Citing “a strong financial position supported by prudent management”, Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed Lane County’s credit rating of Aa1, which is the second-highest rating it provides, following an annual review.  “We have a duty to steward taxpayer resources, and we work hard to manage our expenses, structurally balance our budget and deliver critical services…

EUGENE – Over 14,200 people took Lane Transit District (LTD) buses to the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta earlier this month. Saturday, July 11, had the highest ridership, with about 5,700 attendees taking advantage of the fare-free ride. According to the International Energy Agency, cars emit between 57 and 322 gCO2-eq/pkm – compared to buses…

The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) has announced plans for the Willamette River Treatment Plant and Intake Project, which includes the construction of a new water intake and treatment facility, along with additional building facilities, access roads, and stormwater treatment facilities in Glenwood. The project proposes to impact approximately 479.6 linear feet of waterways…

SALEM — Oregon’s labor market remained largely stable heading into the second half of 2026, with little change in both job vacancy numbers and the statewide unemployment rate, according to the latest reports from the Oregon Employment Department. Oregon private employers reported 45,400 job openings in the second quarter of 2026 – holding virtually flat…

The Springfield Police Department and Lane County Sheriff’s Office are gearing up for the National Night Out events next week. This annual campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie and gives residents an opportunity to engage with their local police department. Creswell will host its own National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5:30-7:30…

SPRINGFIELD – Following a devastating string of three drownings in less than a week, local officials are urging community members to exercise extreme caution on the Willamette and McKenzie rivers. The tragedies have prompted a joint call to action from the City of Springfield, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and Eugene Springfield Fire, reminding the…

SPRINGFIELD – The Drifters didn’t complete the series sweep Sunday against the Marion Berries. Losing 7-6 in 10 innings, but they did earn another series victory. The week-ending series against the Berries marked the fifth straight series won by the Drifters over Marion, dating to last summer. “It’s a tough loss when you go 10…

MEDFORD – Brock Johnson has swung a hot bat while Braden Corgain and Kyle Miller had stellar starts on the mound as the three Thurston graduates have led the Eugene Challengers into the semifinals of the American Legion AAA state baseball tournament at Harry and David Field in Medford. The Challengers lost their first game,…

The Oregon Secretary of State’s office confirmed that Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) failed to secure the required signatures to qualify for the November ballot, handing a major victory to Oregon’s conservationists, sportsmen, and agricultural communities. The state’s final verification counted 104,262 valid signatures, falling short of the required 117,173-threshold. The petition sought to criminalize hunting,…

TUESDAY: DRIFTERS 8, PICKLES 4 ■ PORTLAND – Hunter Meyer took the first pitch he saw in the third inning and hit a game-tying, two-run homer to left field and Springfield won 8-4 at Portland. Chase Nye (2-for-4, RBI, BB) and Meyer (2-for-4, 2 RBI, BB) packed a punch at the top of the lineup,…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-26-1055117-SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, TED H. WATSON as Grantor to Cascade Title Company, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR SUMMIT FUNDING, INC., BENEFICIARY OF THE SECURITY INSTRUMENT, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 12/1/2021,…

Did you visit Cottage Grove during Bohemia Mining Days? Check out The Chronicle’s crowd cam with photos by Bob Williams and see if you can find yourself!

COTTAGE GROVE – David Munsell and fellow Windy Ridge guitar player Joe Tennis got quite a laugh when they first met Cowboy Buck. “The first time we met Buck, he said he used to be with The New Christy Minstrels, and Joe’s comment was: “Who hasn’t?” It’s true, The New Christy Minstrels have run through…

COTTAGE GROVE – Thousands of folks strolled in and out of Coiner Park last weekend in Cottage Grove to check out the attractions of the 67th annual Bohemia Mining Days festival. Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days honored the community’s gold- and silver-mining heritage with live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and historic demonstrations on July 16-18.…

COTTAGE GROVE – With Bohemia Mining Days making its annual appearance in Coiner Park last weekend, so did the Slabtown and Lemati Feud Games. In the late 1800s, Cottage Grove was split between the east and west sides. The east side, near the railroad, grew quickly, while the west side (Slabtown) resisted incorporation. Disputes over…

COTTAGE GROVE – Grovers might have noticed that some construction on Mosby Creek Road has recently come to an end, and a brand-new building now stands where Forest Valley Veterinary Clinic stood shortly before. After about a year of construction, staff celebrated the transition from a smaller, outdated building to a newly built one with…

COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove officials unveiled a gifted teaser mural last weekend in anticipation of The Walldogs visiting town in August 2027. The temporary mural sits on the backside of the Little Caesars at 24 N. 9th Street and can be seen from the Highway 99 and Main Street intersection. The mural was donated…

■ In 2025, three wildfires started from improper target shooting at the Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes, leading to their temporary closure.■ Approximately 70% of wildfires in Oregon are caused by human activity.■ Recreational shooting presents a unique challenge for fire prevention in forest areas.■ Prohibited activities include use of exploding targets (e.g., Tannerite) on State…

Lane County residents with broken or damaged household items can once again take advantage of free repair services this summer and early fall through the Fix-It Booth program, sponsored by Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management. Now in its second season, the Fix-It Booth program offers repair opportunities in Cottage…

Two separate incidents in the Willamette River resulted in drownings last week, prompting the Lane County Sheriff’s Office to issue a safety reminder for recreation in local waterways. On July 18 at about 3:20 p.m., deputies and Oakridge Fire personnel responded to a call about a drowning near Black Canyon Campground. A caller reported that…

Lane County’s homelessness figures showed a slight decrease in January 2026, with 4,490 individuals experiencing homelessness – down 7.5% from January 2025. Despite the reduction, the issue remains a crisis in the region, primarily driven by a lack of affordable housing, according to the recently published Lane County full Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of sheltered and…

The rich music and dance traditions of Mexico and Latin America filled the Springfield Public Library on July 15 during the Noche Cultural Preview event as part of the annual outdoor multicultural Summer Reading Celebrationseries on Fountain Plaza. Comunidad y Herencia Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino not only performed traditional dances for the crowd, but…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Public Library & History Museum is inviting community members to help shape the future of library and museum services by participating in its 2026 User Survey. The survey will help inform future priorities for programs, collections, exhibits, services, and community initiatives. Feedback is welcomed from everyone, including frequent visitors, occasional users,…

SPRINGFIELD – Kyle Miller, Braden Corgain, and Brock Johnson are trying to extend their final summer of American Legion baseball. The three Thurston graduates will lead the Eugene Challengers into the AAA state tournament at Harry and David Field in Medford beginning Saturday. The champion will be crowned on Wednesday, July 29, and advance to…

SPRINGFIELD – With the game tied 4-4 heading into the ninth inning against the Marion Berries on Saturday night, Springfield coach Jeff Lyle had a plan for speedster Aiden Gebhard to lead off the ninth. “The kid runs like the wind and we knew that we could make somebody on the right side of the…

Out in West Lane Out of Florence, ocean salmon fishing has been good, and that abundance should be reflected in the bay fishing season that kicks off in August. West Lane County also has a number of small streams, mostly in the Siuslaw River basin, with fair to good populations of wild cutthroats. Fed by…

DRIFTERS 12, BERRIES 1 SALEM – Drifters leadoff man Hunter Meyer struck the opening pitch for a hit to kick off a three-run first inning in a victory over the Marion Berries. Nolan Miller, playing on his 20th birthday, was 3-for-5 with two RBI. “Nolan Miller had some loud barrels on his birthday,” Drifters coach…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-26-1037057-RM Reference is made to that certain deed made by, RAYMOND CASTEEL as Grantor to CTC ESCROW CO. DBA CASCADE ESCROW DBA CASCADE TITLE CO., as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR OMT MORTGAGE, LLC., BENEFICIARY OF THE SECURITY INSTRUMENT, ITS…

SPRINGFIELD – During the first week of July, Thurston High School hosted 12 students from across the United States for a week-long visit through the American Exchange Program. The American Exchange Project gives high school seniors the chance to spend one week discovering a new American town the summer after graduating. Starting July 1, a…

CRESWELL – The Lane County Board of Commissioners last week approved reducing operating hours at the Creswell Transfer Station at 34293 E. Cloverdale Road and closing the Walton site outside of Veneta to save money and cut costs in the waste management division. On Tuesday, commissioners met to continue discussing proceeding with “Option 2” from…

COTTAGE GROVE – Over the past nine years, the Middlefield Golf Course has become a major attraction for Cottage Grove, drawing tourists and revenue for the city. During a city council meeting on Monday night, public works director Faye Stewart explained some of the improvements the course has seen since his hiring in 2017. He…

SPRINGFIELD – The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is investigating the Springfield Public School Board’s hiring process for the acting superintendent last February. The investigation stems from a complaint issued by Nicole De Graff, a recently resigned board member. In the complaint, De Graff alleges that members of the board engaged in prohibited serial communications concerning…

SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of people cycled through the Springfield History Museum on Friday night during the town’s Second Friday Art Walk to check out the freshly arranged space and new exhibit. The museum has been closed for six months, and during the closure, more than 300 artifacts were researched, documented, photographed, and rehoused in archival-quality…

PLEASANT HILL – Emerald Valley Christian Academy is the place to be for good tunes next week, as it will host nearly 200 musicians for the West Cascades Fiddle Camp and Workshops, which begin Monday, July 20. The workshops are full, but the public is invited to come out and hear an instructor’s concert on…

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, Springfield Police Department officers trekked four miles from Springfield to Eugene in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Oregon. Around 10 a.m., about 10 SPD officers left the Justice Center and ran north on Pioneer Parkway East to Centennial Boulevard. Lieutenant Kyle Potter held the silver torch…

COTTAGE GROVE – Mayor Candace Solesbee announced Monday night that an unveiling of a mural gifted by The WallDogs will take place this Friday at noon behind Little Caesars. The WallDogs are a group of worldwide recognized artists who take over one city per year. The highly skilled sign painters and mural artists from around…

CRESWELL – According to Creswell Sergeant Alex Speldrich of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the Fourth of July was a relatively mild day for law enforcement. LCSO has four deputies and the sergeant on duty, who handled 44 calls for service over the weekend, “among other issues that didn’t generate calls for service: things like…

Pets rescued from Springfield fire SPRINGFIELD – Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an RV fire at Eugene Mobile Village in Springfield’s Glenwood neighborhood on July 8 around 1:27 a.m. after reports of fire through the roof of an RV trailer. Engine 4 from 5th and Centennial arrived on scene reporting a working fire. During the…

EUGENE — The Eugene Airport on July 7 hosted the “Lift Off EUG Expansion Showcase,” bringing together federal, state and regional leaders, higher education partners and community stakeholders to mark one year of feasibility work and to chart the path forward for the region’s primary airport, including the funding still needed to complete it. The…

SPRINGFIELD – As part of the Springfield Library’s annual outdoor multicultural Summer Reading Celebration, Makola Performing Arts featured internationally acclaimed artist Okaidja Afroso at Fountain Plaza on July 8. The event highlighted community through music, dance, and storytelling. Kids of all ages danced to the sounds of Okaidja Afroso. GARY BREEDLOVE / THE CHRONICLE Following…

Lane County Public Health officials said the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University confirmed a rabies-infected bat was found in Lane County. This is the third bat found in Lane County to test positive for rabies in 2026. “All pet owners should make certain their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies. When our…

“Summertime and the living is easy.” Or is it? So much to do, so little … I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately: there’s never enough of it; it flies by too quickly; it drags interminably; the present moment is precious ­– but almost impossible to savor fully before it dissolves and slips into…

By Tim Alverson Cottage Grove Garbage Service is responding to recent statements by Lane County suggesting that the company that serves as the franchised hauler for the City of Cottage Grove “refuses” to dispose of solid waste collected within the City of Cottage Grove at Lane County’s Short Mountain Landfill and implying that this decision…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Twin Rivers Rotary chapter celebrated its “new year” at the start of July with Incoming president Mary Bartlett, right, receiving the gavel from outgoing president John Kimpton. For more information on Twin Rivers Rotary and its projects, or interest in joining, email [email protected] or visit as a guest. Meetings are 7-8…

Springfield Public Schools is accepting applications for the recently vacated Position 4 seat on the Board of Directors, following the resignation of Director Nicole de Graff. The Board plays a vital role in shaping the district’s long-term direction, meeting twice a month to establish policies, approve budgets, and evaluate the superintendent. Applicants must be registered…

CRESWELL – Tim Rogers, Creswell resident and longtime school board member, has completed a new book, “Anatomy is Destiny,” an exploration of two young men whose connection becomes their anchor in a world determined to keep them apart.  In the story, Chris Wallace, a football player and eventual coach, has his world rocked after the tragic…

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs announced on July 9 that it has expanded its Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant (VEBG) Program, increasing the amount of funding available per applicant and greatly expanding eligibility for veterans facing challenges in completing their educational or vocational goals. The VEBG was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2019…

COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove city and school officials celebrated the newly installed Dyrol Burleson Kiosk last week. Located along the Dyrol Burleson Trail just north of Cottage Grove High School on the riverside of River Road, the trail was established following a city proclamation by Mayor Candace Solesbee on Aug. 25, 2025. The kiosk…

SPRINGFIELD – Michael Klein earned himself an extra bus ride this summer.The left-handed relief pitcher is Springfield’s lone representative in the West Coast League All-Star Game on Wednesday night in Victoria, B.C.. Klein has a 1.59 ERA in 28 1/3 innings pitched during a league-high 17 appearances while ranking second in the league with six…

SPRINGFIELD – Last Thursday, The Drifters capped off their series vs. Walla Walla last Thursday by beating the Sweets 2-1. The victories gave the Drifters a winning record at home (8-7). The Drifters built on that record by winning two-of-three games against Corvallis to close out the week. The Drifters’ home record is 10-8 now,…

SPRINGFIELD – Maddox Molony is on the path to Motown. The 2023 Thurston High School graduate was drafted by Detroit in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Sunday. The shortstop was selected with the 187th pick of the draft. “Just excited,” Molony said. “I have been waiting for this opportunity and…

TUESDAY ■ SPRINGFIELD – Karsten Hansen was 2-for-3 with a double, RBI, and a walk while Hunter Meyer went 2-for-4 with a run and stolen base, but the Sweets scored three ninth-inning runs to win 6-3. The Drifters’ two-run ninth inning ended with the winning run at the plate. “We put way too much pressure…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-25-1015246-RM Reference is made to that certain deed made by, JASON ARNOLD, AS TRUSTEE OF THE JASON ARNOLD LIVING TRUST, DATED JANUARY 26, 2023 as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR CMG MORTGAGE,…

Did you visit Creswell for the Fourth of July parade? Take a look at The Chronicle’s Crowd Cam and find yourself or a friend! All photos were taken by Craig Strobeck for The Chronicle. Creswell 4th of July parade and celebration for the Chronicle.Creswell 4th of July parade and celebration for the Chronicle.Creswell 4th of…

CRESWELL – Austin Gilbert didn’t think his stay on “The Voice” would last much longer than an “Eight Second Ride.” But in one fell swoop, the former bull rider and U.S. Army veteran symbolically had gone from getting kicked off his horse to going on the thrill ride of his life. The 25-year-old country singer…

COTTAGE GROVE – Most Bohemia Mining Days enthusiasts are familiar with the traditional attractions of the Bohemia Mining Days festival, like the Grand Miners Parade and breakfast on the mountain. This year, new activities and events invite the community to experience the rich history of the region and entertain folks of all ages. When Coiner…

COTTAGE GROVE – The Bohemia Mining Days Festival is returning to Cottage Grove for its 67th season next weekend, and folks are sure to see some new attractions, as well as some of the classics that have stuck around since the beginning. Saturday morning during BMD has historically been reserved for the Grand Miners Parade,…

CRESWELL – Creswell sure knows how to put on an extra-special Fourth of July party. The town – already famous for its Fourth celebrations, with a pancake breakfast, one of the biggest and best parades in the state, and an afternoon full of fun, food, and music at Holt Park – has another featured attraction…

SPRINGFIELD – Thousands of folks made their way to Island Park last weekend during the Springfield Utility Board’s Light of Liberty event for the Fourth of July. The gates opened at 4 p.m., but crowds came in waves well after 9 p.m. The line to get into the park hit Mill Street around 6:30 p.m.…

COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove’s annual summer festival returns to Coiner Park next weekend for its 67th edition. Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days is honoring the gold and silver mining heritage of the community with live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and historic demonstrations on July 16-18. Up to a week before the festival, folks can…

SPRINGFIELD – Last Wednesday, under peeks of sunshine through thick overcast clouds, the Fountain Plaza transformed into a theater as #instaballet set the stage to nurture creativity through dance. As part of the third of nine summer reading program events presented by the Springfield Public Library and History Museum, children lent a hand in creating…

SPRINGFIELD – City officials announced on Thursday last week that Eugene-Springfield Fire will transition into two separate fire and emergency medical services departments over the next two years, after 16 years as a functionally consolidated department. In 2010, a functional consolidation was established through the Eugene-Springfield Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). Four years later, the Eugene-Springfield Fire…

The Small Business Employment Index remained essentially flat at 100.2 in June, down from 100.3 in May. This is the fourth consecutive month in which the Index has declined. The reading is below the 2025 average of 101.2 but still slightly above the historical average of 100.0. “Nationally, it looks like small business owners ……

PLEASANT HILL – As the grass continues to wither and crunch, there are still places to escape the drought and embrace the beauty of summer, like at the 7th annual Lavender Hill Farm U-Pick Event, hosted by self-proclaimed “lavender lover” Susie Daletas. From July 10 to 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Daletas and…

BASICS ■ Where: Coiner Park, 1319 E. Main St., Cottage Grove■ When: Thursday, July 16-Saturday, July 18 ■ Website: Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days – Celebrating Cottage Grove’s Heritage and Family Fun! THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS■ Noon: Bohemia City Opening Ceremony, 12 p.m. at the Main Stage. Also enjoy over 85 vendors, live music, Kid Zone activities,…

A coalition of philanthropic and business partners is helping rural fire services, government agencies, and nonprofits to get ready and respond. Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, and Les Schwab Tire Centers announced a package of support totaling at least $1 million in grants, alongside a statewide tire donation…

A new lawsuit seeking to invalidate the Bureau of Land Management’s Northwestern and Coastal Oregon Resource Management Plan for western Oregon’s O&C lands threatens to delay active forest management across 1.3 million acres just as Oregon enters another dangerous wildfire season, the American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) said last week. The lawsuit asks a federal…

DEXTER – A Lowell woman has died after being involved in a vehicle accident on July 2 on Highway 58. Around 11:40 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a fatal two-vehicle accident near milepost 12. The preliminary investigation indicated a dark green Toyota Camry, operated by Sarah Rachel Pratt, 55, of Lowell, was turning…

CRESWELL – Children’s author Geri True will visit Storytime and host a special presentation at the Creswell Library on July 9. Author of “Grownups Say the Strangest Things” and “No Time for a Screen,” True has a lifelong passion for storytelling that began during her childhood on a small farm in rural Nebraska, according to…

Oregon employers considering layoffs can turn to the Oregon Employment Department’s Work Share program to reduce short-term costs and retain skilled employees. When business slows down, participating employers can reduce staff hours but continue to support their employees with partial Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to help offset reduced wages. “Work Share gives employers of all…

THURSTON – The system of mountain bike trails at Willamalane’s Thurston Hills Natural Area, 7575 McKenzie Highway, continues to expand, thanks to the mountain bike club, Disciples of Dirt. A new black-diamond downhill mountain biking trail opened for riding July 3. The trail is designed for advanced riders seeking a challenging experience. An additional lower…

Last weekend, Lane County welcomed athletes, families and fans from across the country as seven sporting events took place throughout the area. The activity included the Savannah Bananas, USA BMX Lumberjack Nationals, USTA PNW Adult 55 & Over Section Championships, Summer Solstice Ultimate Tournament in Eugene, Mountain Bike Oregon in Oakridge, and the USRowing Northwest…

Lane Transit District has cut fares by up to 50% with “Dollar Days of Summer,” 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 approved the fare promotion…

SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement officers from the Eugene-Springfield area were scheduled to run through the streets of Springfield and Eugene on Wednesday, July 8, carrying the Flame of Hope in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR). Celebrating 40 years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run aims to raise awareness and…

SPRINGFIELD – Andrew Miller is spending the summer reconnecting with old friends. The Springfield Drifters pitcher spent the first 12 years of his life in Pleasant Hill before moving to the coast, where he graduated from Knappa High School. A decade after moving away, Miller is running into people he knew during his time in…

TUESDAY SPRINGFIELD – Drifters pitchers Tristan Ledbetter, Blake Stavros, and Cooper Mullens combined to secure a 2-1 victory over the Berries. It was the team’s first win since June 23. “After the road trip, that was huge. Our pitching staff came out tonight and gave up one (run),” coach Jeff Lyle said. “It took a…

Two former Thurston teammates could both be selected in the Major League Baseball Draft this weekend. Maddox Molony was a senior and Grady Saunders a freshman when they helped the Colts win the 2023 Class 5A state title with a 2-1 win over West Albany. Just over three years later, the two could both be…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-26-1037892-SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, CHRISTOPHER MELENDEZ, UNMARRIED as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY OF OREGON, as trustee, in favor of KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Beneficiary, dated 11/5/2019, recorded 1/15/2020, in official records of LANE County, Oregon in book/reel/volume No. and/or as…

William “Bill” James Somerville, 89, of Creswell, Oregon, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. Born on August 11, 1936, in Eugene, Oregon, to George Edwin and Rebekah Rose Somerville, Bill lived a life marked by kindness, hard work, generosity, faith, humor, honesty, creativity, and a deep love for animals. He was a beloved husband,…

CRESWELL – Most folks recognize July 3 as the eve of Independence Day in the United States, but for Creswell resident Jenni Donley, the date also represents National Drop a Rock Day. At around 9 p.m. on the day before the Fourth of July, Donley and other community members set out around town to hide…

SPRINGFIELD – Folks in Springfield can find something to do every Wednesday morning in July at the City Hall Fountain Plaza thanks to the Springfield Public Library and History Museum. June 17 marked the kickoff of the 2026 Summer Reading Program with a Tahitian dance and storytelling by Anavai O Te Ora. Last Wednesday, the…

COTTAGE GROVE – Theater can be a transformative experience for students, fostering personal growth alongside academic development. “Theater, for many students, can be a place to not only grow academically but personally. Creativity, empathy, and self-confidence are just the beginning of what theater can do. It changed my life for the better; I hope I…

COTTAGE GROVE – A nonprofit in Cottage Grove recently received federal money for the purchase of a school bus to serve youth with significant disabilities throughout Lane County. Circle of Friends is a K-8 school that serves children with special needs, focusing on opportunity-centered, community-driven support and ensuring that every student has a place to…

LANE COUNTY – In an attempt to save money and cut costs in the county’s waste management division, Lane County is considering reducing hours and closing transfer stations, and raising disposal fees. Lane County Commissioners are deciding how to proceed with services after approving a budget that includes $3 million in cuts to the waste…

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America with a Light of Liberty event this Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. Light of Liberty, now in its 20th year, is a fundraiser at Island Park with music, food, family activities, and a fireworks show set to music and…

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a new map of the parade route, reflecting a change in the starting location from 9th Street to 8th Street as currently published on the Chamber website. CRESWELL – The self-proclaimed “place to be for the Fourth of July” appears to be proving its merit as Creswell…

CRESWELL – With its traditional Grand Parade and a day that’s chock-full of fun activities, the rodeo returns for the second consecutive year to add even more action to the scene. Now, thanks to a local family who wanted to do something special and long-lasting for their hometown, Creswell has a new tradition to put…

EUGENE – Lane Transit District (LTD) will implement its Sunday bus schedules on July 4, and customer service centers in Eugene and Springfield will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In support of the annual OTC Butte To Butte event, LTD has arranged an express shuttle service for participants and passengers heading to the…

SPRINGFIELD – After six months of behind-the-scenes collections care and gallery renovations, the Springfield History Museum will reopen to the public on Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m., inviting visitors to experience a refreshed museum and a new exhibit exploring the history of farm labor in the Willamette Valley. During the closure, museum staff, volunteers,…

Build a budget before booking ■ Estimate total costs for transportation, lodging, food, activities, fees, and tips.■ Add a 10% to 15% buffer for unexpected expenses.■ Create a daily spending target for meals, activities, and souvenirs. Plan food and activities in advance ■ Decide where to spend and where to save ahead of time.■ Consider…

The U.S. Postal Service is under attack by the federal government. Prior to a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on USPS reform hearing last week, the National Newspaper Association submitted a statement to the committee and met with committee staff to share concerns about rising postal costs, declining service performance, and the…

There is just something about a good meal that brings people together. Whether it’s family reunions, tailgating, or community festivals, special events are more special with tasty grub. While it’s no secret that good food is key, what about the dishes the food is served on? It may seem like an afterthought, but dishware can…

COTTAGE GROVE – At about 1:30 p.m. on June 22, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was notified that Marjorie Ann Gray’s vehicle had been located in the Mosby Creek area, east of Cottage Grove. The vehicle was discovered by individuals working in the vicinity. Gray had been reported missing since June 17. Deputies from the…

SPRINGFIELD – A children’s performer was arrested on multiple sex abuse charges after Springfield Police investigated allegations involving a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old, with incidents reportedly occurring between Jan. 1, 2023, and June 9, 2026. Patrick O’Neill, 62, of Springfield, who is better known by his stage name Corey O’Neill, was taken into custody on…

CRESWELL – Following a month-long investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile, two Creswell residents were arrested June 25 in the 82900-block of Scott Lane. Aubry Siobhan Blaylock, 28, and Erik Michael Maynes, 32, were taken into custody and booked at the Lane County Jail on charges related to sex crimes against a…

“Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of timbrels and harps? You didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. You have done a foolish thing.”– Genesis 31:27-28 I have been thinking…