The five smartest people I have ever known were all mechanics. Two of them didn’t graduate high school, but the three who did also went to college but only used higher education as a means of burnishing their already well-designed engines built upon mechanical knowledge.

Bartolotti’s Pizza General Manager Steve Shinn has had his sights set on Cottage Grove ever since he opened his restaurant in Springfield, and finally he is able to make the leap with his third expansion.

The City Council voted July 6 to pass a three-year labor contract with the Springfield Police Association (SPA) after staff concluded negotiations that began on Feb. 27.

Sixteen-year-old Colton Spence has been part of 4-H since fourth grade. He is one of four siblings who have done 4-H throughout their childhood.

Springfield Public Library is offering classes to help patrons learn to code and improve their web-development skills through the free online learning platform, Treehouse.

Here is hoping everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration in the strange new world we find ourselves. I know many Grovers were at a loss without the annual Creswell Celebration to crash. It has become a Cottage Grove tradition for many, to migrate north for the day and enjoy your hospitality.

The inspiration for this piece came while checking out at the Creswell Bi-Mart last week. There was an older man without a facemask on, bellowing his displeasure at Gov. Kate Brown’s requiring citizens to wear facemasks in hard-hit Oregon counties.

A reader born under the sun sign Libra during the lunar Year of the Monkey, asked about the dynamics between her family members and herself.

As many of you already know, Jim and I have owned the Lorane Family Store in Lorane for almost 43 years now. In 1926, Bill Mitchell and his wife Hattie bought the land on both sides of the road, where the store currently sits.

We have definitely had trails lately: COVID-19, then the social unrest caused by recurring racism. When I was younger I did not appreciate trials or challenging times.

People drove from all over the state to attend the first Oregon Performance Cruise. It began at the Old Symantec building, now Pacific Source, at 555 International Way in Springfield.

Three deputies have joined the Lane County Sheriff Office’s contract team in Creswell.

Update: John Wooten, the embattled fire chief of the South Lane County Fire & Rescue Department is yet to return to work after being reinstated by the board June 18.

A show of independence in Creswell

Nov. 14, 1987 - June 26, 2020

Oct. 16, 1935 - June 29, 2020

Dec. 24, 1959 - June 18, 2020

Nov. 22, 1929 - June 28, 2020

June 6, 1953 - June 23, 2020

Aug. 21, 1950 - June 28, 2020

This year's Fourth of July in Creswell is like no other — celebrating patriotism in a pandemic. Coronavirus restrictions have limited gathering sizes and halted traditional events, but have not hindered the city's spirit.

Owen Rose Garden at 300 N. Jefferson in Eugene brings back many fond memories of walks I used to take with family and friends. The footbridge there crosses from the Valley River parking lot, over the Willamette River and then connects to a bike path, eventually leading to the rose garden.

he following is an excerpt from my mother’s autobiography, “A Tennessee-Floridian’s Life Story,’ a year-by-year recounting of her first 40 years in Tennessee, followed by her next 40 years in Cocoa Beach, Fla. When Ken Hartman met my mother, Jean, he had recently got home from WWII and, in his typical fashion, was in love and wanted to get married right away.

My yard has gone wild ... with best of intentions

A female reader born under the sun sign Aries during the lunar Year of the Rabbit asked me what sign would match well with her sign. An Aries-Rabbit is very strong, independent, and a good leader.

Do you know where your food comes from? Have you met any of the farmers who work tirelessly in the heat so that you will have veggies and fruit on your table? Met any of the folks who baked the bread for the sandwich or toast you may be enjoying as you read this?

Deputies are seeking information as to the whereabouts of a missing 15-year-old from Drain.

Cottage Grove running legend shares background, unique experiences