen won the 100m and 200m, Lukas Garzanelli won the 400m, Lincoln Criddle won the 3000m, and Noah Cranson of Creswell won the 110m and 300m…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE LLG 26-131103 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE A default has occurred under the terms of a trust deed made by Bobby Jo McPherson, whose address is 1942 Adelman Loop, Eugene, OR 97402 as grantor to Unisource National Lender Services, LLC, as Trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE LLG 26-131103 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE A default has occurred under the terms of a trust deed made by Bobby Jo McPherson, whose address is 1942 Adelman Loop, Eugene, OR 97402 as grantor to Unisource National Lender Services, LLC, as Trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee…

EUGENE – A Quilt of Valor is not a blanket, according to Bobbie Sanford. A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade cover awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. On May 1, four individuals were draped in the prestigious fabrics during the Emerald Valley Quilters’ Quilt Show. Quilt…

CRESWELL – Monday, May 25, was already going to be an extra-special day in Creswell. Now they’re taking it to another level. Hobby Field Airport Manager Shelley Humble has announced that Richard Heyman’s Celebration of Life will be held that day, which would have been Richard’s 102nd birthday, at the airport’s EAA building from 11…

SPRINGFIELD – In a major reversal, PeaceHealth abandoned its plan last week to outsource staffing of its emergency department to an out-of-state company. This decision came amid mounting pressure from the community, its politicians, and after local physicians filed a lawsuit against their employer. The parties reached a preliminary settlement on May 6 and are…

CRESWELL – Last weekend, the City of Creswell debuted its version of a farmer’s market, the Farm to Table Event. Community members were invited to check out the free event during the city-wide yard sales. Catchy pop tunes could be heard from Wren Entertainment’s speaker system in the parking lot across from the community center…

SPRINGFIELD – On Monday night, the Springfield City Council discussed the possibility of a new sports complex in collaboration with Travel Lane County in order to address seasonal tourism. Tourism brings $1.1 billion in visitor spending to Lane County and supports one in nine jobs. That money goes to support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses…

LANE COUNTY – Officials are urging residents to prepare for wildfire season, after outlook maps predict a greater-than-usual likelihood of significant wildfires for much of the state as early as next month. “We’re looking at a brutal summer. I don’t know any other way to describe it than that,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden during…

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, community members had a chance to immerse themselves in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cultures at Guy Lee Elementary School in Springfield, during the fourth annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration. The playground and cafeteria transformed into a cultural experience for hundreds of kids,…

SPRINGFIELD – Following three meetings last week, the Springfield Budget Committee, which is made up of six council members and six citizens, approved the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 as presented by the city’s finance director, Nathan Bell. The proposed budget will be submitted to the city council for approval in June. The proposed…

SPRINGFIELD – In celebration of Nurses Week, PeaceHealth RiverBend held its second annual Puppies and Pancakes event last Friday morning. The event allowed nurses and other caregivers to take a break from work by cuddling or walking a dog, and enjoying freshly-made pancakes and other breakfast foods. Lucky Pawz Rescue and Unbreakabull Rescue Allies’ animal…

SPRINGFIELD – Residents are invited to recycle and properly dispose of unwanted household items during the City of Springfield’s annual Spring Cleanup event on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoSort in Glenwood at 3425 E. 17th Ave., next to Lane County’s Glenwood Transfer Station. The free event helps residents clear…

PLEASANT HILL – The Pleasant Hill Community Theatre (PHCT) is captivating audiences with its Spring production of Concord Theatricals’ “The Wizard of Oz,” scheduled for May 14-16, with showtimes at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Dorothy, Toto, and an enchanting cast of characters will journey down the…

LOWELL – On May 2, at 2:50 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary on Jasper Lowell Road after a resident reported a trespasser on their property. A second call revealed that the suspects had broken into a home and stolen a car from a shop. Investigators identified a black BMW SUV with…

Man dies at Lookout Reservoir ■ LOWELL – On May 10, at about 1 p.m., Tyler Ryan Davis, 22, of Eugene, was found deceased near Lookout Reservoir east of Lowell. He was reported missing to the Eugene Police on May 1. Davis’ last known contact was with friends and family on April 30. Davis’ vehicle…

According to the County, the proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget for Lane County is balanced, preserving critical services and making the most of the limited financial resources available. “Sixty percent of Lane County’s budget has historically come from state or federal funding sources,” said Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “As those revenues continue to shrink,…

SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane Park and Recreation District has been named as a finalist for the 2026 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The honor was announced by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. “Being named one of four finalists…

Lane County Parks officials are celebrating National Public Works Week in May with a series of short, guided park tours. Each tour runs noon-1 p.m. and offers a look at projects, planned improvements, and how park levy money are being used. Public Works Week recognizes the essential role public works staff play in keeping parks…

As temperatures rise this summer, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality have begun monitoring lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for toxic cyanobacteria blooms (cyanoHABs). While cyanobacteria can be beneficial, under certain conditions, they can multiply and produce harmful toxins. For protection, learn how to recognize the signs of a bloom. Avoid swimming…

Dear Editor: Regarding the Woodard Family Foundation here in Cottage Grove, I would like to give my thanks after working with the Woodard family on many projects. One of the earliest examples was 1983-1984, while I was Chamber president. The Chamber took on the task of replacing the beautiful Christmas lights and light pole decorations…

Dear Editor: This year we have an exciting candidate running for Oregon State Representative in District 7: Ky Fireside. I’ve seen Ky speak at local events and city council meetings, using the opportunity to elevate the concerns of community members including workers, people of color, and immigrants. Ky spoke against cuts to the Springfield Public…

Dear Editor: Who is Amber Smith, and what is she hiding? Smith filed to run as a Democrat for House District 12, but she has ignored Democrats who have contacted her. Smith doesn’t have a website or media presence; she’s not in the Voters’ Pamphlet, hasn’t attended candidate forums, did not respond to The Chronicle’s…

Dear Editor I need to shout out a huge public “thank you” to Marty Wilde, former Oregon State Representative, for his work educating Eugene-Springfield residents about issues surrounding the PeaceHealth-Eugene Emergency Physicians stand-off. Marty Wilde In recent weeks, Marty has delivered consistent, deep research, solid logic, and a moral compass to the Eugene-Springfield community to…

Dear Editor: This letter is regarding candidates for State Senate, District 6. I wanted to share why voters should support Nicole De Graff. I have known her to be one of the most thoughtful and determined people I have met when it comes to standing up for others and working through difficult issues. What makes…

COTTAGE GROVE – The Cottage Grove Lions might have felt like it just was not going to be their day this past Friday. They had lost 7-0 on Tuesday, and now had only two baserunners through five innings of Game One of a Friday doubleheader. However, by the time Macey Basting singled up the middle…

THURSTON – Eric Orton has been promoted to head boys basketball coach at his alma mater. Orton, who starred for Thurston as a senior in 2002 when the Colts won the Midwestern League title and reached the state quarterfinals, has spent the past two seasons as an assistant under Blaine Liberatore after previously serving as…

SPRINGFIELD – Lucas Geren, who joined the Drifters at the end of last season and will return this summer, pitched another gem for Lane Community College, throwing 6.2 scoreless innings for the Titans in their final series of the regular season against Umpqua Community College. Geren fanned five while allowing only four hits in the…

CRESWELL (19-4, 12-0, #4) ■ Leading off: The Bulldogs bring their 14-game winning streak into the final week of the regular season. The win streak is the longest for the Bulldogs since at least 1998, and is more wins by itself than the program has had in 27 of the past 28 seasons, with last…

■ CRESWELL went 3-0 this week to extend its winning streak to 14 games. On Tuesday, the Bulldogs defeated rival Pleasant Hill for the third time this year, 5-3. The game was tied 3-3 heading into the 7th inning when Kayden Roberts hit a two-run double to give his team a two-run lead. The Bulldogs…

PLEASANT HILL (11-7, 8-4, #15 ■ Leading off: The Billies have a league home doubleheader against No. 39 Sisters (1-15, 0-11) on Friday, to finish the league season. Earlier this season, the Billies defeated the Outlaws 25-6. The Billies already have clinched a place in state playoffs, so all that can be accomplished now is…

■ THURSTON swept Springfield last week, getting its first three wins of the season. Tuesday’s game finished 19-1 in four innings, with the Colts scoring 13 in the top of the first inning. Colts catcher Daphnie Heckel was 3-for-3, with a HR, 3 RBI and four runs scored. Friday saw the Colts earn their first…

RECAPS ■ THURSTON competed at the 76th Grants Pass Rotary Invitational. Kelsie Raven won the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 14.81 seconds and the triple jump with a distance of 11.08m (36’ 4.25”). ■ SPRINGFIELD competed at the 41st Dean Nice Invitational meet on Friday. Sailor Hall finished 2nd in the discus and…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  This official acts as the local voice in the United States Congress, balancing national policy with the specific needs…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  State Senator 6th District: Serving four-year terms, senators represent larger regions (each district is roughly twice the size of…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  These partisan officials represent local interests in the Oregon State Capitol, where they draft laws and set the statewide…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  State Representative (7th District): Serving two-year terms, these representatives cover smaller, neighborhood-sized districts; they are often the most accessible…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  Lane County Commissioner (Springfield): Specifically represents the City of Springfield, overseeing county-level services and land-use planning that directly affects…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  Lane County Commissioner (East) represents the rural and suburban communities of East Lane County, focusing on specialized regional issues…

SPRINGFIELD – If Parks and Recreation wasn’t always Kenny Weigandt’s career path, it’s not a surprise that’s where he ended up. Weigandt grew up around River Road Park and Recreation District where his father, Dale, worked for more than 40 years doing everything from maintenance to programming and supervising teams before serving as superintendent for…

SPRINGFIELD – Last Saturday, folks spent the afternoon honoring mother figures in their lives at Dorris Ranch during Mother’s Day Tea, hosted by Willamalane. Above, grandmother Mary and granddaughter Riley, spend time together in the barn. Sweet and savory treats like tea sandwiches, tarts, and scones were provided, along with an assortment of teas. A…

SPRINGFIELD – This Thursday, Springfield Public Schools will present its proposed 2026–27 operating budget to the Budget Committee. The District is working to address a $7.9 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year, and the proposed budget reflects months of analysis, planning, and community engagement, according to Chakris Kussalanant, communications manager for SPS. “Developing…

SPRINGFIELD – How does a teacher learn about new subjects and ways to teach and engage their students? Academy of Arts and Academics science teacher Katie Ryan was selected to go on an expedition to do just that. Last week, the National Geographic Society, in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions, announced the 36 selected participants from…

CRESWELL – Creswell is reinvigorating the farmers market scene in town with a Farm to Table Event kicking off this weekend. On May 9, folks can find farm fresh food, booths from local vendors, food carts, music, and demonstrations outside City Hall in the east parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In partnership…

SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane is hosting a Spring Marketplace this weekend, just in time for Mother’s Day. Whether mom comes along to browse the 100-plus local vendors, or if folks are in need of some new spring décor, the Bob-Keefer Center is the one-stop shopping destination. According to Whitney Hoshaw, Willamalane marketing and communications manager, Spring…

SPRINGFIELD – As the city of Springfield begins finalizing the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget, the time for public feedback has passed. Monday night marked the trio of budget committee meetings before the proposed budget is sent to the city council for approval in June. The Springfield Budget Committee, comprising six city councilors and six…

Support: Measure #20-383 One good exercise for determining how you spend your money is this: Is this expense a “nice-to-have” or a “must-have”? We actually do this all the time. That simple assessment in our heads often saves us from that “impulse buy” at the checkout counter. The same concept is true when considering how…

Support Measure #20-384 What is “intrinsic” value? How do you quantify how successful an organization is within a community, how vital its contributions are to the betterment of our lives? Most of that assessment comes from our personal observation and lived experience. For instance, it’s your use of and interaction at any of Willamalane’s parks…

SPRINGFIELD – The Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to a house fire early Sunday morning, April 26. Crews were dispatched after reports of a window air conditioning unit on fire at a home in the 1000 block of 21st Avenue. Firefighters executed an interior attack, successfully containing the fire to one room. No injuries were…

COTTAGE GROVE – At approximately 5:40 a.m. on May 5, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a crash in the 27000 block of London Road. Witnesses reported that a vehicle had overturned, ejecting at least one occupant. South Lane Fire and Rescue extricated at least one passenger, and all three occupants, including the…

Lane County Emergency Management will conduct a test of its subscriber-based emergency alert system, Lane Alerts, on Thursday, May 14, at noon. The test will utilize emails, recorded voice calls, and text messages based on each subscriber’s contact preferences. Subscribers can receive notifications through their preferred methods of contact, including phone calls, text messages, and…

Springfield – Mayor Sean VanGordon has proclaimed May 3-9, 2026, as Public Service Recognition Week in Springfield, recognizing the contributions of public employees who serve the community each day.  Public Service Recognition Week, observed nationally during the first full week of May, honors individuals at all levels of government whose work supports essential services that…

Dear Editor: Lane County voters in Springfield should ask a basic question before this commissioner race is decided: who is actually protecting regular taxpayers? Commissioner David Loveall and Mayor Sean Van Gordon may present themselves differently, but both appear comfortable with the same economic development playbook: tax abatements, enterprise zones, and incentives that reduce costs…

Dear Editor: The Creswell RC Flyers would like to thank the Chronicle newspaper for mentioning our swap and shop event, held May 2nd, in the Go2 “Around Town” section, and the City of Creswell for the use of the Community Center. Our event was a success. Our community is fortunate to have a print publication…

Dear Editor: Too often, we see politicians talk down to their constituents, or worse, lash out when they don’t get their way. Ky Fireside is running for State Representative in Springfield and offers something rare: emotional maturity, calm attitude, and genuine respect for voters, even those who disagree. When Flock Safety installed their surveillance cameras…

Dear Editor, This week, let’s celebrate Federal, State, and local government employees and members of the uniformed services who deliver services that Americans depend upon. May 3-9, 2026, is Public Service Recognition Week. There are 19,886 federal employees, 7,055 Postal workers, and 34,620 Federal/Postal retirees in Oregon. The US Postal Service is the 3rd-largest employer,…

THURSTON – The Crater Comets may have been the No. 1 team in the state before their Saturday doubleheader against the Thurston Colts, but the Colts had won 15 games in a row over the visitors from Central Point. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Comets were one out away from breaking their…

THURSTON – Blake Sentman is headed to Thurston High School to both serve as a mentor and be mentored. The 27-year-old from Cottage Grove has been named girls basketball coach for the Colts. He will also serve as offensive coordinator in football under longtime head coach Justin Starck. Sentman starred in both basketball and football…

CRESWELL – Coming off one of the most successful seasons in the Creswell Bulldogs’ 19-year program history, the last thing the soccer program needed was new coaches. However, that is exactly what they will have this year. Brandi Wittenborn, who coached both boys and girls for the Bulldogs last season, stepped away after the 2025-26…

SPRINGFIELD – Incoming Drifter Diego Vazquez had an outstanding weekend at the plate, going 8-for-15 with six RBI across four games at the 3C2A Regionals for Fullerton College. The Oregon State commit finished with one double and three walks during a 3-1 weekend for the Hornets.Vazquez’s future teammates, Austin Takahashi and Zac Daigre, also had…

■ CRESWELL was 3-0 last week. On Tuesday, the Bulldogs defeated Elmira 10-0. Landon Vaughn reached in three of four plate appearances, stole three bases, and threw five scoreless innings before the run rule kicked in. Jaxon Pelham hit a home run. On Friday, the Bulldogs defeated Harrisburg 10-0 and 14-1. In Game One, Pelham…

CRESWELL (16-4, 9-0, #4) ■ Leading off: Creswell has three games this week, looking to extend its 11-game winning streak. The Bulldogs have a Friday doubleheader at No. 18 La Pine (10-9, 4-5). On April 21, the Bulldogs defeated the Hawks 11-1. Kayden Roberts led the Bulldogs with three hits, a walk, and three runs…

■ PLEASANT HILL went 3-0 last week. On Tuesday, the Billies defeated Sisters 25-6. Zeta Holmes reached base in all five plate appearances, including a three-run home run. Erin Bray was 2-for-3, with a double, two BB, and 5 RBI. On Friday, the Billies defeated Elmira 9-6 and 12-9. Acadia Bloxham was 2-for-4, with two…

THURSTON (0-12, #28) ■ Leading off: Thurston has two league matchups this week. On Friday, the Colts finish out a three-game series with a doubleheader against No. 32 Springfield (0-17, 0-9). Last season, the Colts won all three matchups by an average margin of 15 runs. SPRINGFIELD (0-17, 0-9, #32) ■ Leading off: Springfield has…

RECAPS ■ THURSTON, COTTAGE GROVE, and CRESWELL competed in the Marist Track Classic on Saturday, along with nine other teams. Jordyn Lee of Creswell won the girls 400m and set a meet record of 58.60, Kelsie Raven of Thurston won the girls 100m hurdles and long and high jumps, Micah Hanke of Cottage Grove won…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-25-1028282-SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, WILLIAM A. FARLEY as Grantor to EVERGREEN LAND TITLE COMPANY, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR AEGIS WHOLESALE CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 2/7/2005, recorded 2/14/2005, in official…

CRESWELL – If you purchased a Powerball ticket recently in Creswell, you may want to pull it out of your wallet and check it. Fast. A $2 million winning ticket was purchased in Creswell, according to the State Lottery. The Chronicle is confirming details and will report back when more information is available, including which…

Hugh Turnbull — known to generations of Creswell students as Mr. T — left this world on April 23, 2026, in Chicago, at the age of 86, with Debby holding his hand. Hugh was born in Akron, Ohio, to David R. Turnbull II and Anna Ruth Martin Turnbull, and moved with his family to Havertown,…

Carolyn Inez Dam Houde passed away peacefully from natural causes on April 16, 2026 at the age of 93.  How can a life so rich and productive be distilled down to a few lines in a newspaper death notice? “Do not stand at my grave and weep… I am not there. I do not sleep.”…

LANE COUNTY – April showers bring plenty of May flowers when seeds, trees, and compost are gifted to community members. Cottage Grove and Creswell both have opportunities for folks to get their hands dirty this spring. The Cottage Grove Public Library is teaming up with the community to host plant programs such as Seeding Rainbow…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield City Council is continuing the conversation around a .1% payroll tax as one component of a broader effort to address the City’s long-term General Fund imbalance. Finance director Nathan Bell at the April 20 meeting noted that the payroll tax ordinance closely aligns with the Fiscal Stability Task Force recommendations by…

COTTAGE GROVE – City officials in Cottage Grove invited community members to a town hall meeting last week to discuss options for balancing the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The library is facing a proposed 56% budget cut, and there is a proposal to completely eliminate funding for the Warren Doherty Aquatic Center. Roughly…

CRESWELL – The Creswell City Council unanimously abandoned the concept of a family-oriented “Everyone Village” model for addressing homelessness during their April 27 meeting, pivoting the conversation toward locally controlled, charity-based approaches. City staff had been exploring a “family-oriented village” concept – partnering through the school district, focused on families with children rather than a…

THURSTON – High school athletes playing two, even three sports is unusual, but not unheard of. However, playing five, and three at once, makes Addison Nelson unique. She played volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and is on the track & field, flag football, and softball teams for Thurston. The logistics of playing…

DRAIN – City officials have approved moving forward with the nomination of the Pass Creek Covered Bridge to the National Register of Historic Places, marking a major step toward formally recognizing and preserving one of the community’s most significant historic resources. The Pass Creek Covered Bridge at 101 W. A Ave. is one of fewer…

PLEASANT HILL – The Pleasant Hill Community Theatre (PHCT) is preparing for its Spring production of Concord Theatricals’ “The Wizard of Oz,” running from May 7-9 and May 14-16, with showtimes at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday. The theatre at 35575 Zephyr Way serves as a platform…

SPRINGFIELD – PeaceHealth on April 23 rolled out the area’s first outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED) “SaveStations” at four sites around the area. These lifesaving devices can be easily accessed by the general public in response to sudden cardiac arrest. A SaveStation is an outdoor, unlocked, monitored and temperature‑controlled cabinet that secures the AED. Program organizers…

LANE COUNTY – The American Lung Association (ALA) recently gave Lane County an “F” for air quality in its annual State of the Air report.  While Lane County’s air quality has steadily improved over the last 20 years when it comes to pollution from everyday sources like wood stoves and vehicles, that progress is being…

2nd Street Project resumes May 1 CRESWELL – Construction on the City of Creswell’s 2nd Street Improvement Project is set to resume on Friday, May 1. This project spans the area of 2nd Street between Oregon Avenue and F Street and is anticipated to conclude at the end of August 2026, weather and conditions permitting.…

SPRINGFIELD – After a nationwide search, Springfield Utility Board’s elected Board of Directors voted to select Vanessa Barbarisi as the utility’s next CEO/general manager. Barbarisi comes to SUB from PG&E in Oakland, California, and will succeed longtime general manager Jeff Nelson, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the SUB. Over the next…