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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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%…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

EUGENE – Last week, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the eighth annual 2026 State of Business program, featuring distinguished guest speakers who provided an outlook for businesses in Oregon. The program highlighted economic challenges and opportunities in the region. Local businesses such as Springfield Utility Board, Lane Transit District, PeaceHealth, and Chambers Construction…

Cottage Grove Police Chief Cory Chase accepted the Achievement & Excellence honor at the annual Oregon Association Chiefs of Police conference in Pendleton last week. He and the Cottage Grove Police Department were recognized for achieving their initial accreditation. Per the OACP, “We offer special recognition to the agencies receiving their INITIAL accreditation, a significant…

Springfield Police officers responded to Riverbend Hospital on May 3 to investigate a stabbing incident. Officers learned a male victim was dropped off at the hospital and had sustained multiple stab wounds. One wound was a slash to the chest area with a sharp object that required 62 stitches. Officers also learned the injuries were…

SPRINGFIELD – The Oregon Funeral Directors Association last week named Major Family Funeral Home, 112 A St., its 2026 Funeral Home of the Year from among 277 funeral homes across the state. Owners Todd and Joy Slack, left, received the award last week at the 2026 OFDA Convention in Eugene by OFDA President Elizabeth Johnson.

SPRINGFIELD — PeaceHealth and Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP) have finalized an agreement to continue working together on emergency department physician services in Lane County. This three-year agreement for both PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend and PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center follows several weeks of discussions focused on strengthening emergency care in the…

Beginning June 1, all households applying for or renewing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will be required to complete an interview, a return to standard federal regulations aimed at ensuring benefit accuracy. This requirement follows a temporary waiver during the Covid-19 pandemic that allowed some households to skip renewal interviews. The mandatory interviews are…

The next Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7. This annual event allows residents and nonresidents to fish, crab, or clam for free in any open area. No licenses or endorsements are needed; however, all other regulations apply, including bag limits and size restrictions. Additionally, salmon and trout with…

Dear Editor: I received a copy of the Creswell 2026-7 Visitors Guide. It is a nice publication. But the Creswell’s Rich History page is troubling. The Kalapuya have been in what is now Creswell for thousands of years (much longer than the Euro-American settlers the article names) and nurtured the fertile land from which Creswell…

SPRINGFIELD – Brooklyn Anderson has spent the spring chasing down two milestone marks in Oregon high school track and field history. The Thurston senior reached both of them during the Midwestern League district meet on Thursday at Silke Field. Anderson ran 13.99 seconds in the qualifying heat of the 100-meter hurdles to become the fourth…

SPRINGFIELD – Taylor Suiter followed her game plan to perfection. The Thurston sophomore went wire-to-wire to win the girls 300 hurdles in 46.21 seconds at the Midwestern League district track meet on Saturday at Silke Field. That was the fastest time of the year for Suiter. “My goal was to start as fast as I…

CRESWELL – Look no further than last season’s girls basketball team at Creswell High School to get a glimpse of the athletic program’s success. The Bulldogs went 21-8 and finished fifth in the state, lifted by the play of their three senior leaders – Elliette Kinney, Raelee Green, and Kylee Leonard. Well, those three athletes…

SPRINGFIELD – A late start to the track and field season hasn’t hurt Springfield junior Sailor Hall, who won the girls shot put and discus at the Midwestern League district meet on Saturday at Silke Field. Hall is no stranger to the postseason as she will be back at state this weekend after finishing fifth…

THURSTON – After a May 2 doubleheader loss to Class 5A No. 1 Crater, Thurston had a 5-7 league record, and had lost six of its past nine games. Since that point, the Colts have seven victories in a row, albeit with one coming by forfeit. Thanks to their own hot streak and a North…

SPRINGFIELD – Incoming Drifter Peyton Tyner had a weekend to remember in the NWAC Tournament, finishing 10-for-22 with two doubles, a home run and seven RBI across five games for Lane Community College, to help the Titans reach the NWAC championship game. The Marist High School graduate also scored five runs and had a walk-off…

SPRINGFIELD – A new general manager is bringing several new amenities to Hamlin Sports Complex this summer. The Springfield Drifters begin their fifth season in the West Coast League on Friday night at Bend. When they play their home opener against Yakima on Tuesday, fans will see new features at the ballpark. “We are doing…

■ CRESWELL defeated South Umpqua/Days Creek 4-3 in a non-league regular season finale. The Bulldogs scored all four runs in the top of the first inning. Landon Vaughn, Colton Hartman, and Jaxon Pelham all had two hits. ■ PLEASANT HILL won its final two games of the season, both non-league matchups. The Billies defeated Toledo…

■ PLEASANT HILL defeated Toledo 12-11 in a non-league regular-season finale. Khloe Perkins scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and also pitched all eight innings, with 13 strikeouts. Only one of her 11 runs allowed was earned. In their opening game of the state playoffs, the Billies lost to Willamina…

CRESWELL (21-5, 14-1, #2) ■ Leading off: The Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed in the Class 3A state tournament, and play McLoughlin/Griswold (14-12, 9-5) on Wednesday. The 14th-seeded Pioneers defeated #19 seed Elmira 5-4 on Monday, but have won only three of their past 10 games. The Bulldogs have won 17 of 18 games.…

RECAPS ■ COTTAGE GROVE competed in the Class 4A-4 Sky Em League Championships on Friday and Saturday. Micah Hanke won a league title in the boys 800m with a time of 1:58.44. Lucas O’Hara won a title in the boys high jump with a mark of 1.79m (5-10.5). Jacob Dugas won the boys triple jump…

Thurston’s Levi Woodman hit a home run Wednesday. Photo by Pat Edmison By ELI THOMAS THE CHRONICLE THURSTON – Thurston head coach Dennis Minium has been emphasizing how important the return of sophomore outfielder Levi Woodman was in allowing the Colts to reach their potential. Woodman returned from a lateral meniscus tear on April 28,…

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-26-1036986-SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, BLAKE BURKERT AND KALEIGH BURKERT, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY as Grantor to CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY OF OREGON, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (MERS), AS NOMINEE FOR KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND…

Marie Longfellow, age 86, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away on April 24, 2026, in the town where she was born and spent her life, leaving behind a legacy of intelligence, passion, and deep connection to her community and family history. Marie was born on June 1, 1939, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Reazen Harlen…

COTTAGE GROVE – The 3rd annual North Star Volleyball Jamboree returns Thursday, Aug. 27 – this time hosted at Cottage Grove High School. The preseason tournament features the girls varsity teams from Springfield, Thurston, Cottage Grove, Creswell, and Pleasant Hill high schools. The tournament was conceived as a way to shine a spotlight on girls…

*ALL PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS* COTTAGE GROVE – The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on Monday brought its authentic, One-Ring, Big Top show to Bohemia Park. Sponsored by the Coast Fork Kiwanis Club. The festivities featured two main show performances. This year’s brand-new performance featured Big Cats presented by Trey Key, trapeze aerialist Simone, the Perez…

COTTAGE GROVE – With yellow stripes painted on the road, shrubbery planted in the mulch, and light fixtures and signage safely secured, the City of Cottage Grove celebrated the completion of the Main Street Revitalization Project last Saturday with a block party. Construction started around February, 2025 to upgrade five blocks of the historic commercial…

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield City Council this week considered annexing property on International Way, which was floated as a potential site for a behavioral health hospital. At the regular session on Monday, the council was presented with a proposal to annex parcels located to the north of International Way, between 500 and 700 International Way,…

COTTAGE GROVE – The Oregon Gran Fondo is an annual mass-start cycling event held in May. Translated from Italian as “Big Ride,” it is a semi-competitive endurance challenge designed for riders of all skill levels. Saturday, cyclists from across the county took to the streets. Among them were notable local riders: Mark LaPage, 62, of…

SPRINGFIELD – In a joint meeting between the Springfield City Council and Lane County Commissioners on Monday, officials considered a request from Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) to consider a textual amendment that would enable the development of a water treatment plant on land they own in the southern part of Glenwood. The amendments…

*This article was published prior to the May 19 Cottage Grove Budget Committee meeting* COTTAGE GROVE – The Cottage Grove Budget Committee met for the third time last week to discuss budget allocations aimed at addressing community concerns about funding for the Warren Doherty Aquatic Center and the library. To balance the city’s budget for…

On May 13, PeaceHealth medical staff held a special meeting where they passed a resolution calling for the removal of Chief Medical Officer Jim McGovern, MD, from his position. Following a month of administrative leave due to a controversial emergency room services contract in Lane County and allegations of violating the scope of his administrative…

SPRINGFIELD – This Saturday, Women of American Muscle is hosting a special cars and coffee event featuring Rosie the Riveters, ahead of Memorial Day. From 10 a.m. to noon, folks can swing by Arc of Lane County at 4181 E Street in Springfield and check out vehicles of all makes, models, and years at this…

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…