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Glenwood project site plans draw residents

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) invited community members to Roaring Rapids Pizza Company to view the proposed master plan and chat with project leaders of the Glenwood Riverfront Redevelopment. The free event was an informal, drop-in meeting with poster boards featuring site proposals, the project’s evolution, street characters, potential uses,…

Creswell leaders weigh ‘Everyone Village’ model

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

CRESWELL – With at least 13 Creswell families currently unhoused, and many more on the brink of losing utilities or housing, city leaders are exploring whether the Eugene-based transitional housing program, Everyone Village (EV), could be adapted to fit this small town’s needs. At Monday’s city council work session, councilors, staff, school district representatives, and…

Loveall directed to ‘issue apology’

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

EUGENE – After weaving in and out of public and closed-door meetings, the Lane County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 publicly addressed the investigation into allegations of harassment and discrimination, with Commissioner David Loveall at its center. After approximately three hours of discussion, the board directed staff and attorneys to prepare a “statement of…

UO students, Habitat collaborate on Cottage Grove housing project

Ashlin Sanderson·

COTTAGE GROVE – A plot of land off Pennoyer and down N. 11th in Cottage Grove is owned by Habitat for Humanity of Central Lane and will have a brand new cottage cluster housing development in the next few years. Affordable housing seems far and few between these days, with increasing home and rental prices…

‘The Swan’ at the Opal Center

Sarina Dorie – Arts Writer·

COTTAGE GROVE – By day, Dale Light works in IT. By night, they transform into a swan.  The Swan, written by Elizabeth Egloff, debuted on stage at Opal Center for Arts and Education at 513 E. Main St. last weekend.  As soon as I saw that Light was in this play, I wanted to see…

Moments of hope: Finding respite in stories and soil these days

Kate McMichael·

Did anyone watch the Super Bowl two weeks ago? I admit, I only watched in spurts, finding the crowd noise was triggering my anxiety about my ever-growing, never-shrinking to-do list. Somewhere before halftime, Theresa came to the kitchen, where I was working, her iPad in hand. “You’ve got to see this,” she said, pulling up…

Time for city councilors to end CleanLane project

GUEST COLUMN·

Dear Commissioners, I have been following your discussion concerning the IGA between the County and Cities within Lane County. I have heard Steve Mokrohisky explain when and why it was implemented and how it really hasn’t been enforced. Why hasn’t it been enforced? Because it was legally challenged once and the county dropped the case…

Progress and accountability in SPS

GUEST COLUMN·

As former Board Chairs of Springfield Public Schools, we understand both the weight of governance and the responsibility that comes with leading a public institution. In moments of heightened debate about leadership and board conduct, it is essential to return to the core purpose of our work: Springfield Public Schools exists to educate and support…

Donations still needed after house fire

Chronicle News Service·

EUGENE – Mike and Kathi Kangas are still recovering from the house fire that destroyed their home on Monday, Feb. 2. The GoFundMe campaign has ended, but financial contributions to their continued recovery can be mailed to their attention at: 27607 Royal Ave, Eugene OR. 97404. The family has said it doesn’t need personal property,…

LTD launches lifeline pilot in Cottage Grove

Chronicle Staff Report·

COTTAGE GROVE – Lane Transit District (LTD) will launch a new Rural Shuttle Pilot in South Lane, Mohawk Valley, Mapleton, and Deadwood along the Highway 36 corridor on March 2. “Rural transit services are a lifeline,” said Jameson Auten, LTD’s chief executive officer. “Without access to affordable and reliable transit, quality of life deteriorates quickly…

Funding floods in for SUB water resiliency

Chronicle Staff Report·

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Utility Board (SUB) announced last week that it has received $9.6 million in funding from Oregon’s Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund for the McKenzie River Water Supply Project, which aims to enhance drinking water reliability and resiliency. Of the award, about $3 million is a forgivable loan, while the rest…

College baseball recap

Chronicle News Service·

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Drifters past and present players popped this past week, highlighted by a historic performance from local standout Dylan Carson (2024, ’25). Carson, a Churchill High graduate, had a record-setting performance for Bushnell on Saturday, going 8-for-9 with 5 home runs, 12 RBIs and 1 steal across two games against Warner Pacific. This…

Bulldogs’ defense bullies Billies for title

Eli Thomas·

EUGENE – The parking lots around the Morse Center – a 2,100-seat all-purpose arena on the Bushnell University campus, were packed Saturday for the Mountain Valley Conference Championship boys basketball game between Creswell and Pleasant Hill. Inside the gym, the atmosphere crackled with tension as the rivals met for the third time this season. Besides…

Boys basketball previews

Eli Thomas·

THURSTON (17-5, 9-1) ■ Tipping off: The Colts have their final regular-season game on Friday against No. 16 Ashland (13-9, 4-6) at 7 p.m. The Colts will honor their four seniors: Lucas LaBounty, Logan Piquette, Rylan Sharp, and Malachi Perez. If the Colts beat Churchill on Tuesday, they will have clinched a league title before…

Girls basketball previews

Seth Thompson·

SPRINGFIELD Tipping off: The No. 2 Millers (21-2) complete their regular season this week with two games. First, the Millers host No. 16 North Eugene (12-11) on Tuesday, past The Chronicle’s deadline, before traveling to No. 3 Crater (20-4) on Friday. Friday’s match against Crater is the game to watch, as the two teams have…

Boys basketball recaps

Eli Thomas·

■ SPRINGFIELD lost to Ashland 67-59 on Friday. Lejhaun Henderson, Noah Solo, and Brady Lo’ser combined for 47 points with 17, 16, and 14, respectively. Henderson was efficient, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. . ■ THURSTON defeated Springfield 78-35. Lucas LaBounty led the Colts with 25 points and…

Girls basketball recaps

Seth Thompson·

Millers still unbeaten; Creswell wins title ■ SPRINGFIELD: The No. 2 Millers (21-2) went 2-0 last week. On Tuesday, the Millers beat No. 18 Thurston (8-14) 57-23 at home before traveling to No. 28 Ashland (4-17) on Friday to win 79-14. Despite the Millers remaining undefeated in Class 5A play (21-0), they remain at No.…

Boys and girls wrestling recaps

Chronicle Staff Report·

SPRINGFIELD: The Millers boys competed in the Midwestern League Districts in Ashland last weekend. They finished sixth out of seven with 43 points. Two wrestlers placed for the Millers at districts – Vincent Andrews (138) who placed fourth, and Dominic Jacobson-Marshall (150) who placed sixth. THURSTON: The Colts boys competed in the Midwestern League Districts…

Boys and girls swimming recaps

Seth Thompson·

SPRINGFIELD: The Millers competed in the Midwestern League Districts two weeks ago on Friday, Feb. 13. The Millers boys earned second place and the girls took third. The team scores combined together to give the Millers an overall placement of second. Mateo Buhr was a standout for the Millers, earning first in the Male 400…

Cheer recaps

Chronicle Staff Report·

SPRINGFIELD: The Millers competed in the Class 5A Coed Cheerleading State Championships two weeks ago on Saturday, Feb. 14. The Millers finished ninth out of 10 with 51.5 points. The Millers got 12 points for their band dance & fight song, 24 points for crowd leading, and an 18.5 composite score. They then received a…

Bushnell adding wrestling

Chronicle News Service·

EUGENE – Bushnell University officials announced that the Beacons will add men’s and women’s wrestling programs in the fall of 2027. The participation rates among high school wrestlers was a driving force behind the decision, school administrators said. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest level in over 50 years with nearly 375,000…

Legal Notices: Edition of Feb. 26, 2026

admin·

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-26-1032952-SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, MITCHELL R. BRANCH, JR. AND JESSICA BRANCH, HUSBAND AND WIFE, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY as Grantor to EVERGREEN LAND TITLE COMPANY, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR SIERRA PACIFIC MORTGAGE…

Opinion: Tell Legislators "no" on secret discussions

admin·

Proposed bill would allow city councils to work behind the scenes Oregonians are increasingly losing faith in their government and institutions. All too often, it feels like actions are taken without any notice or public input.  A bill racing ahead in the current legislative session would only heighten that unease. It has the potential to…

Springfield School Board to interview candidates Friday for acting superintendent

Chronicle News Service·

The Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Board of Directors will interview three candidates for the role of acting superintendent on Friday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. The interviews will be conducted in open session, with each candidate scheduled for a 20-minute interview. Following the interviews, the Board will deliberate in open session and is expected to…

Creswell woman extradited in 2019 horse neglect case

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

CRESWELL – A Creswell woman has been extradited to Lane County after fleeing felony animal abuse convictions in 2019, which was identified by the County as the largest horse seizure in Lane County history. In 2020, Creswell resident Gwenyth Ellen Davies, who was 49 at the time of conviction, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of…

Beyond the Books, PT 2: Springfield volunteers and their many hats

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – Through literacy, learning, and cultural enrichment, the Springfield Public Library holds a cherished place in the community; however, securing adequate funding remains an uphill battle, threatening the sustainability of its diverse programs and services. The Springfield Public Library Foundation (SPLF) is a group of volunteers committed to strengthening not only the library but…

Loveall denies accusations he retaliated against staff, directed to issue 'apology'

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

SPRINGFIELD – Lane County on Feb. 10 released a “condensation” of a months-long outside investigation regarding claims of Commissioner David Loveall retaliating against Lane County staff. The report outlined how Loveall allegedly engaged in multiple incidents of retaliation against several staff members. Loveall rejects these claims, saying that the investigation is “a brazen attempt to…

Back in business: Familiar faces reopen Little Red Farm Nursery

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – In August 2025, Bob and Gayle Kramer announced their retirement and the closing of a beloved plant nursery. Little Red Farm Nursery at 1020 S. 42nd St. did not stay closed long, though, as former employee Natalie Reeves took over the business under Bob’s mentorship. The nursery shut its doors at the end…

Dan Grousbeck, 82, was a Creswell institution

Ron Hartman – Reporter·

CRESWELL – Before it closed down in June of 2023, Dan’s Plants wasn’t just that place where you went to pick up some potted plants, fresh herbs, and assorted gardening supplies. Nope. Stopping by Dan’s Plant’s was more like a ritual, because for many Creswellians, Dan and Peggy Grousbeck operated a Mom-&-Pop store on Davisson…

Wine lounge opens in downtown Springfield

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – A new wine lounge called downtown Springfield home last Friday night, with the opening celebration of Hersch Wine Lounge at 322 Main St. Maddie and David Hersch had been looking for a new route for themselves, one where they could create their own business hours. When they learned Iris Vineyards, the previous wine…

Next steps for Glenwood

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – At the Feb. 9 Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) board meeting, direction was sought for phase one of the infrastructure proposed in the Glenwood Preliminary Master Plan application. Allie Camp, Springfield’s economic development manager, presented the next steps for Glenwood infrastructure to the SEDA board. “There are a lot of moving parts to…

Roundup: Springfield Utility Board meeting

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – SUB board members last Wednesday held a monthly meeting and work session: Members went over board self-evaluations, emphasizing organizational elements and board functionality. They reviewed orientation for new board members, timely distribution of meeting materials, and adequate review time. Members also evaluated the board’s relationship with the general manager, Jeff Nelson. Questions in…

French honoring Creswell's Heyman with Croix de Guerre

Ron Hartman – Reporter·

CRESWELL – He fought the good fight. Col. Richard “Dick” Michael Heyman Jr. successfully completed every mission placed in front of him .. except for one. He didn’t live long enough to pick up the crown jewel of his magnificent military career. That being the case, his widow, Barbara, will accept the Legion of Honor…

School, child care vaccinations scheduled

Chronicle News Service·

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding parents and caregivers that the deadline for updating children’s vaccinations is Feb. 25. All children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start, and licensed child care facilities must show documentation of up-to-date vaccinations or have an exemption by this date. Last year, 1,552 cases of pertussis were…

Greenhill cat rescue operation continues; 21 new homes found

Chronicle News Service·

MARCOLA – Greenhill Humane Society is working with Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) to rescue cats from a property after their owner passed away. The rescue operations began Feb. 6, near Marcola. They rescued 21 cats, who were transported from the property to Greenhill for medical care. “It was clear when we arrived on site…

Bulldogs girls defeat Billies, finish 1st in MVC

Seth Thompson·

CRESWELL – Fourth-ranked Creswell (18-6) defeated rival Pleasant Hill (16-8) on Friday night 45-20, securing first place in the Mountain Valley Conference standings for the regular season. The Bulldogs were in control against the eighth-ranked Billies en route to their eighth consecutive victory. Bulldogs coach Tyler Hollingsworth said the winning streak has been fueled by…

Billies secure league title, top seed

Eli Thomas·

CRESWELL – Senior Night. Rivalry game. An unbeaten record on the line. The stakes could not have been higher for Friday’s matchup between the Pleasant Hill Billies and Creswell Bulldogs in boys basketball. The defining moment came in the second quarter, courtesy of Billies star Landen Melvin. His wide-open 3-pointer capped a 16-2 run that…

Creswell sends three wrestlers to state; Billies repeat

Ron Hartman – Reporter·

CRESWELL – By sending three wrestlers – juniors Micaiah Cranson and Javier Bautista, and senior Brandon Church – to the state tournament, Creswell’s wrestling team came up big at the most critical time of the season – the OSAA Special District 2 3A meet. The city of Creswell, which hosted the all-day event Saturday, also…

Drifters on college rosters

Chronicle Staff Report·

SPRINGFIELD –As the first full weekend of college baseball wraps up, there are 92 former and current Springfield Drifters on rosters at 52 colleges across all levels of competition. It includes 51 baseball players competing in Division I at 28 schools. Former Drifters played key roles during Oregon’s 6-2 opening-day win over George Mason last…

Boys basketball recaps

Eli Thomas·

■ PLEASANT HILL defeated Sisters 65-61 in double overtime. Landen Melvin led the Billies with 26 points and Noah Johnson scored 16 and made four 3-pointers. Will McDonnell led the Outlaws with 21 points, but the Billies held him to one point in the two extra periods. ■ CRESWELL lost to Elmira 63-58 on Tuesday.…

Boys basketball previews

Eli Thomas·

PLEASANT HILL (20-4, 10-0) ■ Tipping off: On Saturday, the Billies host the winner of Wednesday’s league playoff matchup between Creswell and Elmira. The Billies have won both matchups this season against Creswell (and seven in a row overall against their rivals). In Friday’s matchup between the two, the three Melvin brothers combined for 45…

Girls basketball recaps

Seth Thompson·

SPRINGFIELD: The No. 2 Millers (19-2) won their only game last week, beating No. 16 Eagle Point (11-9) 66-32 on Thursday. The Millers have not lost to a Class 5A opponent this season. Springfield has been battling No. 1 Redmond (19-1) for the top spot in the state rankings all season. The Millers are still…

Girls basketball previews

Seth Thompson·

SPRINGFIELD (19-2, 8-0) ■ Tipping off: The No. 2 Millers have two games this week. Tuesday, the Millers host No. 18 Thurston (8-13). The Millers then travel to No. 29 Ashland (4-16) on Friday. In their last meetings with Thurston and Ashland, the Millers beat them by 28 and 81 points, respectively. It’s likely the…

Thurston excelling – as usual

Seth Thompson·

THURSTON – As the wrestling postseason comes into focus, coach Mike Simons Colts’ boys and girls continue to dominate the picture. The Thurston boys’ only loss this season came vs. Crater – the defending state champions. “It just kind of shows where you’re at as a team. It shows kind of the depth that you…

Boys and girls wrestling recaps

Seth Thompson·

■ SPRINGFIELD: The Millers girls competed in the Class 6A and 5A Special District 4 regionals last weekend, finishing in 13th place with 48 points. Haley Siders (125) was the Millers’ top placer, getting fourth. ■ THURSTON: The Colts competed in a dual vs. Crater last week, winning six matches and losing eight. Samuel Greenstreet…

Boys and girls wrestling previews

Seth Thompson·

■ SPRINGFIELD: The Millers boys compete in the Midwestern League Districts on Saturday at Ashland HS. Competing alongside the Millers will be Ashland, Churchill, Crater, Eagle Point, North Eugene, and Thurston. ■ THURSTON: The Colts boys compete in the Midwestern League Districts on Saturday at Ashland HS vs. Ashland, Churchill, Crater, Eagle Point, North Eugene,…

Donald Ray Steven: Jan. 9, 1944 – May 11, 2025

Chronicle News Service·

Donald Ray Stevens, 81, a longtime resident of the Cornelius community, passed away peacefully at his home in North Plains, Oregon, on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025. Private cremation rites were held at Hoyt Crematory in Forest Grove. Donald was born on January 9, 1944, in Hillsboro, Oregon, to the late Albert Stevens and Dorothy…

Joan Alice Mattoon (Metcalf) Peniston: Aug. 13, 1930 – Feb.1, 2026

Chronicle News Service·

Joan Alice Mattoon (Metcalf) Peniston passed away in Cottage Grove, Oregon, on February 1, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on August 13, 1930, in Eugene, Oregon, to parents Harry K. and Grace Lilly Metcalf, Joan’s spirit and kindness touched the hearts of all who knew her. Joan graduated from Cottage Grove High School…

Irene Lois Bauder: April 19, 1928 – Feb. 3, 2026

Chronicle News Service·

Irene Lois Bauder was born April 19, 1928, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to John and Bonnie Schaffer. She went to school in Cottage Grove and graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1946. It was in high school that Irene met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Bauder. She knew right away that he was something…

Legal Notices: Edition of Feb. 19, 2026

admin·

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE File No. 25-00783OR Reference is made to that certain deed of trust made by Michael D. Dibos and Theresa M. Dibos, as grantor, to Fidelity National Title, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for First Franklin Financial Corp., beneficiary of the security instrument, its…

Beyond the books, part 1: A community that supports the community

Ashlin Sanderson·

The Springfield Public Library was formed in 1908 by the Ladies of Springfield. Relying on purchased and donated books and a year’s subscription to Oregon Monthly Magazine, the library has since transformed into a vital free resource for the community. A wide array of volunteers and staff members help make the library feel like a…

Springfield protestor arrested for road rage incident involving gun

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

SPRINGFIELD – A pro-immigration enforcement protestor who attended an anti-immigration protest two days prior in Springfield was arrested on Feb. 2 for allegedly pulling a gun on two people during a road rage incident on the 300 block of Pioneer Parkway East. According to the police report compiled by Sgt. James Wilson, Joseph Douglas Alford,…

CGHS students stand up, speak out on ICE issues

Ashlin Sanderson·

COTTAGE GROVE – On Feb. 4, students from Cottage Grove High School took to the streets to protest federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). An organized walkout was scheduled for the last class of a short day, something freshman Kimberly Trueax said was intentional to minimize disruptions to the curriculum. At its…

PeaceHealth: ‘Quality care’ amid changes

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

LANE COUNTY – PeaceHealth hospitals in Lane County are ending their contracts with Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP), which supplies emergency clinicians. The contracts will terminate on May 30 at PeaceHealth Cottage Grove and June 30 at PeaceHealth RiverBend. Nearly 50 emergency physicians will be affected by this change. These clinicians currently staff the hospitals’ emergency…

Father turns pain into purpose through ‘EF5’

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – Grief encompasses a wide range of feelings and experiences. How we choose to navigate those feelings is dependent on various factors. When Michael Glownia lost his daughter, Erika, from fentanyl poisoning in 2023, he channeled his pain and gave it a purpose. In June 2025, EF5 was established as a nonprofit grassroots organization…

Judge allows Black Unity suit vs. SPD to advance to court

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – It was announced last week that a lawsuit between Black Unity and the City of Springfield, along with several named current and past Springfield Police officers, is advancing to court. In the summer of 2020, Black Unity led a protest after the sighting of a skeleton hanging from a tree with a noose…

‘Piece of My Heart’ important history lesson for the present

Sarina Dorie – Arts Writer·

When Rachel Lewman (formerly Donaldson) was 17 and a student at Cottage Grove High School, she played the character “Steele,” an army intelligence officer, in the play “A Piece of My Heart.” At the time, Janet Rust was a high school theater teacher, directing the play. Now, 16 years later, Rust is directing the play…

Flu Q&A from OHA

Chronicle News Service·

■ Question: I got my flu vaccine in September, but now there is a newer, more contagious strain of flu… how will my old-style flu vaccine stack up? ■ Answer: Flu viruses change over time, and a newer variant called influenza A (H3N2) subclade K is going around this season. The good news is that…

February is American Heart Month: 5 ways to protect your heart

Chronicle News Service·

Check your blood pressure: High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Oregon Health Plan (OHP) covers routine checkups and screenings. You may also be eligible for a blood pressure cuff to monitor your blood pressure at home. Know your cholesterol numbers: OHP covers lab tests to check cholesterol and other heart health risks.  Quit tobacco for good: OHP offers free support,…

Head down to ‘Bourbon Street’

Chronicle News Service·

PublicHouse at 418 A St., Springfield announces its Annual Bourbon Street Fest from Wednesday, Feb. 11, to Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17. This event celebrates the spirit of New Orleans with a weeklong immersive experience featuring New Orleans-style food specials, Bourbon Street cocktails, specialty bourbon barrel-aged beers, and live music. Guests can enjoy a variety of…

Valentines Day: Facts & figures

Chronicle News Service·

■ Holiday birthday: Oregon celebrates its 167th statehood anniversary on Feb. 14. ■ Researchers from InvestorsObserver compared the most popular gifts and their costs in 2016 and 2026, and found that champagne dropped off the list, while a full celebration now costs $774.39, up 51% from $512 in 2016. ■ In 2016, the most popular…

Traffic violation leads to arrest in Veneta

Chronicle News Service·

VENETA – On Jan. 29 at 7 a.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s sergeant assigned to Veneta stopped a pickup truck towing a box trailer in the area of Territorial Highway and Jeans Road for a traffic violation. Deputies discovered that the trailer contained stolen property, including several firearms. Deputies cited the driver, Brian Joseph Mitzel,…

Creswell, CG motorists caught under the influence

Chronicle News Service·

■ On Jan. 24 at 12:30 p.m., LCSO deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash with minor injuries in the 74100 block of London Road, south of Cottage Grove. Investigation indicated that the driver of a pickup, James Britton Hurst, 51, of Creswell, failed to navigate a corner and struck a delivery van in the oncoming…

Man charged with assault, animal abuse in Goshen

Chronicle News Service·

GOSHEN – On Feb. 3 at 10 a.m., Lane County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 33900 block of W. Peebles Road, south of Goshen, to serve a restraining order to Jason Speed McLaughlin, 53, of Goshen. The court order required McLaughlin to leave the premises. Deputies contacted McLaughlin in a house on…

Teen charged for vehicle-pedestrian crash in Thurston

Chronicle News Service·

THURSTON – On Feb. 4 at 12:30 p.m., Springfield Police arrived at a vehicle-pedestrian crash in the parking lot of Waypoint Church, across the street from Thurston High School. Investigators learned that a dispute between two juveniles preceded the crash. Investigators developed probable cause to arrest the driver of the vehicle on multiple charges related…

ODOT posers scamming residents

Chronicle News Service·

Oregon officials warn residents about a new wave of phishing scams posing as ODOT and DMV communications. These unsolicited text messages claim you owe money for traffic fines or tolls, often using urgent language. Oregon DMV Public Information Officer Chris Crabb advises against clicking links or sharing personal information. Instead, delete the messages and block…

Presidents' Day openings, closings

Chronicle News Service·

■ Post Offices close Monday, Feb. 16, for Presidents Day, but usps.com and 24/7 self-service kiosks remain available for postage, shipping, and tracking. Regular service resumes Feb. 17. LTD Buses on Regular Schedule for Presidents Day ■ Lane Transit District (LTD) will operate regular weekday bus service on Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, 2026. The…

Egan volunteers’ 12-night activation: 1,100 clients, 400 loads of laundry

Chronicle News Service·

LANE COUNTY — The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County (SVdP) faced significant challenges this winter with the Egan Warming Centers program, which offers emergency overnight shelter for unhoused individuals when temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Recently, the program completed an intensive 12-night activation, providing shelter for over 1,100 clients. Staff and…

Mentorship is a two-way street; seek wise leaders and give back

BOB BECK for The Chronicle·

Let me dwell in Your tent forever;Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.For You have heard my vows, God;You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.Psalm 61: 4-5 “You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.” My father was one of my heroes. He…

Waste disposal break doesn’t add up

By Ed Gunderson Guest Column·

Dear Editor: In the Feb. 5 article regarding Creswell’s waste management contract, the article stated tipping fees at Short Mountain were $112 per ton while Sanipac Medford were $97 per ton. How is it possible to transport trash from Creswell to Eugene, reload for bulk transport, 120+ miles to Medford at a total cost lower…

Other departments more worthy than CleanLane project

GUEST COLUMN·

Dear Editor: Since 2023, when the IMERF was discussed as a real possibility, Lane County has spent $274,931.20 in legal fees paid to Beery, Eisner, and Hammond LLP (BEH). An attorney from that firm, Joshua Soper, has represented Lane County in the County Commissioner’s land use dispute (Goshen property) with Lane County. The county approved…

Pelroy the right choice

GUEST COLUMN·

Dear Editor In the upcoming race for East Lane County Commissioner, voters are fortunate to have Jake Pelroy running. Jake is a former Marine, a family man, and pro-business and pro-jobs. Jake is the good, solid, responsible, and thoughtful leader we need at this time. His opponent, Heather Buch, has not lived up to the…

Reject Loveall: A pattern of poor judgment

GUEST COLUMN·

Dear Editor Don’t vote for David Loveall in May 2026. A commissioner’s most basic job is to exercise sound judgment. It seems every recent story published about Lane County Commissioner David Loveall reveals a catastrophic lack of these qualities. From reportedly carrying a rifle on Springfield’s Main Street during a Black Lives Matter protest in…

Local sustainability: Nonprofits need support

Daniel Hiestand – WasteWise·

Nonprofits are the backbone of many essential services in our communities – from tackling food insecurity to providing housing and healthcare. However, the nonprofit sector is facing serious challenges, and sustainability-focused organizations are no exception. I recently spoke with some local nonprofit partners to better understand what they’re experiencing and how our community can help.…

LANDEN’S LEAP: PHS senior leading Billies

Eli Thomas·

PLEASANT HILL – One could say that Pleasant Hill senior Landen Melvin has a flair for the dramatic. Or, that he’s incredibly clutch. More evidence came last Friday against the La Pine Hawks in the Billies’ home gym for Senior Night. Late in the game Melvin jumped into the passing lane, intercepted an opponent’s pass,…

Boys basketball previews

Eli Thomas·

THURSTON (15-5, 7-1) ■ Tipping off: Class 5A No. 4 Thurston welcomes No. 9 Crater (16-4, 5-3) on Friday. The Colts beat the Comets 68-45 earlier this season, but Crater just defeated North Eugene in the same week the Colts fell to the Highlanders. The Midwestern League is tight, with four teams at 5-3 or…

Boys basketball recaps

Eli Thomas·

■ THURSTON fell to North Eugene 48-46 in overtime to snap its 11-game winning streak. Lucas LaBounty led the Colts with 22 points, including nine of his team’s 10 in the fourth quarter. Zack Fisher scored all 10 of the Highlanders fourth-quarter points to send the game to overtime, where Jordan Gray took over and…

Girls basketball previews

Seth Thompson·

SPRINGFIELD (18-2) ■ Tipping off: The No. 2 Millers have one game this week, at No. 14 Eagle Point (11-8) on Friday. The Millers have dominated every Class 5A team in their path this season, and this should be no different. The duo of NuNu Filipe and Darissa Romero-Ah Sam has been dominant this season.…

Girls basketball recaps

Seth Thompson·

■ SPRINGFIELD: The No. 2 Millers (18-2) went 1-1 last week as their 17-game-win-streak came to an end. The Millers beat No. 30 Churchill (4-18) on Tuesday 76-19 before falling to No. 1 in Class 6A West Linn (16-2) on Thursday 57-27. This is the Millers’ first loss since Dec. 9, 2025, which came at…

Boys and girls wrestling previews

Seth Thompson·

■ COTTAGE GROVE: The Lions travel to regionals on Saturday in Newport.They’ll finish their season in a battle against their fellow Class 4A Special District 2 teams, Cascade, Junction City, Newport, and North Marion. Jeffrey Conklin has yet to lose a match this season (45-0) and it’s unlikely he will start here. Boston Kent (135)…

Boys and girls wrestling recaps

Seth Thompson·

■ SPRINGFIELD: The Millers competed in the Cottage Grove Invitational last week. Here, the girls got 14th place with 50 points while the boys were 41st with no points. For the girls, Haley Siders (125) was the sole placer, getting second in her weight class. ■ THURSTON: The Colts took on Roseburg in a dual…

Maralyn Ann Coop: April 21, 1941 – January 30, 2026 

Chronicle News Service·

Maralyn Ann Coop passed away on January 30, 2026, in Creswell, Oregon, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 21, 1941, in Olympia, Washington, to proud parents Clyde and Wanlyn “Billie” (Lennon) Curtis, Maralyn’s life was one of devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. She married the love of her…

Legal Notices: Edition of Feb. 12, 2026

admin·

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed (the “Trust Deed”) made by Julien Investment Properties LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, as grantor (the “Grantor”), to Fidelity National Title, as the trustee, in favor of PacWest Funding, Inc., an Oregon corporation, dba Precision Capital, as beneficiary, dated June 10, 2024,…

Lane County report: Commissioner Loveall threatened staff, misused performance reviews in retaliatory campaign

Chronicle News Service·

Lane County on Tuesday afternoon released a “condensation” of a months-long outside investigation regarding claims of Commissioner David Loveall retaliating against Lane County staff. The condensation found that Commissioner Loveall engaged in multiple incidents of retaliation against three staff members. FULL DOCUMENT: The investigation concluded that Commissioner Loveall violated county policies by retaliating against three…

Springfield Schools see shake up after super, board chair resign

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – Superintendent Todd Hamilton has resigned from Springfield Public Schools, as announced during Monday’s school board meeting. This news comes after a series of recent challenges in the district, including the previously announced resignation of the assistant superintendent at the end of the school year, a recall petition targeting three board members, a tort…

Fond farewell, Colonel: Creswell’s ‘local hero’ leaves legacy of service, kindness

Ron Hartman – Reporter·

CRESWELL – If you were to Google the phrase “A life well lived,” it’s unlikely that Richard Heyman’s profile would pop up. It would make perfect sense, though, if it did.  Because Col. Richard “Dick” Michael Heyman Jr., who died Sunday, Jan. 25 at the age of 101, checked off all the boxes.  Service to…

Anti-ICE protests, tensions grow

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

SPRINGFIELD – Hundreds of residents gathered peacefully outside Springfield City Hall on Friday, Jan. 30, to protest federal immigration enforcement and to express solidarity with fellow citizens in Minnesota. “What are we doing here today? Minnesota called, and we answered,” said Rob Fisette of the Party for Socialism and Liberation at the start of the…

Springfield 'State of the City'

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – On Jan. 29, Springfield city leaders, officials, and members of the public gathered inside the Richard E. Wildish Theater to listen to Mayor Sean VanGordon deliver the Springfield State of the City address. He highlighted the city’s accomplishments and talked about its challenges over the past year, and mentioned a few things to…

Creswell might break with county on waste disposal

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

CRESWELL – The Creswell City Council is edging toward a break with Lane County over solid waste fees, signaling interest in leaving an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that councilors fear could drive up garbage rates for residents. City Manager Vincent Martorello, at a January work session, outlined the stakes of the county’s “system benefit fee” and…

Creswell might end land-swap with city, fire

Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller – Executive Editor·

CRESWELL – City manager Vincent Martorello reviewed an unsigned 2020 land‑swap agreement between the City of Creswell and South Lane County Fire and Rescue at January’s work session.  Under that proposal, the fire district would have received the Community Center parcel at 99 S. 1st St. and parking area to build a new “hub” fire station,…

Health crisis on horizon

Ashlin Sanderson·

LANE COUNTY – PeaceHealth is bracing for a significant shift in healthcare in Lane County, anticipating that the recent enactment of “H.R. 1” could leave approximately 25,000 local residents without health insurance. Changes to healthcare have been a concern among healthcare officials and residents since the signing and implementation of H.R. 1, also known as…

Springfield payroll taxes at issue

Ashlin Sanderson·

SPRINGFIELD – The discussion around a payroll tax is still in the talks at Springfield city council meetings. At Tuesday night’s meeting, finance director Nathan Bell requested council feedback on the proposed payroll tax ordinance and proposed amendments to the Springfield city code. The Mayor’s Fiscal Stability Task Force recommended a shared employer-employee payroll tax…

Local chocolate entrepreneur hits sweet tooth in Springfield

Sarina Dorie – Arts Writer·

SPRINGFIELD – If you love chocolate, hazelnuts, and want to buy local, check out this entrepreneur selling his products at farmer’s markets and local stores. Kay Farms, a family business, specializes in hazelnut spread under the brand name Hazelmaus (chocolate, white chocolate, or plain and creamy or crunchy), hazelnut chocolates, as well as other chocolate…

SVdP service stats are out

Chronicle News Service·

According to St. Vincent de Paul and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), more than 92% of the people it served in 2025 were from Eugene or Springfield. Specifically, 80% were from Eugene, and 12% were from Springfield. Additionally, 7.7% were from Lane County but not from Eugene or Springfield. This data aligns with broader…

One dead in Springfield after traffic hazard

Chronicle News Service·

SPRINGFIELD — On Jan. 29, at approximately 4:45 a.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to a traffic hazard report on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway near Riverbend Hospital. A caller reported that a man attempted to jump in front of her vehicle, but she was able to swerve around him. Upon arrival, officers found a…

Creswell City Council makes right call on garbage rates: LTE

GUEST COLUMN·

I publicly want to commend and thank the Creswell City Council for unanimously voting to give staff the direction to terminate the Inter-Governmental Agreement, System Benefit Fee, with Lane County. The council was given a lot of information from staff, a Lane County staff member and a representative from Sanipac regarding the financial implications of…

Why serving isn't what people think: LTE

GUEST COLUMN·

Dear Editor: Most folks don’t pay much attention to local government until something feels off. When a decision hits close to home, when opinions clash, or when change feels uncomfortable – that’s usually when we look up. Funny enough, that’s a lot like life. You don’t really notice the highs without knowing the lows. Contrast…