Creswell discusses ice storm damage, Chamber budget
CRESWELL — A recent transportation update was provided at a recent Creswell City Council meeting, noting that:
• The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) estimated that they suffered $2.2 million in damage from the ice storm.
• Washington and Oregon have received a $600 million grant for work on interstate bridges.
• The Safe Routes to School grant is open for applications, as are the Great Streets grant, Carbon Reduction grants, and Connect Oregon.
Creswell Chamber president Jason Stubbs also presented to the council at this work session. He said the Chamber spent $63,365 on tourism last year, but it expects to spend $66,400 this year. Stubbs said this increase is due to costs to vendors, supplies, and marketing as well as trying to find new ways to attract more people to come to Creswell. The Chamber’s annual tourism events are the Mother’s Day All-City Yard Sale, the 4th of July festivities, and Winter Lights.
The naming of the 2nd Street Park will be further discussed at the March 11 city council meeting.
— Amanda Lurey
Cancer institute expands services at RiverBend
SPRINGFIELD — This week, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI) announced the opening of a new, permanent infusion space located on the second floor of the Northwest Specialties Clinic (NWSC) at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Riverbend campus. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the 27 year history of the practice and underscores the importance of WVCI’s ongoing relationship with PeaceHealth, which began in 1997.
The state-of-the-art infusion suite, clinic and lab features 12 exam rooms and over 20 infusion chairs in a relaxed, light-filled space designed to enhance patient comfort and convenience, while reducing wait times. Equipped with the latest technology and staffed with WVCI’s own providers, nurses, medical assistants, laboratory personnel, and support services, the space aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality, cancer treatment in the region.
The modernized experience includes de-coupling appointments so patients won’t have to wait for lab results and intravenous infusions to be mixed, a complicated process that can take hours. Instead, patients will visit the lab and their provider one day, then return the next day for their individualized treatment regimen.
Fragala to run for House District 8
EUGENE, OR — Lane Community College Board Director Lisa Fragala announced her bid for the Democratic nomination for Oregon House District 8 last week. The seat is currently held by Representative Paul Holvey who recently declared he will not seek reelection.
Brown selected as new Lane County emergency manager
Tiffany Brown was recently chosen as the County’s new emergency manager. Brown succeeds Patence Winningham, who served as the emergency manager for four years. Brown was selected after a competitive national search. The position is responsible for planning and directing emergency management activities and projects; collaborating with partners in the government, private and non-profit sectors to conduct and coordinate countywide mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery activities; and updating and maintaining the County’s comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan.
Brown served the last eight years as the emergency manager for Clatsop County. She brings experience in local emergency management with a focus on regional preparedness, response, and mitigation related to catastrophic events – most notably the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake.
