
I joined the U.S. Navy to serve my country. I joined Springfield’s Planning Commission to serve my community. And with your support, I’ll serve as your next city councilor. My name is Callee Ackland, and I’m proud to announce that I’m running for the Springfield City Council in the November election. My position as a…
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Shooter attempts float escape route, arrested
SPRINGFIELD – A Springfield man was arrested last week after allegedly assaulting and firing a gun at family members and officers before fleeing via the Willamette River. According to Lane County court records, on June 19, around 10:30 p.m., officers from the Springfield Police Department responded to a residence on the 600-block of Janus Street…

LTD ratifies landmark labor deal
On June 17, the Lane Transit District (LTD) Board of Directors unanimously approved a three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union 757 (ATU). This contract represents the largest in LTD’s history, encompassing bus operators, customer service representatives, and fleet maintenance staff. Following a union membership vote on June 12, an impressive 94% voted…

Ackland announces run
I joined the U.S. Navy to serve my country. I joined Springfield’s Planning Commission to serve my community. And with your support, I’ll serve as your next city councilor. My name is Callee Ackland, and I’m proud to announce that I’m running for the Springfield City Council in the November election. My position as a…

Reflecting on 50 years in Creswell
Dear Editor: This letter is a “thank you” to all of the people of Creswell. Today is our Anniversary of sorts. Exactly 50 years ago, on June 20, 1976, my wife Candi and I moved to Creswell. I was 19 years old. We bought a starter home on Astoria Avenue at the end of Brookhurst…

‘Thank you’ for treating athletes equally
Dear Editor, In the June 11 issue, pg 17, the list about Creswell High, I appreciate that you listed both women’s and men’s sports with the same language. So many times, the men are “basketball,” and the women are labeled as “women’s basketball, or whatever sport. Love that you avoided the sexist language — people…

Independence Day revelation
Dear Editor I learned from the local NAACP president about a 1772 court decision that may have influenced the Declaration of Independence more than taxes or self-determination. Somerset v Stewart, was a case of a slave who escaped to England and his “owner” sued to get him back. The English court determined he was free;…

Mergert chosen as SPS assistant superintendent
Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has selected Dr. Brian Megert as the District’s next Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, pending approval of his contract by the Springfield School Board at its June 22 Special Meeting. Dr. Megert brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, including 16 years of district-level leadership in Springfield. He currently…

Larcom named Lane County’s new emergency manager
Monica Larcom, on June 15, was announced as Lane County’s new emergency manager. Previously a supervisor with Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Larcom began her new role at the end of April. Shortly after her arrival, she provided an update to the Board of County Commissioners regarding expectations for the upcoming fire season.…

LCSO arrest seven for DUII
LCSO Deputies arrested seven impaired drivers in Lane County June 19-21: At about 3:20 a.m. on June 19, Daniel Isaiah Santiago, 19, of Springfield was stopped near River Road and Beltline Highway. Santiago was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII). His vehicle was impounded, and he was cited and released. At about…

Eugene, Springfield men die in crashes
Eugene man dies in Marcola crash On June 15, at about 11:20 p.m., LCSO Deputies responded with the Mohawk Valley Fire to the report of a single vehicle crash in the 90000-block of Marcola Road. EMTs arrived and discovered the driver and sole occupant, Daniel Keith Johnsgard, 51, of Eugene, deceased. The investigation revealed that…

Masters Regional Championships at Dexter Lake this weekend
LOWELL – There are 750 rowers from 33 clubs across the western United States and Canada who will race at Dexter Lake when the Oregon Association of Rowers hosts the USRowing Northwest Masters Regional Championships at the Lowell State Recreation Site this weekend. The three-day regatta is one of the largest of its kind, drawing…

Business trends show decline in optimism, higher costs
The National Federation of Independent Business in Oregon recently released its monthly Small Business Economic Trends report, showing a 0.6-point decline in May to 95.3, remaining below its 52-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index rose 3 points from April to 91, remaining well above its historical average of 68. “More small business owners are…

Vintage planes, classic motors fundraiser in Cottage Grove
COTTAGE GROVE – The Oregon Aviation Historical Society (OAHS) will host its 12th annual Cottage Grove Wings & Wheels on Saturday at Jim Wright Memorial Field, 2475 Jim Wright Way. The gathering, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., will showcase an array of modern and vintage aircraft, automobiles, and motorcycles. The event serves as a fundraiser to support…

Springfield Public Library hours changing
SPRINGFIELD – Starting July 6, the Springfield Public Library will adjust its hours, opening Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Mondays. This change is part of a comprehensive long-term plan by the City of Springfield to align library services with available resources in response to a $310,000 budget cut. Many library programs and services will…

Stavros is a Beacon for ‘youngsters’ on the team
SPRINGFIELD – Age is a relative term in the Springfield Drifters’ dugout.As Blake Stavros spends his fourth and final summer as one of the elder statesmen with the team, he has earned a new nickname. “I got a couple guys who keep calling me ‘Unc’ making fun of me,” Stavros said, citing the word kids…

Drifters salvage win vs. Portland; on the road until June 30 return
DRIFTERS RECAPS FRIDAY ■ SPRINGFIELD – The Drifters hotly pursued a Portland Pickles lead for seven innings of the series opener in Springfield, but even a second life from a dropped pop fly in foul territory that would’ve ended the game wasn’t enough to flip the 9-7 loss. The Drifters’ newfound depth, with reinforcements arriving…

Wittenborn to lead Tigers sports teams
CRESWELL – Brandi Wittenborn, a longtime Bulldogs soccer coach, was named athletic director for Creswell Middle School. Wittenborn brings 33 years of coaching middle school and high school athletics and three years of experience as athletic director at Creswell High School from 2009-12. School officials said that throughout her career, Wittenborn has been dedicated to…

Legal Notices: Edition of June 25, 2026
TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE File No. 26-01012OR Reference is made to that certain deed of trust made by Kristin Nelson and Roy Nelson, as grantor, to Cascade Escrow, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Directors Mortgage, Inc., beneficiary of the security instrument, its…

Antonelli powers through by singing about tough times
COTTAGE GROVE – The chaotic start to his current 50-stop tour could serve as a good metaphor for the lifelong journey Dominick Antonelli has been on. “There were several glitches,” Antonelli said after Sunday evening’s show at The Axe and Fiddle. “My car was burning a lot of oil. Most of my merch was late,…

Springfield approves $155M budget
SPRINGFIELD – After months of debate, robust public testimony, and difficult conversations, the Springfield City Council approved the city’s 2026-27 budget during a meeting earlier this week in an effort to address the City’s $4.5 million budget shortfall. As part of the budget cuts, the Springfield Library will face a $310,000 reduction. The proposal suggests…

SPS budget cuts key programs, staffing
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Public Schools Board of Education adopted a budget last Monday that includes reductions to the district’s Dual Immersion Program and over 30 job cuts in addition to the district’s mid-year layoffs. Like many other districts across Oregon, SPS continues to face financial challenges driven by reduced revenue, declining enrollment, and rising operational…

B.L.A.Q. youth hosting Juneteenth gathering
EUGENE – B.L.A.Q. Youth invites the community to join the 2026 Juneteenth Gathering on Friday, June 19, from 3-8 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion in downtown Eugene. The free event honors the history and significance of Juneteenth while celebrating Black culture, achievement, and community. This year’s theme, “Freedom to Thrive, Freedom to Shine,” draws…

VanGordon declared winner; Buch, Pelroy runoff in November
The Lane County Elections Office posted its final results of the May Primary election on Wednesday, June 10 – five days ahead of schedule, firming up clear victors and key runoffs in November. U.S. Representative – 4th District: Incumbent Val Hoyle is the clear winner among the Democrats, earning her nearly 77% (42,110 individual votes).…

Willamalane’s Hoshaw pursues passions, drives success
SPRINGFIELD – Whitney Hoshaw is usually the one sending out announcements about folks receiving awards or recognition, but last Wednesday, Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s marketing and communications manager was the one receiving the award. Hoshaw had moved away from the Springfield area after college but returned a few years later because it was where…

THIS, BUD, IS FOR YOU
Legendary Cottage Grove swim coach Bud Taylor was honored Saturday, as the 8-lane lap pool at the aquatic center was named after him. COTTAGE GROVE – To hear Bud Taylor tell it, you’d think he was just happy to be part of the crew. He didn’t see himself as the star of the show. “I’m…

Springfield artist featured in exhibit at Maude Kerns starting June 19
The Maude Kerns Art Center is proud to present “Piecing It Together: A Regional Collage Exhibit,” opening with a free, public reception from 5-7 pm on Friday, June 19. The exhibit features the work of 69 artists from four states and celebrates the versatile and inventive art of collage. By juxtaposing and layering images, playing…

LTD cuts fares by up to 50%during summer promotion
Lane Transit District (LTD) is cutting fares by up to 50% with “Dollar Days of Summer,” from July 1 through Aug. 31. LTD’s fares are being reduced by up to 50%, with $1 adult single rides and $2 day passes. The discount will also apply to other fares and LTD services. LTD’s Board of Directors…

$10k awarded to ‘senior meals’
EUGENE – Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) has received a $10,000 grant from The Roadhouse Foundation to support its rural congregate Senior Meals Program sites. The Senior Meals Program in LCOG’s Senior & Disability Services division operates nine congregate meal sites throughout Lane County called Café 60. They are in Cottage Grove, Creswell, Springfield, Eugene,…

Elder Services Resource Fair: June 23
EUGENE – June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and the Adult Protective Services (APS) team at LCOG Senior & Disability Services is hosting a free Elder Services Resource Fair on Tuesday, June 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Eugene Public Library – Downtown, 100 W. 10th Ave., Eugene. This event focuses on raising…

Love in dreams – and action: It’s worth learning how to truly care for forests
Dorothy Day, a cofounder with Peter Maurin of the Catholic Worker movement, is known for (among many other things) this quote: “As Dostoevsky said: ‘Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams.’” While perhaps a bit startling at first reading, many of us experience this seeming dichotomy between love…

Strange, but true: Funny recollection
Dear Editor, I got a kick out of an item in your Strange But True column last week. It mentioned cigarette makers in the early 20th century proclaiming, “Light a Lucky and you’ll never miss a sweet that makes you fat.” I’ve got one even better: when I was growing up in the 1950s, three…

Setting a standard for resilience
Dear Editor, As Creswell continues the 2nd Street Improvement Project, we find ourselves at an optimal juncture to move beyond traditional construction oversight. I propose that the City of Creswell leverage the current project momentum to implement a focused digital-twin pilot model for the newly installed 12-inch water main and storm sewer infrastructure. Rather than…

Thousands take home books for summer
United Way of Lane County recently hosted BookFest at elementary schools, where over 7,500 books were distributed to K-2 students at 14 schools across eight school districts. This annual event offers students at select locations the opportunity to choose and take home five new, free, age-appropriate books to read and enjoy over the summer break.…

Heat & pets: Greenhill offers tips for pets in hot weather
Leave pets at home: Never leave pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes; it can lead to heat stroke. Stay indoors during heat: Keep pets inside during peak heat hours; make them comfortable in a cool room. Hydration is key: Ensure pets have access to plenty of fresh, cool water. Provide shade and…

Stover chosen for SPS interim ‘super’
The Springfield Public Schools Board of Directors on June 12 announced it has selected Dr. Shawn Stover to serve as interim superintendent for the 2026-27 school year, pending approval of his contract at the board’s June 22 meeting. Stover will begin July 1. Stover brings more than 30 years of educational leadership experience. Most recently,…

Tyner at home with Drifters
SPRINGFIELD – Peyton Tyner won’t have to put as many miles on his car this summer. The outfielder from Lane Community College is spending his second year in the West Coast League with the Springfield Drifters. The Eugene native and Marist High School graduate spent last season with the Marion Berries in Salem. “I am…

DRIFTERS RECAPS
TUESDAY, JUNE 9 WENATCHEE, Wash. – After the first homestand of the year, the Springfield Drifters started their six-game road trip on a high note, defeating the Wenatchee Apple Sox 11-6 thanks to multi-hit performances from five different Drifters and shutdown pitching from the back end of the bullpen. The Drifters took an early lead,…

Spring salmon on the move
Spring chinook, also known as “springers,” are built for the long haul. Unlike their genetically identical counterparts, the fall chinook, which enter the river beginning in September and are already sexually mature, spring chinook start their freshwater migration in early March while still immature. They spend months maturing in deep, cold upriver pools, with some…

Obituary: Carol Louise Ueland
Carol Louise Ueland passed away on May 8, 2026. She has joined her parents Nate and Sue Knecht in heaven and is survived by her husband Fred Ueland, her kids Deb Strickland, Tom Wells (Kuri), Jason Wells, and Brandy Michel (Doug), 7 grandkids, 10 great grandkids, and one great, great granddaughter. The grandkids were the…

Legal Notices: Edition of June 18, 2026
TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-23-968643-SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, Brent E. Lindstrom as Grantor to Key Title Company, as trustee, in favor of First Republic Mortgage Corporation, as Beneficiary, dated 2/24/1999, recorded 3/1/1999, in official records of LANE County, Oregon in book/reel/volume No. and/or as fee/file/instrument/microfilm/reception number 99018622…

Grad ceremonies: Bittersweet finales for seniors
SPRINGFIELD – In a time-honored tradition, high school seniors took some of their last steps as students across campus on Friday. Rylie Lynnes stood in line to walk the stage at Thurston with her best friend, Karlie Yaroma. The two of them spent their high school years wrestling together. “I really liked the family aspect…

Springfield Farmers Market opens to rave reviews
SPRINGFIELD – The Lane County Farmers Market teamed up with the City of Springfield last week to debut a Springfield Farmers Market, which will take place weekly on Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through October in the Library parking lot at Springfield City Hall. The library parking lot and Fountain Plaza were filled with vendor…

50 first names only: If you know … you know; say hi to your neighbors
One of the more rewarding slices of my life is the Twin Rivers Rotary chapter of Springfield – specifically, the members and weekly guest presenters. Next week we’ll celebrate the turning of our calendar, signaling a new year for our chapter. John has been a jovial and energetic president the past few years, and Mary…

Antonelli bringing healing sounds
After playing a live performance at the PNC Live Studio in Portland on Monday, Dominick Antonelli said he was told by multiple people that his music “uplifted their soul.” “It’s so interesting that I can do that,” Antonelli said. Antonelli, who plays at The Axe and Fiddle on Sunday night at 6, looks forward to…

A MUSICAL MISSION: Miss Lane County juggles opera, college career, and nonprofit
LANE COUNTY – At 22 years old, Makenna York is a graduate student, musician, stage manager, teaching fellow, runs a charity organization, and is competing in the Miss America competition to be an Oregon delegate. York was born in Oregon and raised in Nevada, but found her home in Lane County. She received her Bachelor…

From classroom to career, CTE helps lead the way
SPRINGFIELD – One look and you could tell; this kid works with his hands. Dirt was already caked into his fingerprints from years of work. Cayden Frederick is 18 years old and just graduated from Thurston High School. He grew up attending the Thurston schools and attended Thurston Elementary and Middle Schools. He remembered when…

Election update: Conrad drops out of District 12 race
This week, Independent candidate Charles Conrad withdrew his name from the November House District 12 race after failing to receive sufficient support from Democratic voters at the polls. Because Oregon is a closed primary state, only partisan voters could cast a vote in the May ballot for the position. While write-in votes were tallied, Conrad…

Cottage Grove residents voice support for library
COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove residents flooded City Hall on Monday night to show their support for the public library for one of the last times before the city council decides on a final budget for the fiscal year. To balance the city’s 2026-27 budget, the library is facing a proposed 56% budget cut. A…

Springfield Museum shines light on historic cemetery
GLENWOOD – On Friday, June 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., Laurel Grove Cemetery will host a Summer Solstice Celebration at 3274 Judkins Road, which aims to illuminate the cemetery’s rich history and share poignant stories from its past. Attendees will have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour, engage with the site’s heritage, and…

State resource department offers water-saving tips during drought
With much of Oregon experiencing drought this summer, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is urging residents to conserve water to mitigate the impact on communities and ecosystems. Director Ivan Gall highlighted the importance of wise water use now and in the future: Measure sprinkler use: Check how much water your sprinkler system uses to…

The power of forgiveness
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”— Matthew 18: 20-22 Three months…

May: Third straight month of jobs decline
The monthly Jobs Report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows that the Small Business Employment Index remained flat at 100.3 in May, down from 100.4 in April. This marks the third consecutive month of decline, with the current reading falling below the 2025 average of 101.2 but still slightly above the historical…

Eugene Airport earns $2M grant
EUGENE – The Eugene Airport was selected for a competitive FAA Airport Terminal Program grant in FFY26, the final year of this funding opportunity. The award totals $2 million for the airport’s Baggage Handling System (BHS) project. “Eugene Airport is the 5th largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, and it is a vital transportation hub,…

Missing person near West Centennial, Veneta man arrested
On June 4, at about 9:30 a.m., Harold Bachelder, 70, of Springfield, was reported missing by his wife from his residence in the West Centennial area of Springfield. Stephanie Bachelder last observed her husband at home when she went to bed at around 11 p.m. on June 3. Harold is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Sundowner…

Man arrested for making death threats in Cottage Grove
On June 6, around 10:30 a.m., Cottage Grove Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a disturbance in the 2100 block of Wilson Avenue in Cottage Grove. South Lane 9-1-1 received multiple calls of a man confronting individuals, yelling, and threatening to kill them. Officers arrived and talked to the victims and witnesses to…

No-hitter ends Thurston’s title hopes
EUGENE – After a rainy start Saturday afternoon, the sun finally peeked through the dark clouds at PK Park during the Class 5A state championship baseball game. By that time, though, it was the third inning, and things couldn’t have been more dreary in the Thurston dugout. Everything was going wrong for the Colts. They…

Creswell’s historic season ends in semis
CRESWELL – Zero. In the 25 years before Kevin Feist took over the Creswell baseball program, the Bulldogs had zero 15-plus win seasons. In Feist’s three years at the helm, the Bulldogs have already had two such seasons, and this year’s team won 15 in a row at one point. This year’s state championship run…

Close calls: Drifters face tight finishes
SPRINGFIELD – The Drifters entered last weekend’s series against the Bellingham Bells with a 1-5 record. While they’d only won a single game up to that point, every loss was a competitive battle. After the dust settled on Sunday, the Drifters finished the series 1-2, moving them to 2-7 on the year. This series continued…

Ledbetter earns Pitcher of the Week
SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, West Coast League officials named Springfield Drifters right-handed pitcher Tristan Ledbetter its Baker Tilly Pitcher of the Week following the first full week of games. Ledbetter, who just wrapped up his second season of baseball at Umpqua Community College, was nearly unhittable in two appearances for the Drifters. The Green, Ore.,…

Grove Mayor Solesbee won't seek reelection
COTTAGE GROVE – Mayor Candace Solesbee announced that she will not be running for reelection this fall, and instead endorsed council member Greg Ervin at a city council meeting on Monday night. Solesbee started on the city council representing Ward 3 from 2018 to 2022. She is serving her second term as mayor after being…

Legal Notices: Edition of June 11, 2026
TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE File No. 26-01012OR Reference is made to that certain deed of trust made by Kristin Nelson and Roy Nelson, as grantor, to Cascade Escrow, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Directors Mortgage, Inc., beneficiary of the security instrument, its…

Creswell might expand growth boundaries
CRESWELL – Last week, city planner Curtis Thomas asked the Creswell City Council to provide direction on whether or not to move forward with a one-time Urban Growth Boundary expansion. An urban growth boundary (UGB) is a designated boundary around a city or region that limits urban development to within the boundary while protecting natural…

Grove considers RV dump station
COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove public works director Faye Stewart introduced the proposal of a self-serve RV dump station and water fill station to the city council last week. “For several years, I’ve aspired to create a fill station for drinking water. I was looking to do this in the industrial park, most likely along…

Loveall concedes; Willamalane measure appears near approval
Election results from the recent May ballot are coming into focus, revealing razor-thin margins in key local races. David Loveall has officially conceded the Lane County Commissioner seat for Springfield to his challenger, Mayor Sean VanGordon. The latest updates show VanGordon leading with nearly 52% of the vote, a margin of 2,173 votes that secures…

De Graff resigns, three superintendent finalists revealed
This post has been updated to include a statement from Nicole De Graff and her resignation sent to the school board. SPRINGFIELD – As the school year winds down, Springfield Public Schools leadership continues to see shifts, as last week, a board member announced her resignation, and three finalists were selected for the superintendent position…

Kidz Rock: ‘Music for everyone’
COTTAGE GROVE – Doodling in church is generally frowned upon, but it wound up being a wonderful thing for Ian Clevenger. “Ian sat in the pew in front of me in church – he was in middle school then – and he kept drawing pictures of guitars,” his friend, Phil Carson, recalled Saturday at The…

Annexation request remains at standstill
SPRINGFIELD – A continued public hearing was held during Springfield City Council’s meeting on Monday night to consider annexing property on International Way, which was floated as a potential site for a behavioral health hospital. On May 18, the city council was presented with a proposal for the annexation of parcels located north of International…

Creswell prepares for National Night Out
CRESWELL – Creswell City Councilor Clark Kent shared details about updates coming to this year’s National Night Out event during a city council meeting last week. Kent reported new and traditional features folks might expect at the annual event on behalf of the Public Safety Committee. National Night Out is an annual partner campaign with…

Springfield payroll tax gets final approval
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield City Council unanimously agreed to adopt a .1% payroll tax shared by employers and employees on Monday night. Collection for the tax will begin no sooner than Jan. 1, 2027. On April 6, the council reached a general agreement on a proposed rate and ordinance direction, so a public hearing and first…

FOREST MANAGEMENT: Proactive approach helps lessen severe wildfires
Many people are wondering whether this summer will bring weeks of smoke and more communities threatened by large fires burning across western Oregon. Those concerns are growing as drought conditions deepen across the state and snowpack levels are far below normal, with state officials warning that wildfire season could start early and continue deep into…

Living history festival coming to Springfield
SPRINGFIELD – Singing Creek Educational Center is hosting a Living History Festival at Dorris Ranch on June 20, with history interpreters, activities, live music, and indigenous storytelling. The free, family-friendly event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and marks its first year at this new location. Executive director Karen Rainsong said previous festivals were…

American Legion Post #40 relocates
SPRINGFIELD – Commander Nick Gillaspie helped raise the American flag at the new location of the American Legion Post #40 building on May 21. Members of the Legion, their families, Springfield Chamber members, and city officials, including Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon and Lane County Commissioner David Loveall, gathered to celebrate the relocation from 344 8th…

Smoke ready week: Five steps to protect your family
With outdoor burning now closed and wildfire season quickly approaching, the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) is urging Lane County residents to prepare for wildfire smoke now and to protect their health before it arrives. “Wildfire smoke is part of Oregon summers now, so preparing before it’s here matters; especially for families with young…

Businesses advised to prepare for wildfires
Lane County Economic Development is urging local employers and businesses to take steps now to protect employees, facilities and operations during what is expected to be a challenging 2026 fire season. An exceptionally mild winter and historically low mountain snowpack has created conditions that increase the likelihood of drier fuels and earlier fire activity. The…

Urgent call for blood donations
American Red Cross officials made an urgent request for blood and platelet donors due to a troubling decline in scheduled donations, which account for 90% of all contributions. This drop comes at a critical time, with summer approaching – a season that often sees an uptick in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, and…

BEST OF THE BEST: Champs: Anderson, Thomas, Nelson, Hall
EUGENE – The southern Willamette Valley was well-represented at the OSAA Boys & Girls State Track & Field Championships this past weekend at Hayward Field. Thurston’s Brooklyn Anderson and Addie Nelson, Springfield’s Sailor Hall, and Pleasant Hill’s Ryan Thomas all won state titles.

Anderson, Nelson complete state championship quests
THURSTON – Thurston girls track coach John Gillespie was substitute teaching a history class four years ago when he decided to do a little track and field recruiting. He had seen Addison Nelson play other sports, and knew she would be a valuable addition to the track team. Brooklyn Anderson was a skilled gymnast, and…

Making milestones: Creswell baseball reaches Class 3A semifinals
CRESWELL – The Creswell Bulldogs’ pitching and defense have been the best in Class 3A this season, and Friday’s 12-0 quarterfinal victory over Burns/Crane was no different. Bulldogs junior Jaxon Pelham struck out the Hilanders final batter for his 12th strikeout of the game and 100th of the season. The out also put the finishing…

Colts upset #1 Corvallis, back in 5A Final Four
THURSTON – Eighth-seeded Thurston had the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the sixth inning Friday against top-seeded Corvallis. In those moments, you hope to have your best players at bat – and the Colts had their best in Grady Saunders. “When he came up with the bases loaded, tied 3-3, they…

Thomas etches name into record book
EUGENE – When Pleasant Hill senior sprinter Ryan Thomas crossed the finish line in 12.15 seconds at Hayward Field on Friday, she set a Class 3A state championship record for the girls 100m, besting the record coming into the weekend by more than a tenth of a second. It was the second time in two…

Millers' Hall secures state title in discus
SPRINGFIELD and THURSTON competed in the OSAA State Championships on Friday and Saturday. Springfield’s Sailor Hall won the Millers a state title in the discus, throwing a personal best of 137’ 1”, the second-longest throw in Oregon this year. Hall finished third in the event as a freshman, but did not compete last year. She…

Coach: Bulldogs building with character, tracking toward success
EUGENE – The baseball team’s run to the state’s final four is the latest testament that there’s something contagious going around the Creswell athletic program. It’s been happening this entire school year. Whatever it is, longtime local running guru Dr. Lonn Robertson has caught the bug. Robertson “Last spring, I got a call that Creswell…

Building’s rich history part of baseball’s future
SPRINGFIELD – The Memorial Building is getting a new look while retaining its rich history in downtown Springfield. Springfield Drifters co-owner Ike Olsson purchased the building at 765 A Street in November and has spent the past few months turning it into a baseball academy run by the West Coast League club that is spending…

Drifters fall in 10th inning in series finale
ELKS 12, DRIFTERS 8 BEND – Jaycob Villalpando and Jack Klee had strong season debuts, but Springfield squandered a six-run lead late and fell to Bend on opening day in front of a crowd of over 1,000 at Vince Genna Stadium. Springfield scored two runs in the second inning and five runs in the fifth…

Marjorie Nolte: May 30, 1939 – May 17, 2026
A Long-time resident of Creswell, Oregon passed away Sunday May 17th. Marjorie Ann Nolte was the former owner of the Ranch House Bakery for 25 years where she sold her baked goods on Fridays at the Creswell Grange. When not baking, she was farming on the ranch where she and her husband resided for 50…

Legal Notices: Edition of June 4, 2026
TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-26-1037782-BF Reference is made to that certain deed made by, JOSHUA BEARD as Grantor to CASCADE TITLE, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR PLAZA HOME MORTGAGE INC., BENEFICIARY OF THE SECURITY INSTRUMENT, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 7/29/2015, recorded…

Colts pull off quarterfinal upset in comeback fashion
By Eli Thomas The Chronicle THURSTON – Eighth-seeded Thurston had the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the sixth inning Friday against #1 seed Corvallis. In those moments, you hope to have your best players at bat – and the Colts had their best in Grady Saunders. “When he came up with…

Bulldogs advance to semifinals for first time in program history
The Chronicle By Eli Thomas CRESWELL – The Creswell Bulldogs’ pitching and defense have been the best in Class 3A this season, and Friday’s 12-0 quarterfinal victory over Burns/Crane was no different. Bulldogs junior Jaxon Pelham struck out the Hilanders final batter for his 12th strikeout of the game and 100th of the season. The…

Ryan sets 100m record at Class 3A state track
By Eli Thomas The Chronicle EUGENE – When Pleasant Hill senior sprinter Ryan Thomas crossed the finish line in 12.17 seconds at Hayward Field, she set a Class 3A state championship record for the girls 100m, besting the previous record by nearly a tenth of a second. Thomas could have been a three-time state champion…

Creswell baseball advances in playoffs
Small ball, pitching continue to carry Bulldogs in first round playoff victory Braden Hartman lays down a bunt against the Mcloughlin/ Griswold Pioneers in the second round of the 3A State baseball Playoffs Wednesday May 27, 2026. Photo: Gary Breedlove By Eli Thomas The Chronicle CRESWELL – Creswell head coach Kevin Feist has emphasized his…

A somber ‘celebration’ in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD – The inevitable return of Oregon rain clouds held off on Monday morning for Springfield’s 77th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The City of Springfield partnered with the American Legion Post #40 to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on the cost of freedom at the Veterans Plaza at Willamalane Park. Flag…

Willamalane tight; fire levy loses again
LANE COUNTY – Voters in Lane County had the option to vote on various levies and measures, including for South Lane County Fire and Rescue, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and the Watersheds Bill of Rights in the May 19 primary election. As of May 25, around 123,000 ballots have been counted, representing about 43%…

Heyman remembered, honored
CRESWELL – Predictably, Dick Heyman was ornery to the very end. Speaking on Monday at Heyman’s Celebration of Life ceremony at Hobby Field, Floyd Bard, President of the Emerald Empire Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, said he visited with Heyman on the day before he passed. “I went to his room, and…

‘Concerts in the Park’ scheduled in Springfield, Cottage Grove
Back in 1990, a group of music students at the University of Oregon put together a high-energy band that took some bluegrass, mixed in a little country, tossed in a dash of Motown, added some swing, and pretty soon they came up with the sound they were searching for. The Sugar Beets were born. Now,…

Sunday Markets come to Springfield
SPRINGFIELD – Creswell is not the only city hopping on the farmers market bandwagon. Starting in June, Springfield begins its own market, an offshoot of the Lane County Farmers Market that takes over the Park Blocks each Saturday in Eugene. The City is partnering with the LCFM to support the market in Springfield. The expansion…

Revving up with the Rosies
SPRINGFIELD – A wide age range of vehicles and people gathered outside The Arc Lane County last weekend for a cars and coffee revolution competition, hosted by Women of American Muscle and featuring guest speakers Rosie the Riveters. Newer Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Corvettes, and Sting Rays filled the parking lot, along with older…
















