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…

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…

Dear Editor I need to shout out a huge public “thank you” to Marty Wilde, former Oregon State Representative, for his work educating Eugene-Springfield residents about issues surrounding the PeaceHealth-Eugene Emergency Physicians stand-off. Marty Wilde In recent weeks, Marty has delivered consistent, deep research, solid logic, and a moral compass to the Eugene-Springfield community to…

Dear Editor: This letter is regarding candidates for State Senate, District 6. I wanted to share why voters should support Nicole De Graff. I have known her to be one of the most thoughtful and determined people I have met when it comes to standing up for others and working through difficult issues. What makes…

COTTAGE GROVE – The Cottage Grove Lions might have felt like it just was not going to be their day this past Friday. They had lost 7-0 on Tuesday, and now had only two baserunners through five innings of Game One of a Friday doubleheader. However, by the time Macey Basting singled up the middle…

THURSTON – Eric Orton has been promoted to head boys basketball coach at his alma mater. Orton, who starred for Thurston as a senior in 2002 when the Colts won the Midwestern League title and reached the state quarterfinals, has spent the past two seasons as an assistant under Blaine Liberatore after previously serving as…

SPRINGFIELD – Lucas Geren, who joined the Drifters at the end of last season and will return this summer, pitched another gem for Lane Community College, throwing 6.2 scoreless innings for the Titans in their final series of the regular season against Umpqua Community College. Geren fanned five while allowing only four hits in the…

CRESWELL (19-4, 12-0, #4) ■ Leading off: The Bulldogs bring their 14-game winning streak into the final week of the regular season. The win streak is the longest for the Bulldogs since at least 1998, and is more wins by itself than the program has had in 27 of the past 28 seasons, with last…

■ CRESWELL went 3-0 this week to extend its winning streak to 14 games. On Tuesday, the Bulldogs defeated rival Pleasant Hill for the third time this year, 5-3. The game was tied 3-3 heading into the 7th inning when Kayden Roberts hit a two-run double to give his team a two-run lead. The Bulldogs…

PLEASANT HILL (11-7, 8-4, #15 ■ Leading off: The Billies have a league home doubleheader against No. 39 Sisters (1-15, 0-11) on Friday, to finish the league season. Earlier this season, the Billies defeated the Outlaws 25-6. The Billies already have clinched a place in state playoffs, so all that can be accomplished now is…

■ THURSTON swept Springfield last week, getting its first three wins of the season. Tuesday’s game finished 19-1 in four innings, with the Colts scoring 13 in the top of the first inning. Colts catcher Daphnie Heckel was 3-for-3, with a HR, 3 RBI and four runs scored. Friday saw the Colts earn their first…

RECAPS ■ THURSTON competed at the 76th Grants Pass Rotary Invitational. Kelsie Raven won the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 14.81 seconds and the triple jump with a distance of 11.08m (36’ 4.25”). ■ SPRINGFIELD competed at the 41st Dean Nice Invitational meet on Friday. Sailor Hall finished 2nd in the discus and…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  This official acts as the local voice in the United States Congress, balancing national policy with the specific needs…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  State Senator 6th District: Serving four-year terms, senators represent larger regions (each district is roughly twice the size of…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  These partisan officials represent local interests in the Oregon State Capitol, where they draft laws and set the statewide…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  State Representative (7th District): Serving two-year terms, these representatives cover smaller, neighborhood-sized districts; they are often the most accessible…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  Lane County Commissioner (Springfield): Specifically represents the City of Springfield, overseeing county-level services and land-use planning that directly affects…

On the final stretch of their political campaigns, The Chronicle asked candidates to reflect on what they have learned from the community and what their closing promise to voters is ahead of the May 19 election.  Lane County Commissioner (East) represents the rural and suburban communities of East Lane County, focusing on specialized regional issues…

SPRINGFIELD – If Parks and Recreation wasn’t always Kenny Weigandt’s career path, it’s not a surprise that’s where he ended up. Weigandt grew up around River Road Park and Recreation District where his father, Dale, worked for more than 40 years doing everything from maintenance to programming and supervising teams before serving as superintendent for…

SPRINGFIELD – Last Saturday, folks spent the afternoon honoring mother figures in their lives at Dorris Ranch during Mother’s Day Tea, hosted by Willamalane. Above, grandmother Mary and granddaughter Riley, spend time together in the barn. Sweet and savory treats like tea sandwiches, tarts, and scones were provided, along with an assortment of teas. A…

SPRINGFIELD – This Thursday, Springfield Public Schools will present its proposed 2026–27 operating budget to the Budget Committee. The District is working to address a $7.9 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year, and the proposed budget reflects months of analysis, planning, and community engagement, according to Chakris Kussalanant, communications manager for SPS. “Developing…

SPRINGFIELD – How does a teacher learn about new subjects and ways to teach and engage their students? Academy of Arts and Academics science teacher Katie Ryan was selected to go on an expedition to do just that. Last week, the National Geographic Society, in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions, announced the 36 selected participants from…

CRESWELL – Creswell is reinvigorating the farmers market scene in town with a Farm to Table Event kicking off this weekend. On May 9, folks can find farm fresh food, booths from local vendors, food carts, music, and demonstrations outside City Hall in the east parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In partnership…

SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane is hosting a Spring Marketplace this weekend, just in time for Mother’s Day. Whether mom comes along to browse the 100-plus local vendors, or if folks are in need of some new spring décor, the Bob-Keefer Center is the one-stop shopping destination. According to Whitney Hoshaw, Willamalane marketing and communications manager, Spring…

SPRINGFIELD – As the city of Springfield begins finalizing the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget, the time for public feedback has passed. Monday night marked the trio of budget committee meetings before the proposed budget is sent to the city council for approval in June. The Springfield Budget Committee, comprising six city councilors and six…

Support: Measure #20-383 One good exercise for determining how you spend your money is this: Is this expense a “nice-to-have” or a “must-have”? We actually do this all the time. That simple assessment in our heads often saves us from that “impulse buy” at the checkout counter. The same concept is true when considering how…

Support Measure #20-384 What is “intrinsic” value? How do you quantify how successful an organization is within a community, how vital its contributions are to the betterment of our lives? Most of that assessment comes from our personal observation and lived experience. For instance, it’s your use of and interaction at any of Willamalane’s parks…

SPRINGFIELD – The Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to a house fire early Sunday morning, April 26. Crews were dispatched after reports of a window air conditioning unit on fire at a home in the 1000 block of 21st Avenue. Firefighters executed an interior attack, successfully containing the fire to one room. No injuries were…

COTTAGE GROVE – At approximately 5:40 a.m. on May 5, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a crash in the 27000 block of London Road. Witnesses reported that a vehicle had overturned, ejecting at least one occupant. South Lane Fire and Rescue extricated at least one passenger, and all three occupants, including the…

Lane County Emergency Management will conduct a test of its subscriber-based emergency alert system, Lane Alerts, on Thursday, May 14, at noon. The test will utilize emails, recorded voice calls, and text messages based on each subscriber’s contact preferences. Subscribers can receive notifications through their preferred methods of contact, including phone calls, text messages, and…

Springfield – Mayor Sean VanGordon has proclaimed May 3-9, 2026, as Public Service Recognition Week in Springfield, recognizing the contributions of public employees who serve the community each day.  Public Service Recognition Week, observed nationally during the first full week of May, honors individuals at all levels of government whose work supports essential services that…

Dear Editor: Lane County voters in Springfield should ask a basic question before this commissioner race is decided: who is actually protecting regular taxpayers? Commissioner David Loveall and Mayor Sean Van Gordon may present themselves differently, but both appear comfortable with the same economic development playbook: tax abatements, enterprise zones, and incentives that reduce costs…