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…

SPRINGFIELD – When J.J. Altobelli recommended LJ Layhew spend his summer in Springfield, the Rice catcher searched a map. “The first thing I had to do was look up where it was at,” Layhew said. “I’ve never been anywhere near the Northwest before.” Layhew is a Houston native who only had to move a few…

DRIFTERS RECAPS TUESDAY WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Drifters’ offense could muster only four hits and one unearned run through seven innings last Tuesday. But after right-hander Sonny Pena struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh, everything changed for the Drifters’ offense. The once-struggling Springfield offense exploded for three runs in the…

On June 26, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Commission convened in Redmond to address a range of fisheries and wildlife-related topics. The outlook from the meeting was largely optimistic for local anglers, signaling a promising fall salmon season ahead with expanded opportunities for both wild fall Chinook and wild coho salmon in numerous…

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…

Arlene May Lee was born on March 4, 1944. She had older sisters, Georgie and Phyllis, but it was mostly her and her brother Jay, whom she adored, growing up. She lost her mother when she was 17 and her father not long after that.  She and her brother helped their parents at the hotel…

SPRINGFIELD – Last Wednesday, the Springfield Public Library and History Museum launched the 2026 Summer Reading Program with a free, multicultural event featuring Tahitian dance and storytelling by Anavai O Te Ora. The traditional dance of Tahiti, ‘Ori Tahiti, was showcased and taught to attendees. Around 200 kids, families, and community members found shade under…

COTTAGE GROVE – The city council formally adopted the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on Monday night during the Cottage Grove City Council meeting, approving the division of the Community Promotions Fund and a roughly $200,000 library personnel services budget. After months of budget preparation, committee meetings, town halls, community discussions, and lengthy city…

CRESWELL – While neighboring cities grapple with having to make deep budget cuts to their services and operations, the City of Creswell – which has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 10 consecutive years – has made it through budget season business as usual. Finance Director Jim Piper – who…

The Chronicle earned 13 awards in the 2025 Better Newspaper Contest – an executive editor Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller was honored in several categories including Best News Story and Best Online Breaking News Coverage. The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association conducts the annual contest. The Chronicle has won more than 100 awards since 2019, when The Creswell Chronicle…

SPRINGFIELD – During its last meeting before summer recess, the Springfield City Council on Monday dissected whether to bring a piece of North Gateway property into the city limits for use as a behavioral health campus, a project that could shape both mental health services and traffic in one of the city’s busiest employment districts.…

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, committee members approved a $37 million budget for Willamalane Park and Recreation District to be sent forward to the board of directors. On June 16, district staff explained department budgets and presented a balanced budget to the committee. Executive Director Michael Wargo presented the fiscal year 2027 budget, highlighting that the…

COTTAGE GROVE – Last Wednesday, the idea of a 100-foot cell tower was floated before the Cottage Grove Planning Commission during a public hearing and raised community concerns. The application was submitted on April 21 by Smartlink LLC, and the city released a staff report on May 22. According to the 168-page report, the application…

SPRINGFIELD – With schools out for the summer and kiddos ready to play in the sun, Willamalane Park and Recreation District is hosting an annual play day for kiddos and their families. Willamalane’s Children’s Celebration is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Island Park in Springfield. Over 75 vendors will be spread…

As summer kicks off, OnPoint Community Credit Union has announced grants through its bi-annual Community Grants & Giving program, including donations to two Lane County nonprofits serving local children. OnPoint donated $10,000 to the Willamalane Park Foundation to provide scholarships for kids in Springfield to attend summer camp, regardless of financial barriers. The donation also…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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;…

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…

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 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 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…

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…

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…

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 – 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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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 – 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…

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…

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…

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).…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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,…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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 – 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 – 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…

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…

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…

“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…

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 – 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,…

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…

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…

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 – 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…

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…

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.,…

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…

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 – 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 – 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 – 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…

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…

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…